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JUNE 2023
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
& Wise
1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225
WHY YOU SHOULD CELEBRATE OTHERS’ SUCCESSES LIVE IN A COMMUNITY, NOT A COMPETITION
When others around you succeed, do you feel thrilled for them or tend to compare and covet? I’m back with my monthly words of wisdom, sharing the invaluable lessons I’ve learned throughout my career. I thought, what better way to reflect on my career before I retire than to share my experiences with you? One thing that can be a tricky truth to live by is that we should appreciate others’ successes. As the saying goes, “Wish people well. Their successes will not limit yours.” I believe that social media and the influencer culture have reinforced an unhealthy need to constantly compare ourselves to others. All this does is bring about feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, neither of which is beneficial in our lives. As I get older, I realize these are useless worries. We can all succeed in life. In no way is our unique journey competing with anyone else! Instead, I find it much more fulfilling to support others and wish the best for everyone. If we all could find our own successes, wouldn’t the world be a better place? You can’t improve the world if you’re the only person who’s successful. Countless people around the world are struggling with various barriers: mental illness, addiction, poverty, homelessness, and more. We need to be celebrating all the successes we can! We often forget that as a society, we all benefit from one another’s triumphs. By reframing your concept of society as a community
rather than a competition, you realize that for each of us to thrive, we must excel in our own unique way. We all hold different talents, skills, and perspectives. Seeing others succeed in their specific path is a blessing and in no way a measure of your worth.
YOU CAN’T IMPROVE THE WORLD IF YOU’RE THE ONLY PERSON WHO’S SUCCESSFUL.
My husband stumbled upon an enlightened realization some years ago. While waiting in a coffee shop, he took a look around and thought of how every person there woke up that day with a specific job that would serve us all. Whether it’s the barista or a business executive, they had a role that benefited all of us. This realization led him to focus on celebrating every person’s successes, hopefully improving everyone’s lives! In my career, I often hear soon-to-be retirees (especially federal employees) wonder if their finances are similar to others. The most common question federal employees ask me is, “Am I doing as well as other federal employees? Am I better?” These concerns often go back to our insecurity about whether or not we have “enough.” As I shared in last month’s newsletter, I learned, and hopefully you can too, that what you consider “enough” is solely up to you. Life is much better living with personal fulfillment doing what you love and appreciating every success, be it others’ or your own! Doesn’t a life with less jealousy and more positivity sound more joyful? Remember, the next time you see a coworker get a promotion or someone you know reaches a new achievement, congratulate them! It truly doesn’t hurt you. Just think, if we could all express our gratitude for the successes of others, we’d be living in a much better place. –Ann Vanderslice
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THE INTERMITTENT FASTING PHENOMENON
There always seems to be a new dieting fad every couple of months, but one that has stayed around longer than expected is intermittent fasting. Many of us couldn’t imagine fasting for days on end, but intermittent fasting provides the benefits of fasting without asking us to wait days between meals. Intermittent fasting is a term used to describe eating patterns with differing amounts of fasting. There are three main types. The first and most common type is time-restricted eating, and it’s one of the easiest intermittent fasting diets to stick to daily. Time-restricted fasting has users decide on an eating window lasting between four and 12 hours. If it isn’t during your eating window, you’re actively fasting. The next is the 5:2 diet, which calls for two full days of fasting each week, with a regular eating schedule for the other five days. Finally, there’s alternate-day fasting, in which users alternate between fasting one day and eating normally the next. Regardless of which type of intermittent fasting you attempt, you’ll likely notice many benefits within the first few months. Studies have shown that it can improve your cholesterol levels and help you maintain proper blood sugar levels. Many studies have shown that those who practice intermittent fasting have no problem shedding weight and also keeping it off. Many users report losing 3%–7% of their body weight within eight weeks of fasting. Studies even found Separating Hype From Health Benefits
intermittent fasting can lower the risk of breast cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious conditions.
Does this all sound too good to be true? That’s because it likely is. The Journal of the American Medical Association looked at 108 studies conducted on the alleged health benefits of intermittent fasting and found that only six were supported by solid evidence. That doesn’t mean the health benefits don’t exist; we just need more research before saying intermittent fasting is as beneficial for our health as its users claim it to be.
*JamaNetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2787246
CUT THE FINANCIAL UMBILICAL CORD
How to Raise Fiscally Responsible Adults
Adulting is all about doing your own laundry, cooking, and grocery shopping. It means making informed decisions about time management, organizational skills, and understanding how to be financially responsible. But how do you teach your teenager financial responsibility? Let’s explore several important lessons your child may need to gain financial independence! Help them find opportunities to earn money. Before your teen can learn to properly manage their finances, they must first make their own money! If they don’t have a job, encourage them to begin the hunt. If your teen is still too young to hold a job, consider paying them for chores around the house or yardwork. Once your teen has a cash flow, you can then teach them how to separate it into spending money and cash to save. Open a bank account. If your child doesn’t have a bank account yet, it’s time to set up a checking and savings
account for them. It’s a great way to provide them with financial independence while they still have access to your guidance. While credit cards can be scary to trust your learning teenager with, you should consider a prepaid credit card they can use to learn the ins and outs of how credit cards work while still having a safety net to protect their credit. Introduce them to the concept of interest. Interest can be beneficial or a disastrous hindrance, so your teen needs to understand how it works. While it can be beneficial for certain savings accounts, it can wreak havoc on credit card debt. Demonstrate interest with different real-life scenarios to show your teen how they can grow their money or rack up tons of debt. Whether your teen has just started earning their own money or is preparing to handle finances on their own, these simple tips can help you start training a fiscally responsible adult.
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RESCUE DOG’S LEGACY LIVES ON
How the World Fell for Frida
Dressed in protective goggles, blue booties, and a matching vest, this incredible rescue dog became a symbol of hope in Mexico. Frida, a cheerful yellow Labrador retriever, was a devoted member of the Mexican Navy known for her search and rescue skills. Trained to find people trapped under rubble after earthquakes, Frida always worked hard to save lives. Frida became a national hero when a devastating earthquake hit Mexico City in 2017. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake took more than 300 lives and injured many more. While sifting through dangerous debris and aftershocks, Frida saved 12 people after finding them alive while uncovering more than 40 bodies during her lifesaving career. While the nation was devastated by the disaster, this smiley rescue pup brought worldwide attention to the tragedy. Frida’s dedication (and impeccable style) quickly made her an internet celebrity, and soon, murals of the lifesaving canine graced the walls of Mexico City. Even Captain America, aka Chris Evans, gave Frida a shoutout on Twitter, adding, “What did we do to deserve dogs?” The hero dog then traveled the world, helping countries suffering from the aftermath of disastrous earthquakes. Frida saved lives in Haiti and Ecuador before retiring from her position in 2019 at 10 years old to live the rest of her days in comfort and love. Sadly, the Mexican Navy announced Frida’s passing in November 2022 due to old age. She was 13 years old.
Navy changed their Twitter banner to an illustration of Frida and spread the hashtag “#HastaSiempreFrida.” Frida will always be remembered for her lifesaving work and the hope she embodied for the entire world.
*People.com/pets/mexico-hero-search-and- rescue-dog-frida-dies/
In her honor, a magnificent bronze statue of Frida, clad in goggles and boots, stands in front of the Mexican Navy office in Mexico City. On the day of her death, the Mexican
Train Your
BRAIN!
Cherry Chia Greek Yogurt Bowls
Inspired by HungryHobby.net
INGREDIENTS
Chia Seed Jam • 2 cups Chelan fresh sweet cherries, pitted • 3 tbsp chia seeds
Greek Yogurt Bowl • 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp hemp seeds • 1 tbsp granola
• 2 tbsp honey • 1/4 cup water
DIRECTIONS
Chia Seed Jam We suggest making the chia seed jam in advance and storing it in the refrigerator so you can quickly assemble these yogurt bowls all week. Using a potato masher, mash down the cherries. Place a small pot on high heat and add the cherries, chia seeds, honey, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Allow jam to cool before using or refrigerate. Greek Yogurt Bowls In a small serving bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with vanilla extract. Top the Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp cherry chia seed jam, hemp seeds, granola, and a few additional Chelan fresh sweet cherries, if desired.
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issue INSIDE THIS Replace Jealousy With Joy PAGE 1
Fasting Is the Most Lasting Diet Fad
Top Tips to Teach Financial Responsibility PAGE 2
A Furry Hero in Mexico
Cherry Chia Greek Yogurt Bowls PAGE 3
The Colorful History of Medieval Smack Talk PAGE 4
THE ORIGINAL RAP BATTLES How Disses Became Poetry
Long before diss tracks, rap battles, and “yo mama” jokes, there was medieval “flyting.” Defined as quick exchanges of witty insults, these poetic slights were popular in England and Scotland from the 5th to 16th century. Insulting someone in verse took immense effort and quick wits, and they were undoubtedly a performance you didn’t want to miss. Despite crude language and below-the-belt potshots, flyting became entertainment for royals and was dubbed “court flyting.” While these jests are not well-documented, one flyting event made history. The iconic exchange known as “The Flyting of Dunbar and Kennedie” occurred in the early 16th century between William Dunbar and Walter Kennedie. The two were performing their court flyting for the Scottish King James IV. Both men were known for their intellect and clever nature, and their flyting did not disappoint. This famous dialogue featured two firsts: using fecal matter as an insult and dropping the F-bomb. Low-brow and crass, these speedy insults were simply too entertaining for even kings and queens to ignore.
without including expletives and curses. However, one tame section can be shared here. Dunbar reportedly insulted Kennedie by saying:
Maggoty mutton, gorged glutton, scurrilous certain heir to Hillhouse, Rank beggar, oyster-dredger, dismal debtor on the lawn, Lily-livered, soul-shivered, cheap as slivers in the millhouse, Bard baiter, thief of nature, false traitor, devil’s spawn. While these amusing fights were a form of entertainment, men also used them to influence the courts and improve their
social profile while lowering others. So, as you can imagine, flyting could get intense (similar to rap battles and heated diss tracks).
If you’re wondering what exactly these two “gentlemen” were saying, we’d have to admit that it would be difficult to quote
Centuries have passed, yet some things never really change!
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