When we make appreciation the central theme of our value system, then all the painful elements of our past become meaningful lessons we could not have done without. Acceptance becomes natural when we become adept at finding the silver lining, even in the most challenging circumstances.

At times, reality is love’s great challenge. When our old stories and dreams are shattered, our first instinct may be to resist, deny, or cling to the way things were. But if we loosen our grip, often what fills the space is a tender forgiveness and the potential for a new and different kind of love.

“When we surveyed students about their interests and needs, they expressed a lot of support for the upcoming changes, but the educational climate we have is very important to them. We absolutely need to retain our commitment to providing a small-college experience. I don't pretend to say this won't be challenging, though.”

“That was a very good game, ... We were a little concerned coming in because we were a little banged up. But the kids responded to the challenge. We had a lot of good senior leadership. One thing we stressed was when you face adversity, you need people to step up.”

“As a goalie your main job is to stop the puck. I view it as an exciting challenge every game and I try to do my part to help my team win games. I have a lot of confidence in everybody's ability in front of me, so it makes my job a lot easier.”

To all that come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.

“I think they are very good. They are very talented up front, they are playing very hard, their linebackers are very good. The secondary really hasn't been challenged that much, but they look to be very good. I think they are very much improved from last year. Of course, mostly the same guys are back.”

We must acknowledge and take responsibility for the conflicts we have helped to create, and act to create real change. That, after all, is the true hallmark of democracy--a commitment to justice, honest self-appraisal, and action--even when it means challenging ourselves and the political institutions we hold most dear.

If a person who is content with his life meets someone who makes everything just a little bit more challenging, who both fits and doesn't fit into his life and his routine, to quote Guy Fieri, it is On Like Donkey Kong: swing the rope, jump the barrel, and save the princess.

Don’t simply exist in this world, but grasp life’s potential by the jacket. Dare it to be all it can. Make life historical—a gripping account of accomplishment. Make life a mystery—a challenging, bold adventure. Make life heartfelt—an enduring, poetic romance. Whatever it is you make of your world, live the fairytale.