I talk a lot about “maximizing potential” because it’s something I’m passionate about and work toward in my life. And I know that I am not alone here—for many of us, it’s an innate quality to want to matter, to do better and be better, and to make a difference. But still, we might not know what our “potential” is in the first place. Or how to find it.

I’m just going to come right out and say it: I have fears. I have plenty of them, actually. And as a man, it’s taken me awhile to train myself to realize that that’s okay. In fact, it’s a good thing. Fear is my friend. And without fear, how would we define courage?

We are living through a global health crisis. It’s scary, it’s stressful, and it’s real. Which means that all the emotions you’re feeling about it are real, too. There is nothing wrong with feeling fear, hurt, anger, or sadness. In fact, it’s good and healthy to recognize and express those emotions.