Stephen Propst

Finding inspiration from the words of those who lived in the past provides sound advice in the present.


By Stephen Propst
1) The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
—Chinese Proverb


2) Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.
—Henry Ford
seeking support regularly. Even then, occasional failure is inescapable. And, that brings us to another lesson from Henry …


3) Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.
—Henry Ford

you can learn from setbacks, which are inevitable, and keep forging ahead.

4) The best cure for worry, depression, melancholy, brooding, is to go deliberately forth and try to lift with one’s sympathy the gloom of someone else.
—Arnold Bennett (English novelist)

For me, volunteering has always helped boost my recovery. For several years, I tutored first graders on Saturday mornings. Even when I didn’t feel up to it, I forced myself to get out of bed for those amazing kids and their beautiful smiles! The benefits, like avoiding isolation and improving self-esteem, are tremendous.


5) A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
—Arnold H. Glasow (American humorist)

easy to separate your “here-today, gone tomorrow” friends from your genuine, lasting ones. When times get tough, pseudo-friends get going. But the real ones stick close to support and encourage you. Never discount their power to help see you through difficult days.


6) I write of melancholy, by being busy to avoid melancholy.
—Robert Burton (English scholar)

When you keep your mind busy doing something you enjoy, you avoid constantly dwelling on your problems. (It’s one of the reasons I write this column!) Putting your talents to work helps you stabilize your mood and satisfy your soul. Whenever you come across something that might be of value—a magazine article, advice from a friend, or a familiar quote—don’t be too quick to dismiss what you read, hear, or see. Look for a lesson to be learned, and be open to changing your mindset for the better. Doing so can improve your health, your relationships, and life in general. Feel free to quote me!