Introduction

Well hello there.

This has been a long time coming.

I guess my main reason for starting this blog is that I used to write all the time, and for a long time now I haven't been doing so. And I miss it. So hopefully this can help me get my "voice" back.

I'm not saying that what I wrote, write, or will write is good. But sometimes there are things you simply have to try, regardless of the result.

The title of this blog is "What doesn't kill you . . . " I have heard a few completions of this phrase to include:

" . . . will probably hurt like hell."

" . . . wasn't trained by the US Marine Corps."

" . . . will make you wish it had."

My personal favorite is the original Nietzsche: "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." These are the words I had inked into my flesh (in Latin: Quod me non occidit, me firmat) six years ago. I got my tattoo as a reminder that no matter what I face in my life, it is all for the purpose of molding me into a better, stronger person. I have faith in that: that God gives me trials to refine myself, grow better, develop, and craft myself into a beautiful instrument through which to do whatever work He has designated as mine in this world.

Sometimes, that idea is the only thing that keeps me going. I am currently recovering from a difficult year (and a half) during which I had numerous disappointments and heartaches. But it developed in me the strongest sense of self I've ever had. That is what problems do . . . break you down to the point that you have to strengthen yourself enough to get up and keep going, and it's when you pass through the storm that you feel that strength. In that strength is your mind, soul, spirit . . . your very essence.

So. That is my introduction. I guess we'll see where these writings take me, and you, dear reader, whoever you are.