Looking for a Little Inspiration? Here are 6 Great Stories

Is daily life really so tough? Well, yes, sometimes it can be.

Here, though, is to keeping things in perspective. For more than a month now, Patch and Grape-Nuts have teamed up to present stories about some well-known Wisconsinites who have faced challenges in their lives and found ways to overcome them in our "Journeys" series.

Not surprisingly, the stories have generated dozens of comments on Patch and on Facebook: "Very inspiring story..." "Thanks for sharing..." and more..

So, here is another look at some of the stories that inspired others. Take a look at the challenges these people have faced. Then click on the story to see their responses. And feel better about your tough week.

How Danny Gokey Overcame One of Life's Toughest Moments: The country singer and "American Idol" favorite talks to Patch about how his life has change following the death of his wife, Sophia. After she died, Gokey started the Sophia's Heart Foundation to bring music, art and hope to the lives of children. Now, in addition to pursuing his growing music career, Gokey spends much of his time expanding the scope and mission of the foundation to touch children and adults in their hearts. And that scope includes a homeless shelter in the greater Nashville area.

How Seinfeld's "The Maestro" Went From Acting to Mentoring Young Filmmakers:  You might remember him as Neidermeyer in the classic comedy "Animal House," or as the “Maestro” on "Seinfeld. But after years of theater, television and movie roles, Mark Metcalf moved to Milwaukee, where he now helps student writers develop screenplays through the Collaborative Cinema program.

Business Consultant's Biggest Challenge Was Not in the Boardroom: David Zenoff, a Whitefish Bay native who built a worldwide consulting business from the ground up, turned to helping others to overcome the death of his son. Zenoff dealt with the challenge by giving back to children who are like his son – marginal students, loners. So he went to work with the Larkin Street Youth Service in San Francisco to help homeless youth.

Musician Sam Llanas Focusing on Preventing Bullying, Suicide: In 2012, Sam Llanas decided to leave the BoDeans to work on solo projects and is facing one of his challenges right now – writing the score for a one-man play about alcoholism, bullying and suicide called "A Day for Grace." Llanas' challenge is to provide music that will convey the points being made in the play — such as being bullied into a corner or to illuminate the isolation and depression one can feel at the hands of an alcoholic parent.

Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch Juggles Career With Motherhood: Rebecca Kleefisch is the highest ranking woman in state politics today, having been elected twice to the office of lieutenant governor. She has also battled colon cancer during her first run for office and is an advocate for early screenings, like the one that made her fight against the disease easier to overcome. But she tells Patch that it's not the political campaign or the fight over cancer that Kleefisch sees as her greatest challenge. Instead, it is something that more than 50 percent of us can relate to – motherhood.

About this sponsorship: In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts are teaming up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains.