As I’ve struggled in recent months with the emotional upheavals that life bears in greater transitions, I’ve found solace and inspiration from myriad sources. One unlikely candidate that has been uplifting for me has come directly from the Song of Ice and Fire Series. Some of you may be familiar with this series of fantasy novels. Many would be more familiar with the TV show based on these books: “A Game of Thrones”. In any case, the various noble houses in the series each have their own family motto of sorts, their “words”. The rulers of the desert lands in the far south of the Seven Kingdoms, House Martell, have the words:
Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken
The Sunspear Sigil with House Martell’s Words
The words accompany the house’s sigil: The Sunspear. A symbol that radiates a determined strength and fullness. The sun shines out, and not only will he not be bowed, bent, or broken, he will overcome all obstacles with the sharp point of that radiant spear.
I do not offer this imagery and these words as some sort of call to violence or rage. Rather, if you are going through hard times, and I see so many going through their own heartbreaking transitions right now, you can resolve yourself to be unbowed, unbent, and unbroken. You are a warrior in the sense that you can discover your own strength, dignity, and basic goodness, no matter how difficult life may be.
Remember: you cannot control the events of the world, the myriad unfoldings of the universe, or the trials and tribulations of your fate. However, you can control how you react to them. So, stand tall. Shine. Resolve yourself to face them, not run away from them. Smile upon them with that glowing strength, and you may just find that you can bear so much more than you ever thought possible.
On the Way 
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