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Initially, the old mule was hysterical. But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and
the dirt hit his back a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel
load of dirt landed on his back he should shake it off and step up. This he did, blow after blow of
dirt hitting his back. "Shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up"
repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed,
the old mule fought panic and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up. It wasn't long before
the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of the well.
What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him, all because of the manner in which he handled
his adversity. That's life. If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse
to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...the adversities that come along to bury us usually
have within them the very real potential to benefit us. Never be afraid to try something new.
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