I get asked this a lot. Well, not a lot. Actually never. But it is the tagline for this blog so there must be a deep meaning.

The meaning is exactly how the phrase reads. In everyday life, there are obstacles to overcome. Decisions made could either push you forward or pull you down.

I picked up the phrase from a manga called Ranma ½. The plot centers around a young boy named Ranma Saotome who is trained to be a martial artist by his father, Genma. Genma took Ranma away from his mom at a very young age to go on a 10-year training trip.

After going through some crazy training methods, Genma took Ranma to China to visit a supposed training ground called Jusenkyo. The springs at Jusenkyo curses whomever that takes a dip to take the form of whatever animal that drowned in the spring with the splash of cold water. Ranma fell into the Spring of Drowned Girl and Genma into the Spring of Drowned Panda.

Genma then takes Ranma back to Japan to participate in an arranged marriage to the daughter of his best friend. Ranma goes on to have many adventures with his friends and family.

Anyhow, Ranma suffers a lot with Genma as his father and trainer. Whenever Ranma complains, Genma would take on a teacher persona and state, “Life is fraught with peril.” To paraphrase, he means life does not always go the way you want, so suck it up and keep on trucking.

I am totally surprised I can still remember the plot of the manga after so many years.