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The Pursuit of Happiness
“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” — Nathaniel Hawthorne. I love seeing a twist on an old idea that makes it feel new. That happened recently when I was reading a book that quoted the Declaration of Independence. A phrase I’ve known my whole life and taken for granted suddenly felt brand new. We all remember the rights we were promised: “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” But the book pointed out something interesting: We weren’t promised happiness itself, only the pursuit of it. And if happiness is always something we’re pursuing, doesn’t that suggest it stays ahead of us, always chased but never fully reached? That gave me pause. How often do we tie happiness to the next milestone? “I’ll be happy when I retire.” “When I drop 10 pounds.” “When the kids are settled.” When defined this way, happiness looks like a moving target, always out of reach. But what if happiness isn’t a destination? What if it’s part of the journey? Walt Whitman wrote, “Happiness, not in another place but this place. . . not for another hour, but this hour.” His words remind me that happiness doesn’t need to wait for the perfect time. It can be here, now, in small, ordinary ways. And isn’t that true? Happiness shows up in an old favorite song on the radio, in the sound of my grandkids’ laughter, in the glow of a sunset, or just simply sharing the ups and downs of the day on a quiet evening walk with my wonderful wife (37 years and counting as of Aug. 20). It’s not about life being perfect. It’s about noticing the good already with us, even amid life’s flaws. If we’re always chasing, happiness stays on the horizon. Gratitude lets us stop running and see that we may already have more than enough. The real shift comes in how we measure happiness. Sydney J. Harris said it best: “Happiness is a direction, not a place.” Too often, we compare where we are to where we think we should be, which pushes happiness further away.
But when we look back at how far we’ve come, the progress we’ve made and the blessings we’ve gathered, happiness feels much more real. By measuring our lives through gratitude instead of comparison, we discover joy isn’t out of reach. It’s right here in front of us. That doesn’t mean Jefferson got it wrong. Maybe the “pursuit” of happiness isn’t about chasing, but choosing. We should not wait for life to be perfect, but open our eyes to the blessings around us. Happiness, then, isn’t something delivered to us. It’s decided moment by moment. As we age, we find true happiness in simpler things: the people we love, the time we share, and the memories we create. So, this month, I encourage you to slow down, to not to count what’s missing, but to notice what’s already here. Celebrate small victories. Treasure little moments. After all, happiness isn’t waiting at the finish line. It’s found in the steps we take along the way. I’ll leave you with the wise words of James Oppenheim: “The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance. The wise man grows it under his feet.” Here’s hoping this beautiful fall season reminds you to pause and find quiet happiness right where you stand.
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RECEIVERS AND RHAPSODIES
THE BIRTH OF STREAMING SOUND
We celebrate the late Steve Jobs of Apple and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek as innovators in the world of music streaming, but the true pioneer of how most of us enjoy tunes in 2025 is a man who died nearly a century ago. A lawyer by trade, Thaddeus Cahill (1867–1934) spent his free time as an innovator, a hobby that eventually led him to revolutionize sound. In
The instrument made its public debut in 1906 with the opening of Telharmonic Hall in New York City. Guests could grab one of the phone receivers placed throughout the venue and listen to the synthesized music Telharmonium operators were performing on the floor below. Soon, phone users embraced Cahill’s technology at theaters, eateries, hotels, and homes nationwide. Unfortunately, the system proved glitchy — the organ’s electronic tones interrupted ordinary phone users mid-conversation —
1897, he received a patent for the Telharmonium, a 200-ton organ created to turn telephones into what could be considered the world’s first iPods. Looking more like a NASA
and AT&T decided not to invest in Cahill’s impractical invention to expand its reach. That inconvenience, coupled with high manufacturing costs (each Telharmonium cost $200,000, a fortune then) and operational demands (it required 2–4 musicians to play), eventually led to declining popularity and the closing of Telharmonic Hall by 1920. Sadly, no surviving audio recordings of the Telharmonium are believed to exist, and its last known version was dismantled and scrapped in the early 1960s.
control board than a musical instrument, the Telharmonium used electromagnetic impulses to create sounds similar to those of modern synthesizers and transmit them over telephone networks, essentially making the “hold music” of its time. Although bulky, the invention captured the hearts of music
aficionados, including Mark Twain, who famously said, “I couldn’t possibly leave the world until I have heard this again and again.”
CELEBRITIES WHO ROSE AFTER 50
Success doesn’t have a deadline or an expiration date.
others to pursue their interests later in life. Similarly, actress Judi Dench worked in TV and theater for years before winning an Oscar in 1999 for her role in the film “Shakespeare in Love” at 64. From Pink Slip to Prosperity Being let go from a job is rarely a pleasant experience, but being fired from what was soon to become the most significant musical act in the world is a particularly crushing blow. That happened to British musician Pete Best when he was fired from his role as the drummer for a then-fledgling group called The Beatles. After being replaced by Ringo Starr in 1962, Best watched as his former bandmates conquered the world and sold millions of records. Although Best continued in the music industry, none of his efforts remotely matched his former band’s global glory. It would be over two decades after the band’s 1970 breakup before he’d earn big bucks
As people age, it’s common for many to feel regret that they didn’t accomplish their greatest dreams and aspirations in their younger years. However, history is filled with examples of people who found their ultimate fame and fortune well into middle age or beyond. Here are a few stories of celebrities who didn’t reach their most incredible heights until they were at least 50. Belated Milestones for Media Queens Before Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain became household names, the late Julia Child proved that what happened in the kitchen could affect pop culture. Although she revolutionized television by becoming arguably the world’s first celebrity chef, her initial career was in advertising. After teaching herself the fine art of cuisine, she published her first cookbook at 50, shining a guiding light for
from his time keeping the beat. A 1995 Beatles archival release called “Anthology 1” featured a handful of early band recordings that included Best. According to him, he received a payment for his performances that “wasn’t far short of a million” making him, at 54, perhaps the first person in history to receive a hefty severance check more than 30 years after his dismissal. Whether it’s through perseverance, reinvention, or a surprising twist of fate, these stories prove that success is always possible, no matter when it arrives.
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Sudoku
Mornings can set the tone for your whole day. Creating intentional sunrise routines can help boost our energy, sharpen our focus, and enhance our overall well-being as we age. Even small, mindful habits like stretching gently or jotting down a few things you’re thankful for can make each morning feel more peaceful, joyful, and full of possibilities. Here are three ways to start the day feeling centered, inspired, and ready to enjoy whatever comes next. Build a Morning Rhythm You can set your body’s internal clock up for success by creating a consistent sleep-wake cycle. Aim to wake up around the same time every day, so you get into a natural, healthy rhythm. It’s even better if you can make your wake-up time 30 minutes earlier than you usually do. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that seniors who get an early start perform better on cognitive tasks and are more likely to stay active throughout the day. Get Moving Incorporating light physical activity into your mornings can help improve your mood and ease aches and stiffness. It doesn’t matter what your fitness level is; just make sure to choose exercises that won’t cause too much strain on your body and keep it fun. Even 10 to 15 minutes of stretches or walking can get your circulation moving, boost your flexibility, and loosen up your muscles and joints. Set Your Daily Intentions Set aside some time in your morning for mindfulness, gratitude, and a plan for your day. Focusing on the positives in life and being present in the moment can bring you a sense of calm and a deeper appreciation for everything you have, even the smallest joys. You can do an easy meditation exercise, focusing on your breathing for a few minutes, or write down three things you are thankful for in a journal. It can be as simple as listening to the birds outside or flipping through a family album of happy memories. Outline a few goals you want to achieve and block time in your schedule for socializing or a hobby. With just a few intentional habits, every morning can become a chance to set the stage for a brighter, more fulfilling day. Tips for Starting Your Day Calm, Focused, and Inspired Seize the Sunrise
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Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. • Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure — just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
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What’s Inside? 1 2 History’s Forgotten Music Machine Triumphs With Time Happiness Is in the Journey, Not the Destination
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Simple Habits to Wake Up Happy Helpful Resources
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Tasty Fixes for a Happier You
SWEET BITES THAT BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY
Do you ever get “hangry” when you miss a meal or feel like a warm bowl of something delicious would elevate your entire day? It turns out that food does more than just soothe a growling tummy; it can lift your spirits. Certain healthy foods contain natural mood boosters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which can chase away stress in the most tasty way. Get ready to load your plate with feel-good ingredients that fuel the body and mind. You’re one delicious bite away from feeling calmer, more focused, and happier. Dark Chocolate If you have a sweet tooth, here’s your excuse to treat yourself to chocolate. Dark chocolate contains mood-elevating compounds like polyphenols, vitamins, and flavonoids. Its antioxidant properties are known to reduce stress and keep your cells healthy. Dark chocolate also supports the critical connection between gut health and mental health, changing the bacterial composition in the intestines, which studies have found can reduce negative emotions. Just be sure to eat it in moderation because it’s a high-calorie food. Fermented Foods A happy gut means a happy life, and fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut are excellent sources of good probiotics.
Fermentation creates live microorganisms that ensure you have the right amount of healthy bacteria in your digestive system. They can also increase serotonin
levels. Researchers are increasingly finding that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in regulating depression and overall wellness. Berries Eating more fruits and veggies has long been linked to lower rates of depression, thanks to their inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Berries, in particular, are a sweet option for snacking your way to joy. These powerful little fruits have many compounds known to combat stress. Blackberries, for example, are high in vitamin C, which can help lower anxiety, and fiber, which helps keep your energy levels up. So, next time you’re feeling stressed, reach for a snack that feeds your mood. Whether it’s a square of dark chocolate, a spoonful of yogurt, or a handful of berries, these foods prove happiness is just a meal away.
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