How are you managing your life stress? When someone sneezes do you wonder if they have COVID-19? When protesters gather and rally are you fearful the chaos will erupt into violence in your community? These are common responses in an uncommon time of fear but hope is visible on every horizon. In times of stress, patience calms the mind while tolerance softens the heart. Humbleness soothes the soul while compassion fuels the spirit. A tree (the mind) planted in good soil (the heart) that is nurtured and protected (the soul) will produce beautiful, ripe fruit (the spirit) for all to enjoy. I encourage you to examine your inner garden and replant seeds of doubt, disappointment, even fear into soil infused with these simple elements of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. When you change the way you think your garden will blossom and thrive!