Sheer Determination: My Coping Clues

Absorbing a vast vocabulary resulted in developing anecdotes and analogies that better expressed my feelings and thoughts and avoiding the trap of cliches.

robertjrgraham.com

(SALEM) - Lately I've been doing a lot of retrospect about the path my life has taken and a bit about the roots of my tenacity. Those tentative discoveries, fellow questers:

1. Withstanding my father trying to coerce and subdue me as a child helped me to develop an inner core that a positive mental attitude was my best protection.
2. Delving into creative outlets (like studying the atlas or reading poetry) reinforced my sense of self rather than dwelling on pain when I was beaten physically.
3. Defering decisions to "buy time" became a vital strategy rather than being trapped into making a premature decision. Frequently I waited till I felt more together.
4. Engaging in multiple choice projects allowed me not to focus on setback and the resulting anguish but to move to more friendly emotional terrain.
5. Absorbing a vast vocabulary resulted in developing anecdotes and analogies that better expressed my feelings and thoughts and avoiding the trap of cliches.

NOTE: Lee has blended careers in journalism and counseling and found the art of the inquiry a favorite tool. He continues as a civic catalyst here in Salem, inviting feedback at notcoy@netzero.net.

B. Lee Coyne, a NYC native, blends three careers: Journalist, Counselor, Educator. His writings have appeared in newspapers and magazines on the East and West Coasts and the Southwest. He loves the art of the interview and has covered such persons as Dr. King's 1963 "Dream" speech and Sen. William

Proxmire as an advocate for the environment. A global traveller to some 30 countries aboard, he speaks Spanish semi-fluently and very rudimentary Russian, Tagalog, German, Arabic and Hebrew.

Lee's legacy here in Salem includes launching the Salem Peace Mosaic at the YMCA and doing a radio talk show for KMUZ/88.5 FM. It airs Mondays and highlights lives of proactive, productive senior citizens. He invites you to contact him at: notcoy@netzero.net.