Book excerpt: We get one chance at life. There are no practice shots. No do-overs and theres no extra credit for good intentions. So, if lifes challenges are not dealt with decisively and effectively, the most hopeful of questions; How far can my life take me?... can all too quickly be replaced with the most despairing of questions; Where did my life go? Mistakes, embarrassments, disappointments, flaws, rejections, failings and conflicts you experience, can leave you sad, angry, frustrated, scared, confused, paralyzed, hopeless or lost. They can destroy your self-esteem and your self-confidence, and they can keep you from maximizing your experiences and enjoying your life. This book is made up of 49 tenets that provide the critical insights, guidelines, rules and tools of thought and action that will ultimately create a framework within which to quickly interpret, plan and respond to the people and events that cause you distress. These rules and guidelines will clarify and provide perspective. They will show you how to handle the challenges you face, find happiness and ultimately find your own place and breathe, perhaps, for the first time.