I'm sad. I have worked my whole life to start a business and up until just the last few days had it within my grasp. Now somewhat out of the blue someone is coming into the picture and potentially taking this opportunity away from me. I can't go into details but it is so frustrating to work so hard for something, seemingly do the "right" things and then have someone who used to be a supporter along with others work toward taking my dream away from me. I have been working toward this moment for the better part of the last 5 years and it has been a roller coaster ride but I have hung in there and was just about to relaunch my business. I am angry and sad. There is still an opportunity for me to save this situation - and I do think it is savable but, man, it is so difficult. I feel like I can never catch a break.

Right now as I post this entry I should be celebrating how I just restarted my business and super excited about my future. Instead, I'm down and wondering what it is in people that would prompt them to take advantage of another person's misfortune.

So how do I choose to deal with this situation? I am trying to think of a way to put myself in a positive frame of mind. I can try telling myself that everything is going to workout but this would just be wishful thinking because there are certain variables outside of my control. I have written out an analysis, which if read by this person should prompt them based on the facts and logic compel them to walk away. I woke up really early this morning - around 4am - and wrote this out. This exercise helped. Putting together an action plan describing what steps I am going to take can also be helpful.

I read a blog the other day that described Stoicism, which basically is a philosophy that promotes the idea (among many others) that you can look at every situation good or bad as an opportunity for growth. For example, this situation is an opportunity for me to become more patient and to show that I can keep my cool regardless of the challenge. I am a fighter and I don't give up easily. I will try to approach this with an open heart and mind and have faith that I can muster the energy and presence of mind to deal with this issue intelligently and with compassion and kindness toward myself and all involved in this matter.