Who would have ever thought this new decade would bring forth a global pandemic? Shockingly, each and every one of us has been thrust into a world we never expected. Thousands are sick and the coronavirus continues to infect more and more people every day. Uncertainty, fear and anxiety fills many of us, especially when it comes to one’s health and livelihood. This truly is an event unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

The biggest stressor is the unknown. And the question is, how do we move past adversity and operate from a place of certainty?

As Roman Emperor and Philosopher Marcus Aurelius once said, “You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

It’s tough on so many people and we’re all trying to find ways to cope and move forward. For me, I view this as a time where we can come together, focus on positivity and do things to help others. This is the time where real growth happens for us as individuals. Trying times and adversity is where we dig deep and become better than we ever have been.

Keep your spirits up, remember this will pass and out of it, we become stronger people.

Focus on your health, stay safe and be a light of inspiration to others.

— Ernie

I’ll leave you with two quotes to think about….

“Even if some obstacle comes on the scene, its appearance is only to be compared to that of clouds which drift in front of the sun without ever defeating its light.” - Seneca

“Every difficulty in life presents us with an opportunity to turn inward and to invoke our own inner resources. The trials we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths. Prudent people look beyond the incident itself and seek to form the habit of putting it to good use. On the occasion of an accidental event, don’t just react in a haphazard fashion: remember to turn inward and ask what resources you have for dealing with it. Dig deeply. You possess strengths you might not realize you have. Find the right one.” Use it.” -Epictetus