The Classroom of Life: Tools and Skills to Overcome Obstacles and Adversity

"The classroom of life" is filled with the author's thoughtful and heartfelt reflections on what makes a rich and fulfilling life. He guides young adults navigating life's journey through a collection of treasured lessons learned, inspirational stories and wisdom gathered from mentors. The author shares what is important to a meaningful life, how to harness personal power, and strategies needed to achieve personal fulfillment"--Judith Minium, School Psychologist

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant"

Robert Louis Stevenson

Everyone's life journey is replete with pain, stress, and worry. Obstacles and problems raise their ugly heads daily. Without tools and skills, it is impossible to slay these impending dragons. You will experience difficult people, failed relationships, love, death, addictions, temptations, and danger.

In 1967 I had a dream about my children and the future children of the world! Having already started my own journey, I had discovered the many obstacles needed to overcome life's sojourn. If only I could build a classroom to guide my youngsters and their worldly brethren.

My treatise would address the problems met during life's voyage, and it would propose solutions to each. The book would include the wisdom and advice of the sages, past, and present. It would embrace a compendium of stories, research, quotes, and down to earth lessons. This virtual classroom would identify the multitude of obstructions faced on life's odyssey, including its painful trials and tribulations, the development of rules of conduct, a moral compass, social skills, emotional maturity, humility, character, and all the other necessary adaptations and applications to weather life's struggles.

I began collecting as much documented knowledge as possible. It included quotes, stories, books, seminars, cartoons, articles, and notes. After a half-century, I was mesmerized at the volume of hidden jewels collected. And, humbled by the mental giants whose cherished words had endured for millennia. This was my Holy Grail, a cache of many rare and priceless antiquities. With resolute passion, I began my dream, to share this treasure trove of instructional and inspirational gems.

"...a nostalgic trip from childhood to adulthood providing answers to the stumbling blocks we all face on our journey. While each of us travel a slightly different path, the basic concepts for handling obstacles on life's journey. I found myself smiling, chuckling and laughing out loud, and at other times misty-eyed. I believe this book represents a way to more easily handle the road ahead and the peace of growing older and wiser. I recommend it highly"--Jerry Kramer, Retired High Tech Engineer, Plant Manager