From The Publisher

KEEP FOCUSING ON THE GOOD IT’S NOT HOW WE FALL THAT MATTERS. WE ALL FALL AT SOME POINT. The key is how we rise.

Emotionally, psychologically and physically, we all have suffered in recent weeks. At times, it has been hard to have hope and maintain an optimistic outlook in the face of such despondency around us. The worry and uncertainty that are in overflowing abundance can seem like an impossible weight to sustain as we see business owners lose their life’s work and friends and loved ones losing their means of self-sufficiency and providing for their families. Yet even when it seems like we are forced to weather an attack on the soul; hope, optimism and inspiration can still be found around us to provide the conviction to go on and the courage to persevere. The residents of Greater Lansing have been sustaining my morale and reminding me to keep rising. The stories that have been told about seemingly endless acts of kindness, selflessness and charity to friends and strangers alike throughout this crisis have been both emotionally fulfilling and reassuring. Our health care professionals should never again go unappreciated for standing on the front lines in this battle, but there are also many other workers who remained on the job and vigilant during the crisis. Everyone from grocery store employees to postal carriers should not be forgotten for their efforts to provide some semblance of comfort and normalcy during a highly uncomfortable and abnormal time. The past month has been a test of the human spirit for us all, but I have confidence that we will endure, rise and achieve. And we will do those things through the gritted teeth of determination and persistence. I’m choosing to search for the silver lining in this situation. We get to spend time with loved ones in a way that we never have Yet even when it seems like we are forced to weather an attack on the soul; hope, optimism and inspiration can still be found around us.

before. I’ve watched as some people begin writing their “great American novel” or have used their talents to help so many who are in need. It’s important to believe we will emerge from this with a new normal and together we can make our lives even better than before. ■

Stay safe, Stay healthy, Stay strong,

Tiffany Dowling Publisher