One of the most useful "Facts of Life" for me is this. No matter how bad you think you have it. there is always some one worse off than you. Especially when I'm sort of feeling sorry for myself or whats going on I focus on this simple fact. I never worry about suicide bombers, I always know I'll eat, I know where I'll be sleeping at night, I know my skills/education will help me earn a living. For so many people in the world none of these things are certain. Though I am barely middle class by USA definitions I have it made in all honesty.