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Bring on the Belly Laughs! How Laughter Can Help Us Stay Sane in Stressful Times
Growing up as the fourth of five kids, my childhood was a whirlwind of activity. My father, a freshly minted ER doctor right out of medical school with bills to pay, taught us something crucial: the undeniable power of laughter. It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day, both in my personal life and my practice, especially as we approach Jan. 24, Global Belly Laugh Day. Back then, my dad juggled the chaos of medical school with a burgeoning family. Money was tight, and time was tighter. Yet, amid his grueling schedule and “being in the trenches,” as he would say, he found moments to instill in us the lighter side of life. His philosophy was simple yet profound: No matter the stress or pressure, finding a reason to laugh could transform your day. And he was deliberate about it — laughing was scheduled into our lives like a critical appointment! I remember those drives around town, my younger sister Katie and I strapped in the back, giggling to cassette tapes of comedy shows. Katie and I were the youngest, and he found it easier to get us giggling alongside him than our older siblings, who were already in their teen years. When we were together at home, it was all about comedy classics. My dad could sit for hours watching “The Three Stooges” with us, reveling in the slapstick humor that effortlessly pulled belly laughs from deep within. He particularly loved Leslie Nielsen’s flawless delivery in “Naked Gun” and “Airplane.” We’d rent these films from Blockbuster, and the living room would fill with our laughter, echoing off the walls, filling the space with joy. To this day, Katie and I exchange clips of Leslie Nielsen with my dad, a nod to those cherished moments.
This tradition of laughter wasn’t just about entertainment; it was a vital coping mechanism my dad wanted to embed within us. As we grew up and faced our own stresses — raising families, running businesses, navigating life’s inevitable pressures — my dad reminded us continuously: “Keep laughing. Sometimes, you might even have to force it.” This wisdom has been invaluable to me, especially in my profession. Working with clients who are often at a low point — struggling with disabilities, financial burdens, and the agonizing wait times for Social Security benefits, which are the longest they have ever been — I’ve seen firsthand how heavy life can get. That’s why I want to share with you this slice of personal philosophy. Find what makes you genuinely laugh — a good, hearty belly laugh — and make it a daily ritual. It might seem trivial, but it’s a lifeline. It’s a momentary respite from the hardships, a spark of joy in a sea of challenges. And while it’s not a cure-all, it’s a small, manageable strategy that can bring a little more light into your days.
As we celebrate Global Belly Laugh Day, I invite everyone to embrace this simple joy. Whether through a favorite old comedy, a silly moment with
loved ones, or even a chuckle over a comic strip, let yourself laugh freely. It’s a reminder not to take everything too seriously and to find moments of joy even on the toughest days. For those struggling, remember that laughter is a vital part of healing, living, and finding the strength to face another day.
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WHY SMALL PLANS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE The Happiness Hack
When life feels overwhelming, or you just aren’t feeling your best, it can be difficult to find hope or joy. Sometimes, the best medicine is a little self-care in the form of simple activities and treats that you enjoy most. One of the best ways to boost your mood is by planning something to look forward to. Whether it’s a favorite movie, a new painting class, or a tasty latte, prioritizing things that bring us happiness can empower us with hope. It’s like adding a bright spot in the future, making the tough days more manageable.
You might sign up for an improv class or buy tickets to see a play. It can be anything that brings a smile to your face. Plan it. Once you know the activity, start planning. Our busy lives sometimes lack time for the little things that make us feel good. Treat your happiness like a necessary appointment and get it on your calendar. Spending time with your loved ones and friends also has a wealth of benefits for your mental health, so decide whether you want someone to join you. By planning to do things that bring you joy, you’ll feel more hopeful, balanced, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
What do you love? Your plan doesn’t have to be grand or
complicated. Start by identifying activities that make you happy or that interest you. Do you love comedy movies or enjoy going to concerts?
HOW SSDI WOULD CHANGE THE LIVES OF BELOVED FICTIONAL CHARACTERS Could Your Favorite Characters Qualify for SSDI?
Arthur Fleck and the Complexity of Mental Health Arthur Fleck, as seen in “Joker,” presents a more complex case. His intermittent employment as a clown and eventual termination due to mental instability spotlights the struggles people with severe mental health issues face in maintaining gainful employment. Although it’s unclear if Arthur has sufficient work credits, his psychological conditions, which are well-documented in the SSA Blue Book, stress the profound impact mental health can have on work capability. Embrace the Journey With Professional Guidance Whether dealing with physical debilitations or mental impairments, the journey to securing SSDI benefits is filled with bureaucratic challenges and peculiar nuances. At our firm, we recognize the importance of expert guidance in this process. Our experienced team is dedicated to supporting clients through each step, ensuring all paperwork is meticulously handled and no detail is overlooked. We advocate passionately for our clients’ rights, aiming to secure the benefits they need to lead dignified lives. While it may feel like you’re on this journey alone, know that the Keefe Disability Law team is here for you and that countless stories like yours have been told before.
Ever wonder what it might be like if your favorite fictional characters had to navigate the complexities of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)? From the classrooms of high school chemistry to the brutal battlegrounds of war and the troubled streets of Gotham, let’s explore how some iconic characters might fare in the real-world SSDI application process. Walter White’s Case for Disability Benefits Walter White, the infamous protagonist of “Breaking Bad,” would likely have a straightforward path to SSDI approval due to his terminal lung cancer. After years of teaching chemistry, he’s undoubtedly accumulated sufficient work credits. With cancer explicitly listed in the SSA Blue Book and given his inability to continue working, his condition fulfills the criteria. As a result, Walter would likely not have actually needed to turn to a life of crime. Lieutenant Dan’s Battle Beyond the Battlefield Then there’s Lieutenant Dan from “Forrest Gump,” whose severe war injuries left him with bilateral leg amputations. This dramatic change in his physical capabilities would make returning to military duty impossible. The additional mental health struggles, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, would only strengthen his SSDI claim. For veterans like Lieutenant Dan, the transition to civilian life with such disabilities would be incredibly challenging, making him a strong candidate for SSDI benefits.
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It’s been a while since our readers caught up with Griffin, our go- getter at Keefe Disability Law! His dynamic role and ambitious spirit continue to paint a vivid picture of growth and dedication. Since stepping through our doors just over a year ago, he’s quickly evolved from an eager intake coordinator to a versatile paralegal, proving that with the right mix of curiosity and drive, the sky’s the limit. With a bachelor’s degree in political science from UMass Boston, topped off with magna cum laude honors, Griffin didn’t just walk the graduation stage — he sprinted into the real world, ready to make a tangible difference. Initially focusing on evaluating new clients, Griffin soon found himself wearing multiple hats, crafting marketing materials and gathering crucial medical updates — all the while keeping our client services running smoothly. But what really charges Griffin’s batteries? It’s the opportunity to positively affect lives. “Being able to help people directly, especially during such unpredictable times, really brings a sense of fulfillment to my work,” he says. It’s this passion for service that motivates him each day, a beacon for all of us at the firm. RISING THROUGH THE RANKS How Griffin’s Ambition and Dedication Are Shaping His Future in Law
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
INGREDIENTS
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2 1/2 lbs skinless, bone- in chicken thighs
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4 medium carrots, chopped
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1 tsp salt
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2 bay leaves
1 tsp pepper 2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 tbsp lemon juice
1 large onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 10 cups chicken broth 4 celery ribs, chopped
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DIRECTIONS 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Looking ahead, Griffin isn’t just climbing the professional ladder — he’s also planning life’s next big steps. With dreams of enhancing his paralegal prowess and setting up a nest with his long-term girlfriend, Griffin’s future is as bright as he is. Griffin’s journey to our firm was a calculated one. Pondering law school, he first sought to dip his toes in the legal field
Griffin’s two best furry friends!
to ensure it was the right fit. This smart move solidified his career path and brought a fresh perspective and relentless energy to our team.
At Keefe Disability Law, we’re cheerleaders for each other’s successes, and Griffin’s story is a testament to that. From his first day to now, watching him grow has been nothing short of inspiring. Whether he’s unpacking complex cases or brightening the office with his quick wit, Griffin is a powerhouse! As Griffin maps out his next chapters, both personally and professionally, his blend of serious ambition and playful charm is a reminder of the magic that happens when you pursue what you love. We can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next and how his vibrant energy continues to shape our firm.
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Share Your Story! Do you want to share a story about your disability claim, experience with Keefe Disability Law, or just a funny story in general? Contact Andrea at 1-800-776-2929 or via email at Patrick@KeefeLaw.com, and you could be featured in our next newsletter!
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A Good Belly Laugh May Be the Secret to Life The Power of Planning Something to Look Forward To Could These Fictional Characters Qualify for SSDI? Griffin Blends Ambition With Action at Keefe Disability Law One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Slumber’s Hidden Secrets
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The Truth About Tuck-in Time SLEEP’S SURPRISING PERKS AND PITFALLS
It’s common knowledge that sleep does a body good, but how much slumber affects our overall health may surprise you. Here are three of the most unexpected ways sleep impacts our everyday lives.
egg scenario, it’s no secret that getting a proper night’s sleep is essential for restoring our bodies to proper health.
Sleep Deprivation Is a Diet Destroyer Are you having trouble losing weight? Cutting calories likely won’t help you achieve your goal if you’re cutting your sleep hours at the same time. Sleep deprivation negatively affects two of our body’s most important hormones: leptin and ghrelin. Leptin informs our brain when we’re full, while ghrelin lets it know when we’re hungry. The less we sleep, the longer we’re awake — and the more time ghrelin has to make us think about snacking. A lack of sleep may also make you feel too tired to hit the gym, causing you to lose out on another opportunity to keep your diet on course. The Slumber-Suppressing Mutation Do you jump out of bed most mornings after sleeping six or fewer hours? You may be powered by a mutation in your family’s genetics. People who inherited a rare variation of the ADRB1 gene, which affects the coding of receptors that influence a person’s sleep-wake cycle, are likelier to start the day feeling fine despite having a shorter night’s rest than most people. That’s right — being a morning person may be built into your DNA!
Less Pillow Time Equals More Pain If you’re having trouble sleeping due to chronic pain, you may have unwittingly trapped yourself in a cycle that’s wreaking
havoc on your body. A poll by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that two-thirds of respondents who noted experiencing persistent physical discomfort weren’t getting enough sleep at night. Additionally, a University of California, Berkeley study
of 24 young adults determined that reduced sleep can disrupt the brain’s mechanisms for recognizing pain signals and relieving affected area(s). While losing sleep due to pain may be a classic chicken-or-the-
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