We are all born into a battle. Our thoughts and habits are the chief battleground. The best defense is a good offense. If we choose which thoughts we will hold onto and let the others pass by we are on the offensive. If we hold to our good habits even when the going gets tough, we are on offense. However, the moment we start entertaining our fears and negative thoughts, we are in retreat and on the defensive. Our habits will soon follow our thoughts and then our defenses become further weakened and we find ourselves out in the open and vulnerable. If we are surrounded by good friends and we are open with them, then we still have a great defense, even out in the open field of battle.
So it comes down to the thoughts we chose, the habits we form and the friends we keep.