Life has a way of collecting clutter that clings to our self esteem, our heart and spirit. Clutter that comes from well meaning people who walk through our life in the course of a lifetime, leaving clutter and debris that cause us to stumble and often lose our way. Only the strong survive on their own, and then the word strong could be exchanged for hardened.

Our clutter may come from parents who were abusive, or from well meaning teachers who try to urge us to go forth and conquer - without making an effort to see what is behind the shyness and reluctance on our part to get involved. Clutter can come from friends to reject us, or from a divorce, or disappointments of choices gone bad.

I dare add, most of us may have had great lives with little trouble. You will receive a big applause from me and countless others who have had hills to climb, obstacles to overcome, and much forgiving to do.