For many people the past year has been a very long trial of their ability to persist and tenaciously move forward to a brighter future. The extended stress this type of challenge presents can lead to depression, anxiety, irritability, and anger. On the other hand, it can also lead to greater strength, enhanced mental toughness, improved confidence, and a new perspective on life. This is not surprising. After all, as a general rule, it takes stress and hard work to grow stronger. Life provides no shortage of stress. That means there are plenty of opportunities for growth. But this requires that one not be crushed by the pressures that accompany these challenges.

Recently Amanda Rowland (a reporter for the Folsom Telegraph) and I had a conversation about this topic. She was particularly interested in discussing various ways to maintain a healthy state of mind during the pandemic. You can read the article here.