Sorry..

So I got 9 replies to yesterday’s email, which is a lot.

And they all said some variation of the same thing:

“I’m sorry you had that horrible experience.”

I appreciate the kindness of those replies.

BUT…

Being burgled at knifepoint, while horrible at the time, turned out to be a GREAT experience for me.

I discovered that I could stay cool in a dangerous situation.

That was something I didn’t know about myself before, because I’ve mostly lived a pretty soft and comfortable life.

My family’s lives were threatened, and I was put to the test.

The experience gave me a lot of confidence.

I’m proud of myself for being a good dad, much more so after that experience than before.

Nobody was hurt, and we all walked away safely - including the person who endangered us.

As much as I didn’t like him robbing us, I didn’t want him to die either.

(although it would have been better for society if he was arrested and got some jail time!)

My primary feeling for him is pity.

Our family’s life is good and I’m always grateful for that.

How bad must that man’s life have been before he decided to sneak around in other people’s homes for money?

What kind of a childhood did he have to end up that way?

And the saddest part is, it didn’t need to be that way.

Some of the most dynamic and successful people I’ve met started out in humble circumstances, and had deeply traumatic childhood experiences.

The brave ones used it as fuel to build better lives for themselves, and their example naturally inspires others.

It’s the only true form of alchemy - taking the lead and dross of life and using determination to transform it into gold.

And it’s freely accessible to every one of us any time we choose.

Your friend,

John Caprani