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The present moment, If you think about it, Is the only time there is. No matter what time it is, It is always now. –Marianne Williamson
I read a lot. At work, it’s mostly legal-technical. Outside of work, I escape by reading fiction. But I also read to learn: business, writing, speaking, and sometimes self-improvement. No matter what I read though, I always learn something worthwhile.
doesn’t matter how big or small, as long as it’s new and requires your attention. Newness opens doorways to your heart and your mind. The Importance of Smiling This goes hand in hand with gratitude. Every day is full of infinite possibilities! Start with a smile, and good things will happen.
Forgiveness We deal with lots of family dynamics at our law firm, and I’ve learned that forgiveness is easier said than done. But if you are holding resentment toward someone because of past hurts, you can’t move on until you forgive. Yes, even if it was their fault. Fault is past tense and doesn’t fit with living in the moment.
One recent book cited a poem by Linda Ellis called “The Dash.” The poem references a speaker at a eulogy and the dates on a tombstone:
He noted that first came the date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years
Words of wisdom from Don Henley’s “The Heart of the Matter,” “You keep carryin’ that anger, it’ll eat you up inside.”
The harm was their fault, but allowing it to take up space in your head today is on you. Let go and make the choice to be present in the moment. Having a Good Attitude We’ve all heard that attitude is everything. We are responsible for our own attitudes. It’s so simple, yet so hard. We can’t choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we react. Victimhood (blame) is past tense. A great attitude and taking responsibility for your own happiness will allow you to live in the present. The beauty is that we all have control over how we will spend our own “dash.” I’ll leave you with another verse from the poem that Linda Ellis wrote since it best defines that tiny punctuation mark:
That tiny piece of punctuation – the dash between beginning and end – is a powerful little line that represents a lifetime. It made me think of the old cliché that we should live in the present. As Myrko Thum tells it: Everything that ever happened and will ever happen can only happen in the present moment.”
So the question is, how do we live in the present? I have some thoughts.
Gratitude We often focus on what we don’t have. But there’s a calmness in accepting things as they are right now and being grateful for what we do have. It’s not easy. Many times, we compare ourselves to others. To that, I quote Jordan Peterson: “Don’t compare yourself with other people; compare yourself with who you were yesterday.” Simple gratitude can help you dodge comparisons and live in the moment. Doing Something Different Get lost in the present by doing something new. Travel to a place you’ve never been. Volunteer. Learn a new skill. It
For it matters not, how much we own, The cars ... the house ... the cash. What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash
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Embracing the Power of Now 4 TIPS FOR PRACTICING MINDFULNESS
Have you ever sat down to eat a bowl of ice cream, then looked down a minute or two later to notice you only have one bite left? What about reaching your destination in the car and not recalling one thing about the entire trip? With the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s tough to be present 100% of the time, but we shouldn’t let our minds go on autopilot. Not only can this be a safety hazard, but it may also impact important relationships and reduce our enjoyment and satisfaction. With busy schedules and long to-do lists, how can we be more mindful? Here are four tips to help you embrace the power of now! Use the power of meditation. You don’t need to meditate for a long time, and it certainly doesn’t require special poses or guidance. But taking just five minutes out of your day to focus on your breathing and clear your mind counts as
meditation. It can help you to be more aware, present, and productive, especially in times of stress.
Slow down. Try savoring the process of a task, even if it isn’t your favorite thing to do. Paying deliberate attention to your daily actions and activities, like doing the dishes or even folding laundry, promotes healthy focus and reduces feelings of being overwhelmed. Get moving. Incorporating exercise and movement into your daily routine helps you to become aware of your body’s sensations. You’ll be more appreciative of how your body responds to different stimuli and
movements, and this trains you to be more aware of yourself.
Practice mindful eating. Do you always eat in front of the television or computer? Try eating without distractions, dine in good company, or pay closer attention to flavors and textures of the meal — it’s good for both your body and soul!
In a world consumed by social media and the internet, which certainly are luxuries, it’s easy to forgo reading an actual book, whether it be a paperback or Kindle version. However, this month, we celebrate National Book Month, a time when we are urged to celebrate and expand upon our love for reading. Novels and books are treasures that allow us to explore the lives, thoughts, and experiences of others without ever leaving our home (or bed) and to tap into some of the best fantasies and plots imaginable. Exploring the Magic Between Two Book Covers
throughout school years and even after finding a career. This is mainly due to the facts that strong vocabularies can enhance communication and also boost self-confidence. Reduces Stress Diverting your mind and allowing yourself to slip away into a fantasy world can be relaxing and help you take your mind off of life’s stressors. Plus, you never know what advice or life lessons you’ll find embedded in a book. Expands Knowledge No matter what genre you pick up, you’re bound to learn something – whether it’s a fun fact that can help you win a trivia match down the road, a tidbit about history, or a new way to motivate yourself. Books are chock- full of life lessons and facts just waiting to be soaked up. Remember, unlike material things, knowledge lasts a lifetime. Improves Focus Picking up your phone or smart tablet to do a quick Google search on something is easy and perhaps has made us a bit lazy. While it’s great to have everything available at our fingertips, reading a book or getting lost in a good story is a great way to embrace the power of focus and concentration.
Reading a good book unlocks some of the best benefits that go beyond just pure enjoyment. Here are a few:
Exercises and Stimulates the Brain Reading stimulates your mind and keeps it active. In fact, it’s even been linked to slowing down the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, cognitive stimulation is crucial to keep you sharp and on your toes. Builds Vocabulary Researchers have proven that when children begin reading at a young age, they develop extensive vocabularies over time. This is important because specific words and eloquence can be extremely helpful
What good books have you picked up recently? With so many physical and mental benefits, be sure always to find the time to read a great book!
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You’d do pretty much anything for your loved ones. However, with the hustle and bustle of your daily life and the holidays just around the corner, making time for all those who hold a special place in your heart can be tough and overwhelming. It is important to remember though, spending time with friends and family likely won’t happen if you don’t prioritize it. Making Connections a Priority 4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO MAKE TIME FOR OTHERS
Here are some ways to guarantee that you’ll make time.
Prioritizing You likely have many family members and friends, and unless they are all together in one spot at one time, seeing each of them and getting in some good, quality time likely won’t happen. Instead, make a list of those that matter most. Remember that prioritizing some over others isn’t selfish! Planning Each day, you have a list of “must-dos,” “should-dos,” and “want-to- dos.” By planning out grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, paying bills, taking care of the kids or grandkids, and working, you can streamline your schedule to squeeze in more of the “should dos” and “want to dos.” Instead of making three trips to the grocery store this week, can you consolidate them into one trip? Can you put together a cleaning schedule to ensure it all gets done throughout the week? Planning can help you open up some free time in the day to spend with loved ones. Cutting Back on Multitasking According to a recent study, multitasking results in certain tasks taking longer to complete as the brain struggles to switch focus. Instead of cramming three tasks into one hour, slot out time to get each one done separately. This should take up less time in the long run! Remembering To Recharge If you keep going and going with no break in sight, you’ll find yourself eventually running on empty. When stress, social overload, and feelings of being overwhelmed settle in, you’re less likely to want to see or interact with anyone — even if it is the holidays! Be sure to pencil some “me time” into your calendar (and don’t forget ample sleep).
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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 have grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside the field 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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What’s Inside? 1
Making the Most of What You Have
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4 Tips for Being More Mindful
National Book Month
Making Time For Loved Ones
Helpful Resources
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Benefits of Volunteering for Older Adults
Volunteering not only strengthens the community but also benefits the person who serves. For those who enjoy spending their time giving back, check out how volunteering opportunities can benefit you! Improves Mental and Physical Health When you do good, you feel good. Those positive emotions lead to emotional resilience, which helps you in the face of crisis or stress. They also decrease stress while increasing positive, relaxed feelings. Volunteering gives you a sense of meaning and appreciation, which can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Volunteer activities also keep people moving. Whether it is carrying donation boxes, walking around the neighborhood, planting a community garden, or even cleaning litter from the roads, this moderate physical activity can help strengthen muscles, reduce blood pressure, and even alleviate symptoms of chronic pain. Build the Community Through Giving
Prevents Isolation and Promotes Socialization Many older adults face social isolation, and it can have negative impacts on their overall health. Volunteering is a great way to network with members of the community and meet new people. Likewise, after moving to a new neighborhood or leaving a career, it is difficult to find a new social group. But when you work with people toward the same goal, you may find you have common interests with other volunteers. You can even invite your family or friends to help, and then catch up while doing something good for the community. Gives a Feeling of Purpose Sometimes as life changes and you grow older, your sense of purpose may begin to fade. Volunteering can help recharge a zest for life and may even motivate you to set and accomplish new goals. You should volunteer for many reasons, whether it’s to give back to the community, help the environment, or satisfy your own personal needs. No matter why, it’s a great way to get out there and do some good.
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