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Life Happens Between the Stops
“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different?” — C.S. Lewis There’s something about simple words that stay with us the longest. I have one of those reminders sitting on my desk: a plain wooden block with a sentence that feels truer the older I get: “Time has a way of showing us what really matters.” That same truth also appears in unexpected places, including music. Every time I hear John Mayer’s “Stop This Train,” I’m reminded of that block on my desk. The song doesn’t beg for attention. It’s not loud. It doesn’t try to impress. It just tells the truth, a quiet one that most of us carry but don’t fully understand until life has given us a few more miles. On the surface, it’s about time moving too fast. But underneath, it’s deeper: It’s about not being ready for what time takes with it.
Those lines convey a great deal of wisdom. They remind us that we can’t stop time, but we can decide how we choose to greet it. The older we get, the more we learn that aging isn’t a problem to be solved. It’s not something to be negotiated away or postponed forever. It’s simply part of being alive. And here’s the bittersweet irony: The moments we wish would last forever are often ones we don’t fully recognize while we’re in them. Then we realize we’re already looking back, wondering when exactly they became memories. So, the invitation is this: pay attention. Pay attention to the ordinary days that don’t announce their importance. To the conversations at the kitchen table, because those chairs won’t stay filled forever. And to the familiar voice on the phone, before it lives only in a voicemail you save just to hear it again. The train keeps moving. It always has. And it always will. But there’s something comforting in knowing that we don’t have to fight it. We don’t have to pretend we’re not aging, or that time isn’t passing. Instead, we can ride with a little more awareness. A little more gratitude. A little more kindness for one another, and for ourselves. Because we may never stop this train, but we can hold hands when the track gets bumpy, ride out the long stretches together, and look out the window more often along the way.
Most of us know that feeling.
When we’re young, the days feel long. The future stretches out endlessly in front of us. We measure time in school years, jobs, and milestones still waiting to happen. But somewhere along the way, the pace changes. Years start slipping by faster. Seasons come and go before we’ve fully settled into the last one. And suddenly, we understand Mayer’s line: “Don’t wanna see my parents go.” Whether you’re watching your parents age or realizing that you are now the older generation yourself, there’s a quiet ache in that awareness. But it’s an ache softened by warmth and acceptance, a kind of love mixed with the understanding that nothing stands still. The song captures that wish we all have at some point. To slow things down. To step off. To go home again to a place where everyone is still safe and sound. Where nothing has changed.
But life doesn’t work that way.
One of the most powerful moments in the song comes when Mayer talks with his father, hoping for reassurance. Instead of offering a way out, his father offers perspective:
Don’t stop this train. Don’t for a minute change the place you’re in.
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
THE TINY HOME TREND FOR SECURE SENIOR LIVING As we grow older, we start to give more thought to the idea of retirement. After working diligently for decades, many people want to step away from work to spend their senior years traveling, enjoying time with loved ones, and taking steps to ensure they can age in place. However, retirement seems more like a dream than a reality for many Americans. While there is no magic number for how much retirement costs in 2026, experts estimate that most Americans will need over $1 million to maintain their standard of living through retirement. Among strategies you can use to shore up your retirement savings, one that has gained popularity is downsizing. Once the kids leave the nest and start families of their own, you may have more space than you know what to do with. While you could move into an apartment or a smaller home in your neighborhood, you may benefit from exploring the idea of a tiny home community. In recent years, home developers have given more intentional thought to creating communities that enable older Americans to age in place. Trade Your Empty Nest for Financial Freedom
Many have features that make our lives easier as we age. Flooring that allows medical devices to function smoothly, elevated appliances, easy-to-open shelving, motion-activated lighting, and remote-control blinds are just a few examples of the helpful elements found in many tiny home communities. The houses are usually single-level to eliminate the dangers of stairs and feature accessible bathroom designs to promote safety and more. From Oregon to Florida, tiny home communities are popping up all over the country. If you’re looking for a healthy way to age in place without breaking the bank, consider downsizing to a tiny home.
If you haven’t poured money into your retirement accounts throughout your career, you may be concerned about having a big enough nest egg in the future. You may worry you’ll have to continue working until your body gives out, but that’s not necessarily true for everyone.
Why This Social Game Is a Brain Workout in Disguise
Shuffle the tiles, pour a cup of tea, and pull up a chair, because it’s time to sharpen your mind and laugh the night away with a game of mahjong. The traditional Chinese game has made a resurgence, and for good reason. Mahjong is a brain-boosting, friendship- forging ritual that’s perfect for staying sharp as we age. Mahjong is a five-sense workout for the mind: your eyes track patterns, your hands sort and stack smooth tiles, your ears tune in to the satisfying clack-clack of play, and conversation and snacks bring warmth and connection. That mix of focus, strategy, and socializing is exactly what keeps your cognitive gears turning. Mental gymnastics happen naturally at the table. Every round asks you to remember which tiles have come and gone, spot runs and triplets, decide quickly what to discard, and rethink strategy as the game shifts. That combination of memory, pattern recognition, and split-second decision-making strengthens thinking skills in a way that crossword puzzles alone can’t match because mahjong does it with friends and laughter, not quietly at a desk. Science is catching up to what players already know. A broad review of studies found that older adults who play mahjong regularly often show steady or improved cognition, hand-eye coordination, and a stronger sense of belonging. One targeted trial reported measurable gains in memory, attention, and everyday
functioning after just 12 weeks of play. In short, the table helps keep your mind nimble and your days fuller. There’s something calming about the game’s rhythm, too. The shuffle, the deal, and the steady tempo of turns all work to soothe the nervous system. Psychologists note that social games like mahjong can boost the release of feel-good brain chemicals, which in turn strengthen mood and emotional resilience. That’s a powerful double win: a sharper mind and a kinder spirit. Curious to try? You don’t need a complex rulebook to start. Find a local senior center, community group, or neighborhood table; many welcome new players with open arms. Bring a friend, learn the basics, and let the tiles teach you the rest. In a world that pushes screens and speed, mahjong offers a slower, richer way to keep your brain active and your social circle buzzing. Pull up a chair, your mind will thank you.
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
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Sudoku
Spring-cleaning shouldn’t feel like training for a marathon. While it’s an excellent time to refresh your home, no one wants to be sore, exhausted, or overwhelmed in the process. Here’s how to keep spring-cleaning simple, safe, and manageable while still getting that fresh-season feeling. Take It One Step at a Time There’s no rule that says everything has to be done all at once. In fact, spreading tasks out over several days (or even weeks) can make a big difference. Start with one room or one drawer at a time, and stop when your energy dips. Short, focused efforts are often more productive than marathon cleaning sessions, and they’re much kinder to your body. Use Tools That Work With You The right equipment can make everyday tasks easier and safer. Look for cleaning tools that feel comfortable in your hands and don’t require a lot of bending or stretching. Lightweight vacuums, long-handled dusters, and easy-grip mops can help reduce strain on your back, knees, and shoulders. Even small upgrades, like a dustpan you can use while standing, can make a noticeable difference. Turn Cleaning Into a Safety Check Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to look at your home with fresh eyes. As you tidy, keep an eye out for potential hazards. Secure loose rugs, make sure pathways are clear, and check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. It’s also a good time to confirm you have basic safety essentials on hand, such as a fire extinguisher and a stocked first-aid kit. These simple steps can bring peace of mind along with a cleaner space. Don’t Go It Alone Some jobs are better shared, and more fun that way. Reach out to family members, friends, or neighbors for assistance with heavier or more challenging tasks. Working together turns chores into conversation and laughter, and it gives everyone a chance to reconnect. You can even make a small event out of it: clean a little, then enjoy lunch or dinner together afterward. Spring-cleaning doesn’t have to be exhausting to be effective. By moving at your own pace, using helpful tools, staying mindful of safety, and welcoming a little help, you can refresh your home while taking care of yourself. A Better Way to Spring-Clean HOW TO WELCOME THE SEASON WITHOUT OVERDOING IT
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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!
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
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Treasure Every Moment You Have, Today and Everyday
Downsizing to a Tiny Home Can Save Your Retirement Hopes The Tile Game That Keeps Minds Sharp and Friendships Closer Freshen Your Space Without Wearing Yourself Out Helpful Resources
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3 Essential Strategies Straight From Norway to Boost Your Daily Life
According to the World Happiness Report, Norway consistently ranks in the top 10 happiest countries in the world, whereas the U.S. has been in the high teens for years. We can’t emulate everything Norwegians do to remain happy (nor would most Americans want to). But they do offer a unique strategy Americans can utilize to maintain a positive outlook on life. Velvære is the Norwegian word for the state of well-being, which can be achieved by adopting the Nordic concept of slow living. Here are three strategies straight from Norway to help you reach velvære. Friluftsliv While friluftsliv may look like something found in a medical textbook, it refers to the Norwegian concept of open-air living and outdoor recreation. Norwegians spend ample time outside, regardless of the season. They ski, cook, and walk in nature. The outdoors plays a huge role in the Norwegian way of life, which directly impacts their happiness! Dugnad As we already know, community and belonging have a significant role in our happiness. Dugnad is a Norwegian activity all about Find Your ‘Velvære’ Through Nature, Community, and Coziness
helping and supporting one’s community. Whether through doing volunteer work, cleaning up public spaces, or raising money to support local causes, finding ways to help others will provide more value to your life and help your heart stay happy. Koselig How do you describe your everyday sense of being? Do you experience your life as chaotic, calm, or consistent? Koselig is the idea of incorporating coziness into all aspects of your life. When you carry yourself with a sense of warmth and comfort, you feel better and spread happiness everywhere you go.
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