CEO's Message

CEO'S MESSAGE SuSan SpeirS, Cpa

Hello, 2021!

As we close a year that brought us the first global pandemic in more than a century, we have much to be grateful for. COVID-19 is the first global pandemic in the social media age, the first of the “alternative facts” era, striking at a time when politics and society were in a state of accelerated chaos. In Utah, we were able to overcome earthquakes, floods, fires, being away from family and friends, and the list goes on.

We now have vaccines that have been approved and anticipate that case counts will go down. However, even if the physical spread of the disease is halted, we will have to contend with the long-term mental health effects of other people is more important to our happiness than the quarantine and social distancing. My heart has broke as objective circumstances of our life. Research shows that I’ve conversed with many of you virtually or via our Utah positivity seems to protect against negative health outcomes Laws and Rules presentations as we’re all mentally spent. because it reduces the effects that chronic stress has on our Our mental health experts have suggested that the power of body. Many studies have found evidence of a link between positivity will do much to help us move forward and get out positivity and improved health markers including lower of the “funk” many have expressed they’re experiencing. blood pressure, reduced rate for cardiovascular disease, The power of positivity has been defined as the “practice of lifespan and better coping skills during hardships and times being or tendency to be positive or optimistic in attitude.” of stress. Emerging research suggests people who practice positivity weight control, healthier blood sugar levels, increased and gratitude together are more energetic and hopeful As we come out of stressful situations, we find that we have and experience more frequent positive emotions. A recent a greater meaning for life and our connections become more Psychology Today article states that, “people who are satisfied important. We find ourselves being more grateful for simple with life eventually have even more reason to be satisfied, things. Perhaps as we heal mentally from COVID-19, taking because happiness leads to desirable outcomes at school time to journal things for which we are grateful would be and work, to fulfilling social relationships and even to good appropriate. 2020 was a year that gave us opportunity to be health and a long life.” challenged and appreciate the small things. 2021 will give us the opportunity to expand what we have learned and Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of “The How of Happiness,” accelerate to new levels in every facet of our lives. Cheers to indicates that how we think about ourselves, our world and a new year and a new beginning! n