“Fear is healthy. Panic is dangerous.”

– Jay Moriarity, American surfer, waterman and adventurer

“Can I be candid with you?”

“Please do,” replied Rick.

“You look like crap.”

“Maybe not that candid,” said Rick. “You’ll damage my delicate self-esteem.”

Rick’s friend was right, and Rick knew it. He looked tired and worn out. He felt tired and worn out. He couldn’t recall ever feeling as exhausted as he did at that moment. He felt like he’d aged ten years in the past two.

To make matters worse, the old insecurities were beginning to re-emerge – the ones he’d worked so hard to transcend. It was the job – the new and stressful job he had...

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