Ralph Marston's Thought for the Day has been a regular feature on the JEOW since 1998. Over the years it has continually generated many favourable emails and responses. The email edition of The Daily Motivator recently featured this insightful column, and I received permission to reprint it here.

If you've never visited Ralph's website, I would encourage you to do so and take advantage of the wonderful print resources, books, audiotapes, and slideshows available. Remember that the Daily Motivator Thought for the Day is also accessible every day through the What's New page, here at the JEOW.

Even if the previous five thousand days have pushed you backwards, you can still move forward today. Even when your resources have been depleted and your options have been exhausted, there is still a way to move ahead.

Never, ever give up, for even in the darkest night there is always, somewhere, a source of light. Even in the most difficult situation there is always, somehow, a way to triumph.

Though troubles come rolling in unexpectedly on a regular basis, life is, unquestionably, very much worth living. Amid the pain, the frustration, the disappointment, there is yet something of unfathomable value and beauty in the experience.

Take hold of the abundant goodness that can never be extinguished. Live every day in awe of the fact that you're alive. Never forget what a priceless, miraculous gift you've been given. The ups and downs of life pale in comparison to the magnitude of the blessing that is life itself.

Remember who you are, what you are, and why you are. Even though the going sometimes gets rough, it is a blessed experience which has no equal.