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Peace of Mind Post August 2023
Resilience, Gratitude, and Cats Lessons We Can Learn From Nelson Mandela
South Africa’s apartheid system. While in jail, he faced harsh conditions — cold winter nights, suffocating summer days, and low- quality food were only a few of his many hardships. But although Mandela had valid reasons to be negative and blame others, he didn’t harbor any bitterness or resentment. Even with the terrible circumstances he experienced, he also found a sliver of hope. Letting go of resentment, negativity, and bitterness is something we can all improve on. Living out of anger takes tons of energy and can hinder you from amazing opportunities. Even when enduring hardships, you can find things to be grateful for. When I speak with clients who are caring for a sick loved one or just got diagnosed with a life-altering illness, I see many of them harboring bitterness. While I sympathize with you and your circumstances, holding resentment towards your situation won’t change the outcome or the incidences that have happened. Instead of letting anger consume you, acknowledge the trials and conditions you’re facing and find a way to use them as learning experiences rather than hindrances. Whether you are feeling burnt out from caregiving, upset about a recent diagnosis, or frustrated with your loved ones, consider taking a page out of Mandela’s book and focusing on the opportunities for learning and growth you have in front of you — it’s all about your mindset.
Do you know what this month and Nelson Mandela have in common? Cats!
Aug. 8 is International Cat Day, and I’m excited to celebrate Mr. Whiskers and have a day filled with his favorite treats, toys, and pets. But as I was searching the internet for facts about felines, I came across an article about the stray cats that lived in Nelson Mandela’s former jail cell! In 1964, Mandela and his cohorts were sent to Robben Island, where a desolate prison resided. Due to the island being infested by rats, the wardens brought a handful of cats from the mainland to the island so they could fend off the pesky rodents. In 1982, after Mandela had been on the island for 18 years, he was transferred to Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison, and the prison on Robben Island was going to be turned into a museum and wildlife reserve. But there was a problem: The cats that had been transferred had multiplied, and now there were hundreds of cats all over the island. When animal activist Rita Brock learned about the discovery, she went to Robben Island and helped as many cats as she could move to Pollsmoor. Now, several cats reside at the prison, and some even hang out with prisoners in the cells! As I learned more about the cat colony and how they followed the same path as Mandela, I couldn’t help but think of the lessons we could learn from Mandela and his story. Mandela is known for tearing down South Africa’s oppressive government and helping install a democracy, but it wasn’t without challenges. Officials treated him very poorly, and he spent 27 years in prison for opposing
If some of your frustrations stem from not knowing how to plan for the future or how different life events affect your estate plan, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will walk alongside you every step of the way. My cat Mr. Whiskers — he’s not feral, but he’s definitely an outside cat who lives life on his own terms.
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One of the main questions we get from clients is if it matters what type of trust you complete. And the simple answer would be yes, it does matter! There are various avenues you can go down regarding trusts, and trying to understand which one will work best for you, your family, and your needs can be confusing. Here is an easy guide to help you narrow down your options. What are the different types of trusts you can complete? While you can choose from dozens of trusts based on your family’s needs, the two main trusts people tend to have questions about are revocable and irrevocable trusts. Each trust helps protect and distribute your assets once you pass away, but the stipulations and factors for each kind of trust vary. Revocable Trust These kinds of trusts are flexible because you can change one after it’s created. If you want to add more assets, change how your belongings are distributed, or make any other modifications, you’re free to do so at any time. Because you can make these changes, you’re still viewed as the owner of Does It Matter Which One Yo Revocable vs. Irrevocable Tru
When your children were young, you wouldn’t trust their care to any old babysitter, would you? Of course not! Now, your pets are no different. When you head out for a summer vacation, they deserve to be cared for by someone who will pamper and protect them the same way you would. The only problem is, who? Friends and Family vs. Professionals You may be tempted to ask your sibling, friend, or child to watch your pet. This can be a great solution because you trust them, and they’ve bonded with your furry friend already. But have you considered a professional? Some situations may call for a little more. Use these questions to help you decide: CHOOSE THE RIGHT SITTER FOR YOUR PET Your Family May Not Be Up to the Task!
• Will your friend or family member be able to visit your home regularly or stay there temporarily while you’re gone to avoid disrupting your pet’s routine?
• Does your pet have a disability or need to take medication that would be better handled by a professional?
Puzzle Time!
• Does your friend or family member know how to stay cool and react calmly in case of a veterinary emergency?
If your loved one is pressed for time or easily stressed, or your pet has medical needs, you may be better off working with a professional. How to Find the Right Pro When choosing a professional pet sitter, don’t start with the flier on the stop sign pole down the street (it was probably put up by a 10-year-old). Instead, call your pet’s vet, groomer, and/or trainer and ask if they can recommend a nearby pet sitter. You can also ask friends and family who are conscientious pet owners. Then, thoroughly check the sitter’s credentials and experience. Look for signs that they’re serious about their work, like certifications, insurance, and background check information, and set up an interview and meet-and-greet with your pet. If you can’t find a sitter through your network, consider online groups like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Care.com, Pet Sitters International, Rover, or TrustedHousesitters, and use the same vetting strategy. For more help choosing a great sitter, visit HumaneSociety.org/resources .
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ARE YOU PRIORITIZING YOURSELF AND YOUR NEEDS?
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The Importance of Practicing Self-Care
the assets — even if you have a trustee who manages the trust
for you. The benefits of revocable trusts include the freedom to control your assets, protection in case you become incapacitated, and avoiding probate. However, there are no tax benefits or protections from creditors or nursing homes with a revocable trust. Irrevocable Trust Unlike revocable trusts, once it’s created, you cannot easily change or amend anything within it. You must give up some of your rights and access to the trust after it’s formed. If you create an irrevocable trust, you gain protection from creditors, avoid probate, receive tax reductions, and are protected if you need nursing home care. But there are some drawbacks, such as less control over your assets and less flexibility. Because of all the options at your fingertips, even within revocable and irrevocable trusts, connecting with an estate plan and elder law attorney is vital. We will be happy to assist you and help you find a trust that works best for you and your family’s needs. Call us today to get started!
You take on all kinds of responsibilities and wear multiple hats daily, and because of that, each day is filled with tasks and errands you must fulfill. This means that you might not have time to yourself, and when you do find time to relax, you may feel guilty. You could have used that time to get ahead of your work or complete other duties! But carving out time for yourself is vital and can help you in all aspects of your life. When you don’t take time for yourself, you may become overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out. Being constantly on the go without coming up for air may not only hinder your mental and physical health, but you could also wind up resenting your responsibilities. Furthermore, you may not complete your tasks to the best of your abilities. Remember, you can’t care for others if you’re not caring for yourself first! But how do you take time to treat and focus on yourself? One of the best and easiest ways to do this is to schedule a time to do things that aren’t required. It may sound strange to allot time to do something you enjoy, but it’s necessary! If you don’t carve out these days, you may fill them up with other tasks. So, if you have a day, a weekend, or a couple of hours you can block off for yourself, we implore you to do so! You’d be surprised at the fantastic benefits you can reap from it. While it may not seem like you’re being productive by doing the things you enjoy, in actuality, you are! You’re caring for yourself and nurturing the things that bring you joy — that’s equally as important as your other responsibilities. And it can help recharge your battery so your mandatory obligations don’t seem like burdens.
Inspired by Delicious.com.au Raspberry and Fig Oat Bars
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tsp baking powder 1 cup and 1 tbsp rolled oats, divided 2 sticks chilled unsalted butter, diced
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2/3 cup caster sugar (superfine granulated)
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2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup raspberry jam 1 1/3 cups raspberries
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3 figs, quartered
1 tbsp turbinado or brown sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and line an 8x12-inch pan with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1 cup oats. Using your fingertips, rub in butter until crumbly. Stir in caster sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Stir until clumpy. 3. In the pan, smooth three-quarters of the mixture evenly. Spread jam over the top, then add fruit. Mix leftover oat mixture with turbinado sugar and remaining oats, then sprinkle over the fruit. 4. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
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Inside
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Cats Are Literally Following in Nelson Mandela’s Footsteps! Find a Trustworthy Pet Sitter Does It Matter What Kind of Trust You Have? Raspberry and Fig Oat Bars Don’t Feel Guilty About Taking Time for Yourself!
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A Guardian Angel Covered in Fur
We all wish our pets would How Willow Saved Her Owner’s Life A Cat’s Nose Knows
Willow went to the living room, where Amanda’s husband had fallen asleep watching television. Willow proceeded to bite his leg and jump on him until he woke up around 4 a.m. He could tell something was wrong, as this was abnormal behavior for Willow, so he followed her to the bedroom, where he spotted his wife. She was slumped over and unresponsive, and he immediately called her an ambulance. Doctors informed Amanda’s husband that she was moments away from slipping into a diabetic coma, but Willow had smelled something off and gotten help before it was too late.
be there for us in an emergency. Dogs, cats, and other animals can accomplish amazing
feats when provided with enough love and care, and a cat from Liverpool named Willow recently proved that many times over. A cat’s sense of smell is incredibly effective at detecting when something is abnormal, and Willow used her nose to save her owner in the nick of time.
Most pets would get a few extra treats for their heroism, but Willow’s feats earned her a more prestigious award. The National Cat Awards named
For many with diabetes, falling into a diabetic coma is a constant concern, and they regularly check their blood sugar levels and take insulin shots to avoid that scenario. Amanda Jameson, a 51-year-old woman from Liverpool, received a diabetes diagnosis years ago but had always stayed on top of it. In April 2023, she fell asleep while her blood sugar was dangerously low. Thankfully, her cat, Willow, noticed something was wrong and sprang into action.
Willow as a finalist for their “Moggy Marvels” category. If Willow wins, she’ll receive a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher, and a year subscription to Cats Protection’s “The Cat” magazine. Although Willow likely doesn’t care about the trophy or the subscription, she’ll be happy enough with £200 worth of goodies and her owner safely by her side.
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