I know it's halloween and fear might be welcomed, but this little excerpt should see the light. I have to admit I was taken aback first time I read it 3 years ago, hope that some people would profit from it too.

FEAR. NOT EVENTS
Frank C. Haddock
taken from 1910 book - Mastery of Self, Book 30 - Courage

Fear not events:

Contingencies these, controlled in part by Will;
Necessities these, all signs of the human tangle;
All opportunities these, which a MAN can swing
For betterment — one way, other way, some way.

See how the wrestler writhes, twists, lunges, stands!
He modifies the opponent's every act.
Thus far he wins.
The other in turn gives him a hard battle.
But my man stoops, erects, dodges
Tactics transformed by contingency and Will.
Now every feint and thrust and lightning shift
He makes a new advantage, seized with wit and power.
Is he defensive? Defense is wily war,
Waiting to turn the airy chances.
The enemy laughs — and, swift and sudden sequence!
On the flash of deific thought,
Goes down!

In all events is merely a question of ability
To hold the soul ready
For opportunity born of the heat of contest,
Whether you throw or be thrown.
Events are simple circumstances:
They ring my soul in?
I shift the centre without.
To circumstances I adjust — alert and elusive,
And ultimately swing them — one way, other way, some way.

It is even so, I say.
With poverty?
Farm of the stalwart soul!
With friends fled?
The man standing clear by himself!
With position lost?
Chance for a better place!
With reputation assailed?
Opportunity for sure vindication!
With sickness?
Time for rest—time to discover unknown forces—
Time to gear in with the System
Time to forge faith and the last armor of Courage! With death?
When the Courage-Man dies, he wins!

 

Thanks for sharing Andrew, so glad you stayed at the forums.

 

Thanks a lot, Andrew. Many of the things a musician can learn come from non-musical sources. This is one of those occasions. May the best be to you.