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WHEN DIVISION MULTIPLIES
I recently read a quote by Mark Twain that made me stop and think:
“To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.”
We usually think of division as something that subtracts, leaving us with less. Break a cookie in half, and now you’ve got less cookie. Slice a pie too many ways, and suddenly you’re taking a sliver that’s barely worth the effort. Time can feel that way, too. Divided between work, family, and responsibilities, the more pieces we carve out, the thinner each one feels. But Twain flips the idea upside down, suggesting that some parts of life don’t diminish when we share them; they are richer and fuller exactly because we spread them around. Love is the first that comes to mind. Every parent and grandparent knows the miracle: Your heart doesn’t divide itself when you have children or grandchildren; it expands. Somehow, without understanding the math of it, your capacity to love grows and makes room for one more smile, one more hug, or one more tiny hand. Wisdom works like that, too. Most of what we know about life comes from someone who took the time to break their experience into pieces small enough for us to understand: a parent, spouse, friend, or mentor. Mom and Dad’s voices still echo in the back of my mind, offering little nuggets of guidance right when I need them. And the amazing thing is this: when we pass on wisdom, we don’t lose any of it. If anything, what we share becomes even clearer to us in the giving. Kindness is another one. Give a little kindness away, and somehow it comes back bigger. Mr. Rogers once said, “There are three ways to ultimate success: the first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” Shared kindness spreads in widening circles, the way a single pebble stirs an entire pond. Now back to my original Mark Twain quote: “To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.” I think he was reminding us that joy is rooted in connection. It’s amplified when we share it in conversation, companionship, and the everyday moments that become special simply because someone else is part of them. Dividing joy doesn’t lessen it; it enlarges the experience for everyone involved.
As the years pass, it becomes increasingly clear that the most meaningful aspects of life are those we share. Love grows when given, wisdom deepens when passed on, kindness multiplies when offered freely, and joy expands when we refuse to keep it to ourselves. Twain captured that truth in one simple sentence. This month, I’m holding on to the idea that life isn’t always diminished when it’s divided. Sometimes it’s enhanced. Sometimes what we give away — our time, stories, patience, and compassion — comes back multiplied, lifting us and those around us more than we ever expected. So, maybe the question isn’t “What do I lose when it’s divided?” Maybe it’s “What might grow if I share it?” As we move into the weeks ahead, may we share generously the things that grow in the giving.
I’ll leave you with a fitting quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The only true gift is a portion of yourself.”
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WHAT ARE THOSE SEAGULLS DOING IN THE PARKING LOT? If you walk through any suburban mall parking lot these days, you may encounter one of nature’s puzzles: Why are seagulls hanging out here? With no oceans nearby, no beaches, or no enticing seaside picnics, what attracts an ocean bird to a retail plaza? FROM SHORE TO STORE “casual feeders” who would toss a french fry out of the car window for the birds, and “dedicated feeders” who regularly drove to mall parking lots and served flocks of birds en masse by dumping big loads of bread and other food!
While the gulls weren’t above dumpster diving, they preferred to await food deliveries from “their” humans. The scientists concluded that humans’ deliberate mass feedings encouraged the mass gull gatherings at malls around the country.
For many of the 50 species of seagulls, the name is a misnomer. While many species do stick to the coasts, a large number, including a species known as the ring-billed gull, are just as happy living inland, especially in suburban parking lots! These gulls enjoy picking up human leftovers wherever they land, and shoppers exiting with mall food often leave an appetizing trail. But gulls aren’t craving just any food scraps. When scientists in Massachusetts studied suburban flocks of ring-billed gulls roosting on a drinking-water reservoir, they discovered the birds flocked during the day to a nearby shopping mall to eat. Surprisingly, the gulls weren’t satisfied to scavenge for rubbish in trash cans and dumpsters. They were waiting patiently for humans to feed them deliberately. Scientists divided these bird-feeding humans into two groups:
Also, parking lots resemble the birds’ natural habitats in some ways. Gulls dislike having anything obstruct their flight path overhead or getting in the way. Various species will flock to almost any kind of open space, from baseball fields to landfills.
Maybe that’s so they can dive-bomb picnickers below and swipe your toddler’s hot dog, or snatch that piece of pizza out of your hand. And while many dedicated feeders believe the gulls need
their help to get enough to eat, scientists say that is just another trick these savvy birds play on us humans! They’re actually fully capable of foraging for themselves.
This February, Let’s Make Little Changes for a Big Difference
Your heart has carried you through decades of memories, milestones, and moments worth cherishing, and February is the perfect reminder to give it some love in return. Heart Health Month doesn’t mean you have to make intimidating lifestyle overhauls. Instead, take small steps that help you stay active, independent, and full of energy for years to come. Know the most common risk factors. Let’s start with what raises the risk in the first place. The most common contributors include: • High blood pressure • Diabetes • High cholesterol • Family history of heart disease • Smoking • Being overweight or obese • A sedentary lifestyle Awareness is empowering, and knowing these risk factors helps you build habits that support a stronger cardiovascular system. Move your body in ways your heart loves. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be effective. In fact, routine movement is one of the most powerful tools you have for keeping your heart performing at its best. Activities like brisk walking, dancing, swimming, and cycling all help your heart pump more efficiently and improve circulation.
Experts recommend aiming for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, approximately 30 minutes, five days a week. Begin with short sessions, even 10 to 15 minutes at a time, counts. If you’re unsure where to start, consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. Monitor the ‘silent’ heart health markers. Schedule routine check-ups and consider tracking your blood pressure and blood sugar at home using tools like a blood pressure cuff or glucometer. A journal can help you notice patterns, stay accountable, and work with your physician to make meaningful changes when needed. Eat with your heart in mind. A nourishing diet is one of your heart’s greatest allies. Choosing whole, colorful foods provides your body with the nutrients it needs to support a healthy cardiovascular system. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados. A few everyday tips that go a long way: choose fresh ingredients when possible, keep meals balanced, and stay mindful of portions to support a healthy weight. Build heart-healthy habits into your day. You don’t need dramatic lifestyle changes to protect your heart, just consistent, mindful practices. This February, take a moment each day to care for the most important muscle you have. Your heart will thank you for it.
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Even if the snow is piling up outside or your garden is on pause, you can still grow your own little oasis right in your home. Indoor gardening is a fantastic way to stay gently active, spark joy, and keep your mind and body thriving, all while connecting with nature without leaving your home. Indoor Gardening Works Wonders in Winter Tending plants is like giving yourself a mini daily dose of happiness. There’s something rejuvenating about watching a seedling grow, and caring for it keeps your joints limber with simple bending, reaching, and watering. Plus, nurturing greenery has been shown to reduce stress and give a wonderful sense of purpose. Think of it as a daily act of kindness for yourself. Plants That Make Life Easier and Brighter Choosing the right indoor plants is key to keeping gardening fun instead of frustrating. Try: • Low-maintenance favorites: Succulents, aloe vera, snake plants, and pothos are all perfect for the forgetful gardener. • Blooming beauties: African violets, orchids, and peace lilies bring color and cheer to any room. • Air-cleaning champs: Bamboo palms, Boston ferns, rubber plants, and English ivy help freshen your space while looking gorgeous. • Windowsill herbs: Basil, mint, rosemary, parsley, and chives thrive in small pots on a sunny ledge. Container Gardening Adventures Even veggies can join the indoor party if you’re feeling adventurous! Potatoes, carrots, lettuce, dwarf tomatoes, and peppers can flourish in pots with good drainage and sunlight. Self-watering containers make it Short on space? Terrariums are your indoor gardening solution. Enclosed glass gardens maintain humidity for tropical plants and require minimal space. Even a small terrarium brings greenery, life, and a spark of joy to any corner of your home. Indoor gardening can help you move, relax, and nurture life this February. With a few low-maintenance plants, cheerful blooms, or a mini herb garden, you can bring the outside in, brighten your home, and feel the satisfaction of a garden that flourishes no matter the season. even easier to keep your mini-garden thriving. Tiny Gardens Can Still Bring Big Smiles BRIGHTEN YOUR WINTER WITH INDOOR BLOOMS Nurture Your Green Thumb Without Leaving Home
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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 When Division Multiplies No Ocean? No Problem! The Truth About Suburban Seagulls Protect Your Heart Without Overhauling Your Life
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Bring Your Garden Inside This Winter Helpful Resources
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A Burglary Blown by Brightness
SUNLIT STUPIDITY FOILS A THIEF
Santa Claus isn’t real. The world doesn’t disappear when you close your eyes. You can be arrested for burglary regardless of the time of day you commit the crime. Most reasonable people accept the above facts as undeniable truths long before they reach 22. Unfortunately (or humorously, depending on your point of view), James Blankenship of Willoughby, Ohio, was unaware of that last fact despite being a legal adult for four years. One day during the summer of 2013, he broke into his mother’s house in the neighboring city of Eastlake by removing a window screen. Already on shaky ground with his parent for reasons not specified in media coverage of the incident, he had been banned from the Eastlake premises for at least three months before attempting to enter it without permission. According to statements his mother later gave to the police, her son had no possessions in the home at the time of the incident. Because Blankenship chose to commit his crime in broad daylight, his mother spotted him and alerted the police. Rather than fleeing the neighborhood when he was discovered, he hid in a crawl space near his mother’s home. A witness reported seeing
him run behind a nearby house, which allowed police to locate him easily. According to an official statement on the Eastlake Police’s Facebook page, Blankenship told the arresting officers, “I thought you could only be charged with burglary if you break in during the nighttime.” After pleading guilty to a lesser charge of breaking and entering, Blankenship served 60 days in prison (with 120 days out of his original 180-day sentence suspended) and was fined $100. Perhaps most significantly, he also learned a valuable lesson on how the sun helps people see things during the day.
Offices: Howell | Clinton Township
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