Back in 1971 then Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser attempted to appease the masses by reviving a quotable quote: "Life wasn't meant to be easy."
It was his way of making everyone feel satisfied with their lot.
To a degree his strategy succeeded because there is no such thing as an easy life. Some are more difficult than others.
The only thing about which we can have any certainty is our own situation.
But Malcolm Fraser robbed us when he grabbed the headlines with six simple words.
He gave us an edited version of a quote by George Bernard Shaw.
He traded on the shock value and, in so doing, stifled hope and anticipation replacing it with a type of dejected acceptance.
George Bernard Shaw's full quote is... "Life is not meant to be easy, my child, but take courage: it can be delightful."
What Shaw was saying is that it's how we play the cards we're dealt that determines if we enjoy the journey or dread each step.
We have a choice.
We have endless opportunities not only to ensure we become the best version of ourselves, but that we find the best in every day.
What Shaw was telling us is that if we show strength in the face or pain or grief then we can turn darkness into delight.
- Gary Bentley is a Rural Aid counsellor
