I just looked outside from my window and saw a squirrel hanging from a tree upside down just clinging to the tree by its feet it stayed in this position as if reaching for something. i realized that this squirrel in a figurative sense is us, we are hanging upside down from are feet just reaching for the ground knowing once we get there we will be clean from our addiction. the squirrel did not have help to get down but we do! we have Bnai Yisroel on our side and we are all helping each other get to the ground which we are reaching for so desperately! Of course there will be all kinds of branches and thorns in our way but we need to remember that there are also flowers beginning to bud and than further down they will come into full bloom! We will have both feet on the ground soon enough! we can do it!  :D

sincerely, Chazak Amenu (who is still at the top of the tree but hopes to get down fast)!

I was throwing snowballs into a river today, when I was gripped by this realization:

Sometimes we merely do a simple act, and we can clearly see the ripple effect it has. Mitzva Goreres Mitzva, and avaira goreres aveira. But after a few feet, the wave breaks apart to form 4 little waves, and these new waves continue to break-up into their own little waves. Long after the initial impact, nothing remains of the intial force, but the ripples continue to spread, far beyond our expectations. Untill the wind blows, and fills the river with waves of it's own.
        Each one of us has our 'little nissyonos'. But we must realise that every temptation we overcome, creates a ripple effect that spreads far beyond our grasp. Untill a gust of inspiration will come, and carry us on.

*SE a poet?

Milchemes Hayetzer:

As men march into battle, a fear of death intoxicates their minds. Battles will be won or lost, by the death of their comrades. Each soldier is but a pawn, to be sent into battle, who's fate will be told. Many will fall, to both injury and mortality, many the latter and far more the former. But the battle will rage on. War brings with it death and destruction, and losses are to be expected. So it is with our milchemes. Expect to fall, but wake-up to fight another day.

shemirateinayim, i received you're message and although i did no intend it as such because i really saw the squirrel and that though comparison to my mind.  i feel you can post what ever you want on this thread if it give someone something to think about and gives them chizuk! i originally intended to show how during the course of a normal day one could find strength just by looking around them! thanks for the posts! if anyone has any poems stories about nature that can be compared to our situation and give people strength please writ it down!