Empty Nest, Fresh Start SMART HOUSING MOVES FOR YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
HEALTH No one wants to think about potential declines in their health, but laying the groundwork now to meet changing needs can avert untold hassles and expenses in the future. Is your current home easy to navigate? Is it free of stairs, narrow hallways, or small bathrooms? If such obstacles would make it difficult for you to live there as you grow older, renovating your home or moving to an age-appropriate residence may be wise. FINANCES Any decision about keeping, remodeling, or moving out of your present home involves financial tradeoffs. Staying in place allows you to build more equity in your home, but it bypasses the opportunity to cash out and invest the money elsewhere. Remodeling or
Fall is a season of fresh starts for teenagers and young adults as they begin college or take a new job. But it brings different challenges for many parents, who may feel abandoned and forgotten in an empty house. A well-known clinical psychologist once said that your child’s life will be filled with fresh experiences, and it’s good if yours is, too! Figuring out what to do with all that space is a promising place to begin. Of course, there is no one right answer, but here are some factors to consider as you determine your best path forward. LIFESTYLE The letting-go stage often stirs deeper questions of personal identity for parents.
How do you see your life as an empty- nester changing? Do you cherish the comfort and familiarity of your current home and community and enjoy having peace, quiet, and extra space to welcome guests? Or have you been yearning for the freedom to travel without the responsibility of maintaining your house? If so, moving to a smaller home or remodeling your current one may best serve your needs.
updating your home imposes upfront costs but could increase its future value. And while trading down to a smaller home may reduce your utility, insurance, tax, and mortgage payments, it also may impose other unforeseen costs, such as homeowners’ association fees. As these tradeoffs show, every empty-nester’s dreams and circumstances are different. Only you can decide the right moves for you!
A MOMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH HURT, HOPE, AND HEALING
This is the time of year when holidays and special events start filling our calendars, but one day in particular has the power to change how you feel about yourself and the world around you. World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated annually on Oct. 10, is a time worthy of more attention. No matter who we are or how we live, we all deserve the gift of mental peace and clarity. I represent people who’ve suffered catastrophic injuries and/or have been in horrific accidents. Whether their conditions manifest as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, or depression, I frequently encounter and represent folks who are suffering from some sort of mental injury. In some cases, traumatic brain injuries exacerbate their mental health struggles.
I wouldn’t be human if there weren’t times when working with these clients and hearing their stories over the years really pierced and stung me. Ultimately, my responsibility as an attorney is to be a source of positivity and encouragement to help find peace and justice after what they’ve endured. In my work, developing a good bedside manner is just as crucial as studying legal documents. My professional life has taught me patience, good listening skills, empathy, and flexibility. I’m grateful to have the daily opportunity to refine these crafts in and out of the office. Of course, I do all I can to focus on my mental health as well. Above all, I strive to leave work at the office. My home is my sanctuary, so I try not to allow work to creep into my thoughts and activities when I’m there. Naturally, it’s sometimes easier said than done, but I’ve found that going for a long walk (in my case, about 4 miles) usually does the trick. When my feet hit my usual
walking path and my blood starts flowing, it’s almost impossible to focus on whatever problem has been on my mind before I left the house. Best of all, when my mind returns to that problem once I’m back home, I’m mentally and physically refreshed enough to think, “This isn’t a problem after all. You’ve got this; you’ll be fine.” This World Mental Health Day, consider ways to improve your outlook. And remember, no matter how hard things get, there’s always a way forward and people who are available and ready to help you.
–Kevin Mottley
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