If you have a chance, go read a poll I  posted at GenerationSit, about experiences that have made the biggest differences in one's life.  Feel free to leave a comment!

While my post was about postive life-affirming experiences, David Jon Peckinpaugh leaves a comment about negative experiences that make a juge difference.

Then this morning, I read a very good post from Jean that examines Abraham Lincoln, and how his brushes with depression actually enabled his strength, wisdom, and depth as a President.  (Go check it out, a great post.

Jean then examines the "happy people".

Now without ever having looked at this research, I have to suspect that the so called "happy" people from this research are not truly happy people. While they may not have been clinically depressed, they are probably what we think of as normal people - which means that deep down inside they are fearful and anxious people. And how typical of today's politicians, to forever express an optimism, and a reassurance to people that events can be controlled. And this is what most people want. It's what they demand: that next time, the levee won't break

Shiny happy people holding hands, to be sure.