Yes, there are alot of difficulties in life, they are there as a challenge. These challenges are there to be like hurdles that we must master. How we master these hurdles is up to each individual.The reward is when you are mastering and not being mastered. As Sevara said we are our own master in life,and create the truth in our life that we wish. Every man has the ability to choose his path. When circumstances come our way that we have no control over, it is also up to each man how he lets the circumstances rule his life. We must always remember that the inward man manifests itself outwardly. You will always know what a man is like by the way he carries himself. If you are defeated by the circumstances in your life then it will be apparent in your demeanor and attitude. You will not be a positive uplifting influence to those around you. This I know to be truth.I really like how Alfalfa sprout put it, "I have the feeling of serenity when I know I have made it through hardship with my integrity intact and my spirit renewed." She must have children!~ Alegria~   By the way when I say "a man"  I am speaking plural as in, " man and woman".