Great Smiles of New Jersey - January 2026

MIND OVER MARQUEE Meditation Makes Stars Shine Within

Have you ever wondered how Hollywood’s stars keep cool under

describing it as an exercise that allows you to be still enough to know the difference between “the voice” and you. It helps you resist the messaging that you are not enough. One of her main tips for newbies is to start small, just taking a moment to appreciate the little joys of everyday tasks, like the sound of birds outside or the smell of your shampoo. Musical Meditators Musicians often face a lot of pressure, especially when on the road or recording. Pop star Katy Perry said meditation grounds her and helps her be more present, even when performing. Lady Gaga has been very open about her struggles with PTSD and chronic pain from fibromyalgia. For her, meditation is a way to improve her mental health and gain relief from her physical discomfort. Even Sir Paul McCartney of The Beatles fame gains stability and calm from this practice. He’s been meditating for over 50 years and said even a few minutes will help. No matter his schedule, he always finds time to gain a “still moment.”

the paparazzi’s lens? It turns out that even celebrities deal with stress and have to find their

zen behind the velvet ropes and red carpets. For famous names

like Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry, and Sir Paul McCartney, transcendental meditation is the star of the show. This mindfulness practice deepens awareness, requiring you to focus your mind for a set amount of time for better mental and emotional balance. Ready to reach a new level of Oscar-worthy consciousness like the A-listers? Oprah’s Om Media mogul Oprah Winfrey is known as a trendsetter, and she’s often praised the power of meditation. She’s such a fan of this mindfulness practice that she curated a collection of meditation and wellness podcasts, retreats, discussions, and content. The star credited meditation for improving her life,

Whether you are center stage or just navigating life, taking a few moments to meditate is the ultimate way to keep your cool and shine. Design Your Dream Days in Retirement Find Purpose and Passion Beyond Your 9-to-5

After years of structure, responsibility, and hard work, retirement allows you the freedom to create days that belong to you. But with so much free time, it’s natural to feel adrift. Gone are the days of planning around PTO and weekends. You only need intention and self-compassion to design a full, joyful, and meaningful life. You never need a job to give you that. Start with a balanced foundation. Every fulfilling life rests on balance, during a career or retirement. Think of your foundation as four pillars: financial security, emotional wellness, mental stimulation, and physical health. When you nurture these, it’s easier to feel grounded and ready to embrace every day with purpose. Give your days a gentle shape. You don’t need a rigid schedule anymore. Instead, imagine your day

as a gentle rhythm. Mornings could be for reading or learning something new, afternoons for a walk in the sunshine or coffee with a friend, evenings for creative hobbies or quiet reflection. This flow keeps life balanced while leaving room for surprise and spontaneity. Rediscover what lights you up. One of the greatest gifts of retirement is the chance to explore passions you may have set aside. Maybe it’s painting, gardening, joining a book club, or volunteering for a cause close to your heart. These activities aren’t “filler”; they fuel your sense of purpose and joy. Care for your body and mind. You deserve to feel vibrant. Gentle movement like yoga, swimming, or walking daily can bring energy and strength. Paired with mental workouts like puzzles, brain games, meditation, or even learning new technology, to keep

your mind sharp and engaged. Your body and spirit thrive when given daily care. Embrace flexibility with kindness. As you plan your days, remember that this is not about perfection. It’s about creating a life that feels both nourishing and flexible. At the end of the day, reflect on what brought you joy and what you’d like to carry into tomorrow. And if plans shift? That’s okay. Retirement is your chance to live life on your terms. With a little structure, a spirit of curiosity, and a focus on well-being, each day can feel like a new adventure filled with purpose and possibility.

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