How Do You Handle Adversity?

The current economic crisis has provided us with daily reaffirmation of Congressional inadequacies. Their dithering in the face of this economic crisis leaves one to wonder how they ever get anything accomplished. It also illustrates how different people react differently to adversity. Some of us fight the good fight; some of us assume the fetal position, and some of us look to others to help us find our way.

I recently was introduced to the typewriter art of Paul Smith in one of my Yahoo Groups, and his story is one of the most inspirational I've ever come across. Born in Philadelphia on September 21, 1921, Paul suffered from severe cerebral palsy. His disease kept him from ever going to school, but it didn't keep him from developing artistic and visualization skills that made him a true artist and a heck of a chess player.

Paul would use his left hand to steady his right, and usually had the shift key locked down because he could never push more than one key on the typewriter at a time. Consequently, his pictures are constructed mostly of the symbols ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ). If you click on the title of this piece you'll be taken to Paul Smith Foundation.Org where you can learn a lot more about this incredible man and see more of his art work.

Paul passed away in 2007, but the story of his life should serve as a reminder of the true potential that lies within all of us. Perhaps if we made each of our representatives familiar with Mr. Smith and his incredible life they might be able to set aside politics and concentrate on the well being of their fellow citizens.

Wishful thinking? Probably, but a little inspiration can go a long way.