Do you know the story behind the ascent of President Abraham Lincoln? Before he became one of the most revered presidents in U.S. history, Lincoln faced a series of crushing defeats. He lost his job in 1832, failed in business in 1833, suffered a nervous breakdown in 1836, was defeated in his bid for Congress in 1843, lost two Senate races in 1855 and 1858, and failed to secure the vice-presidential nomination in 1856. Many would have given up in the face of such repeated setbacks, but Lincoln persevered. His resilience and determination eventually led him to the presidency in 1860, where he guided our nation through its darkest hour of Civil War.

But you don’t have to look to history books to find examples of such strength. Your own grandmother, Cookie, showed the same kind of resilience when she battled breast cancer. I remember the day she received her diagnosis. It shook our world to its core. But as she likes to say, “this Cookie doesn’t crumble”. Instead, she faced her illness with a determination and positivity that amazed us all.

Through grueling chemotherapy sessions, surgeries, and countless doctor visits, Cookie never lost her spirit. She often said, “This cancer can take my hair, but it can’t take my spirit and my faith,” and she truly meant it. Even on her toughest days, she found reasons to be grateful, to laugh, and to spread joy to those around her. Her positive attitude wasn’t just admirable; it was a vital part of her healing process. Today, as a survivor, she stands as an inspiration to everyone who knows her story.

At the time of her diagnosis, I was in the midst of a long-shot campaign to become the Senator from Alabama. Christian was in high school and still figuring out what he wanted to do after college. Surprisingly, one of my political opponents—my number one enemy—Mo Brooks, a congressman from Huntsville, reached out to embrace Cookie and our family as I stepped back from the campaign to support her. Mo took the time to get to know Christian and recognized his potential, offering him an internship in Washington, D.C., during his freshman year of college. That opportunity sparked Christian’s passion for politics and set him on a path to achieve remarkable things in a short period of time. He even met Madison and married an incredible woman.

Cookie often reflects that none of this would have happened if she hadn’t faced cancer.  We know that Christian would have been successful at whatever path he chose (that’s just who he is).  But Cookie believes her battle opened doors for Christian to discover his true calling. She has told me that she is glad she had cancer because of this. 

Who thinks this way? Only those with an incredibly positive outlook who actively seek the bright side.

Cookie’s journey exemplifies how positivity can transform adversity into opportunity. Her unwavering faith and ability to find joy amidst struggle serve as a powerful reminder that our mindset shapes our experiences and influences those around us. In a world filled with challenges, Cookie’s story encourages us all to embrace a perspective that seeks out the good, even in the darkest times.

These stories – Lincoln’s and your grandmother’s – teach us an important truth: life isn’t a straight line upward. It’s full of twists, turns, ups, and downs. It’s a series of fits and starts, and sometimes it might feel like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back. But I want you to understand that this is normal, and more importantly, it’s an essential part of your growth and development.

When I was younger, I used to think that successful people had it easy, that their lives were a smooth journey from one achievement to the next. But as I’ve lived and observed, I’ve come to realize that everyone faces challenges, setbacks, and pain. The difference lies in how people respond to these difficulties.

Think of life as a great adventure. Like any exciting journey, there will be beautiful vistas and smooth paths, but there will also be steep climbs, unexpected obstacles, and sometimes, painful falls. The key is not to completely avoid these difficult parts – because you can’t – but to learn how to navigate them effectively.

Through my experiences in dealing with life’s challenges, I’ve come to understand some important truths. First, while pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. Your attitude in the face of adversity can make all the difference.

Difficulties often present opportunities for growth. Some of our most significant personal development comes from overcoming challenges that test our limits. Resilience is a skill that can be cultivated; each time you face a problem and work through it, you’re building your capacity to handle future obstacles.

It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to feel pain. Don’t suppress your emotions; acknowledge and experience them, but don’t let them control your actions. Seeking support when you need it is another key aspect of navigating tough times. Reaching out to family, friends, or professionals shows strength, not weakness.

Maintaining perspective is crucial as well. In the midst of a difficult situation, try to step back and consider the bigger picture. Ask yourself if this challenge will matter in a year or five years. Practicing self-care is essential too; taking care of your physical and mental health will enhance your resilience when facing life’s hurdles.

Finally, learn from every experience. After each difficulty, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can apply that wisdom in the future. Embracing these truths can help you navigate life’s challenges with greater strength and clarity.

I don’t share this to frighten you about the future. On the contrary, I want to empower you. Knowing that difficulties are a normal part of life can help you approach them with courage and determination rather than fear and despair.

As you go through life, remember that how you respond to challenges is often more important than the challenges themselves. Cultivate resilience, maintain a positive attitude, learn from every experience, and never lose sight of your goals and values. Life is a beautiful, complex journey. Embrace both the joys and the pains, for they all contribute to shaping you into the amazing individuals you are meant to be. And always remember, no matter what difficulties you face, you have the strength within you to overcome them, just as your grandmother Cookie did.