There is no quota nor limit to the severity or numbers of challenges we face at any point in time. Yes, sometimes it seems everything hits at once, it seems so unjust and unfair, and it feels like we are being punched while we are already down. It is in those moments of anguish and overwhelm that our faith can become fragile, weakened, and sometimes lost altogether.

Recently, I was in a conversation with a group of friends, listening intently to a heated conversation. I was growing a bit worried about how the two of them would resolve their differences and de-escalate from the intensity. I don’t recall the topic of debate, but one of the participants said, “Are you willing to be wrong?”

You may have heard about ketamine, and wondered if it would be a benefit to you or someone you love who struggles with their mental health and well-being. Is it safe? Does it really work? Ketamine therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for mental illness.

Independence Day represents freedom and democracy and the founding ideals—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It represents the courage and sacrifice of the signers as they risked everything for independence. It was a bold rebellion against a powerful empire.

Forgiveness is hard because it often feels like giving up a part of ourselves—our pain, our need for justice, or even our pride. When we’ve been hurt, it’s natural to want acknowledgment or even retribution, and letting go can feel like we’re saying the harm didn’t matter, which is not at all true.

Humility is sometimes mistakenly perceived as a weakness, but in reality, it is a profound strength. This misconception often arises because humility involves qualities like modesty, admitting mistakes, and putting others first, which can be misunderstood as passivity or a lack of confidence. However, true humility requires a great deal of inner strength and self-assurance.

While anger itself is normal, how we express it and deal with it is crucial. When managed well, anger can be constructive, helping to set boundaries or bring about positive change. But if it’s left unchecked or expressed in harmful ways, it can lead to problems in relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Do joy and happiness carry the same meaning? They are often used interchangeably, but when defined, you will see they are distinctly different terms.

Do you find yourself struggling to find motivation to complete challenging tasks? Maybe you look at your daily to-do list and your eyes glaze over as you contemplate how to find the energy to even begin. The danger is that the shame of your lack of motivation becomes a block to re-commitment and becomes a negative cycle of personal paralysis and discouragement. 

Social comparison or playing the comparison game can be painful and detrimental to our overall well-being. Relentless social comparisons are almost guaranteed to lower feelings of self-worth and can block self-acceptance. The comparison trap is a viscous cycle in which people compare themselves to others, cultivating low self-worth, loneliness, and loss of motivation.

Something most of us don’t do intentionally on a regular basis is slowing down long enough to access peace and calm. Regular journaling fosters mindfulness and encourages you to stay present and aware of your daily experiences. Writing about thoughts and feelings also reduces stress and can serve as a stress management tool by providing a way to unload worries and process stressful events.

If self-doubt has caused you to feel discouraged or stuck it is important to understand that you are not alone. Even the most powerful world leaders have struggled with self-confidence at certain points in their lives. However, the techniques and tools outlined in this article are key to overcoming the paralysis of self-doubt, and when implemented in your daily lives you will cultivate new levels of confidence, self-awareness, and self-compassion.

When attachment needs are not met, individuals may experience feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and loneliness, which can have a significant impact on their emotional and psychological health.

Couples who identify and focus on shared goals are ultimately more satisfied with their relationship over time, and experience greater resilience when facing the challenges of married life.

In the process of communication, the listener has the most difficult job of any parties involved. The role of the listener can be frustrating and exhausting, or it can be fulfilling and rewarding. The power of listening is profound and plays a crucial role in various aspects of personal and professional life.

Love is a continuous journey that requires intentional steps to preserve and nurture its growth. Love requires effort from both partners. Regularly assessing and addressing the needs of your relationship can help foster a strong and lasting connection.

If you were able to really understand and embrace the reality of your divine identity, would it change how you think and act today? Would it change how you act around your family, your friends, your neighbors? Would it change how you serve in your ward or stake calling? Would it change how you feel when you look into the mirror? Would it cause you to stop comparing yourself to others, and instead, look to God to understand the measure of your worth?

Do you find yourself wishing that life wasn’t so complicated, or wanting a break from the seemingly endless challenges that hit you or your loved ones with a force that is at times unbearable? Do you wish for peace, or at least a break in the storm?

Sometimes we become so overwhelmed with our challenges and trials, we are blinded to our own gifts and blessings, and we can even become blinded to the pain of those around us. However, there is a powerful antidote to our own personal pain…