Adversity Makes You Strong...& Also, Marty Feldman

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You know how they say: "What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger."?
 
I think that’s true.
 
You know how they say: "Adversity is the foundation of virtue."?
 
I think that’s also pretty accurate.
 
I mean, after all, it’s like they ALSO say: "Into every life, a little rain must fall."
 
Right? Right.
 
Then again, some rainfalls are a little more squall-ish than others. Hmpf.
 
Ahem; but that’s the beauty of adversity, I suppose. You know, because after the torrential downpour comes the rainbows and gorgeous flowers….
 
And wicked pollen. And sticky mud piles. And grimy windows and spattered siding.
 
And flooded basements. And attic leaks. And muck-filled spouting. Grr.
 
Yup. Rain and adversity. Absolute fabulosity.
 
But, um, I mean, of course, it’s all good because, you know, “Adversity comes with instruction in his hand.”
 
Too bad his directions are “Suck it up, Buttercup!”
 
I mean, that might not be EXACTLY what the Welsh intended by that proverb -- but adversity isn’t exactly the most compassionate of instructors, yo.
 
He’s kind of like that really mean professor in college who’s trying to ruin your perfect GPA because he “never, I REPEAT NEVER, gives out As.”
 
Both jerks.
 
Wait, what was I saying now? Oh yeah, sayings --- about adversity. There’s like a ton of ‘em. Er, maybe 62.
 
I recently came across most of ‘em when I landed on proverbials.com. And I thought I’d share some of them, since adversity recently dumped a minor bucket on my head. 
 
Oh, for the record, I’m still sorta reeling from some slight yet lingering COVID issues -- namely lethargy so extreme I have to lie down after exhausting, workout types of activities like…clipping my nails or texting my kid or you know, like, turning on the remote.
 
Oooh and then there’s the gloopy and oozing eye infection so full of slimy sludge I look like Popeye with sinusitis….after Brutus popped him a good one…and Olive Oyl dumped him and made him cry … and Wimpy stole his last can of spinach.
 
Um, I’m sorry, lost my train of thought (COVID fog), where was I? Ah! Adversity lessons:
 
In times of prosperity friends will be plenty, in times of adversity not one in twenty. ~ English Proverbs. Wow, thanks, Mother Land. I feel WAY comforted.
 
I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders. ~ Jewish Proverb. Yeah, um, no offense, y’all but I’m voting for the former.
 
Bad is never good until worse happens. ~ Danish Proverbs. Awesome; thanks for that!
 
Adversity and loss make a man wise. ~ Welsh Proverbs. And also, might make you look like Marty Feldman, post COVID, just sayin’.
 
Adversity flatters no man. ~ English Proverb. See Marty Feldman above.
 
If you want a place in the sun, you’ve got to expect a few blisters. ~ Abigail van Buren. Dear old Abby never did pull any punches.
 
The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter. ~ Author Unknown. Speak for yourself author unknown.
 
If you’re in a bad situation, don’t worry it’ll change. If you’re in a good situation, don’t worry it’ll change. ~ John A. Simone, Sr. Clearly head cheerleader at his high school, no? Sheesh!
 
The darkest hour has only sixty minutes. ~ Morris Mandel. Now we’re talkin’. Thanks, Morris!
 
A bad grade is only one letter in the Essay of life. ~ Lee Drake. How do you like THAT one, Professor Poopy Head?
 
Take it from me, Marty Feldman, we’re gonna make it, y’all. Now go get the vaccine, Capisce?

Stare into Kimerer’s Marty Feldman eyes at www.patricia kimerer.com.

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