The December holidays are historically a time for family gatherings, giving and gratitude. Surviving the holidays during Covid presents unique challenges and special opportunities to make the season rewarding and memorable.

Gratitude is a prerequisite for healing. Manifesting empathy and forgiveness in these extraordinary times may be the prescription we all need.

The challenges of 2020 will pass. Choosing how we react is our greatest power. Faith in a future we cannot yet see is our greatest miracle.

These are the lessons of The Mountain: Achievement won’t always earn you accolades. Satisfaction is defined by the intrinsic joy that comes with mastery, Self acceptance is all that really matters.

Terry Tempest Williams writes, “Rituals are formulas by which harmony is restored.” Author, E. M. Broner adds, “Ritual lulls our fear of disorder with the certainty of order.”

What separates achievement from mediocrity is a tenacious focus on course of action. Identify the fundamentals. Put them into daily play, and trust the process.

Mental Toughness is a learned skill, based on the proposition that we are not defined by what happens to us. We are defined by how we react to it.

Purpose can be a guiding star that shines through the darkest clouds. In these challenging times, our strength is renewed by remembering our “why”.

It has become fashionable to pre-judge the many based on the exploits of the few. Let’s not forget that the vast majority of men are trying to be good guys.

Solutions begin by seeking to understand. And truly understanding what we mean when we talk about Lives That Matter is a beginning.