I wrote this article for Forbes prior to the coronavirus pandemic, with no foresight of what was to come. It was recently released, and although the article wasn’t intended for the current environment, it may help us reframe how we’re experiencing our challenges today. Hopefully, you’ll find some helpful tools for learning whatever we can from obstacles – understanding that they are a part of every narrative. While so much is indeed out of our control, choosing how to respond most effectively in difficult times is a muscle we can all develop.
Necessary Obstacles: A Conversation With Deborah Burns
In early March 2020, I had a chance to sit down with my friend, Deborah Burns, author of the memoir Saturday’s Child, to discuss why obstacles are necessary in narration – and in life! We unpacked some great insights, including the fact that without stressors we don’t evolve, and that overcoming challenges confers not only knowledge but confidence. I invite you to listen to our conversation and hope that you’ll be inspired to climb some of the figurative (and literal) mountains you encounter.