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AUGUST 2025
THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY A Life Lesson I Keep Rereading
There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book. I love reading, not just for the escape it offers, but for how the right words can stick with you, shift your mindset, and reshape how you move through the world. That’s why National Book Lovers Day on Aug. 9 is more than just a fun “holiday” to me. It’s a moment to celebrate the power of books to change lives. And a few books have actually done that for me, including the ones written by Ryan Holiday. If you’re unfamiliar with Ryan Holiday, he’s a modern-day champion of ancient wisdom. His books explore the philosophy of Stoicism, an ancient Greek and Roman school of thought focused on resilience, purpose, and personal responsibility, and he makes it accessible, relatable, and incredibly relevant. What makes his writing so magnetic is how he pulls from history and draws on wars, presidencies, plagues, and revolutions. From there, he lays out exactly how people used Stoic principles (knowingly or not) to endure, lead, and triumph.
This past year has brought its own set of challenges. I had moments where I felt like I was slipping and moments where giving up almost seemed easier. But every time I returned to this book, it reminded me that the obstacle is an invitation to grow. It’s not something to fight against; it’s something to embrace. That idea ties right into another concept Holiday explores, called amor fati , which translates to “love of fate.” It means loving not just the good parts of life, but the hard parts, too: the heartbreak, setbacks, and moments you wish you could fast-forward through. You don’t just accept them, but you embrace them. You say, “This is mine. This is for me. There’s something here I need.” It’s all about learning to see purpose in the pain. The best part is that his ideas are illustrated through powerful real- world examples. Holiday writes about Abraham Lincoln and how he endured unimaginable grief, including the death of his young son, and battled what we now understand as clinical depression. And yet, those struggles deepened his empathy and helped him lead the country through one of the most divided and violent times in our history. His approach, “with malice toward none,” came not in spite of his suffering, but because of it. That’s why I think “The Obstacle Is The Way” is a mindset within itself. It urges us to choose perseverance in the face of adversity and to reframe hardship as an opportunity.
One of my favorite books of his, “The Obstacle Is The Way,” changed my entire perspective on adversity. Seriously, I’ve read it so many times I’ve lost count. I even got the title tattooed on my arm — it means that much to me. The central idea is that whatever obstacle you’re facing isn’t something in your way; it is the way. It’s the thing that will make you better, stronger, and wiser. When life throws hardship in your path, you don’t shrink from it. You stare it down, reframe it, and move forward with purpose.
So, on National Book Lovers Day, I’m raising a toast to the books that change us, the authors who connect ancient truths to our modern lives, and the readers, like me and maybe you, who turn to books not just for answers, but for strength.
–Case Barnett
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Retention Reaps Rewards TIPS FOR BUILDING BRAND BELIEVERS
REPEAT CUSTOMERS OFFER MORE THAN MONEY. Along with better ensuring regular sales, building a retained customer base enables you to gain feedback on what keeps them returning or may deter them from returning. Do they utilize one product/service while ignoring another? Have you asked them for their thoughts on how to refine your services? Have you adequately addressed any negative feedback? Input from those familiar with your services is often more valuable than attempting to draw in new clientele through a new product or promotion that doesn’t have a proven track record of generating sales. FREQUENT CONSUMERS ARE YOUR TRUE MARKETING PROS. A frequent customer’s free praise for your business is worth more than any marketing budget could ever achieve. In addition to considering adding incentives in your loyalty program for referrals, encourage satisfied returning customers to post positive feedback on their social media about why you’re their preferred provider. In the age of Facebook and Instagram, a photo of a happy customer
If you think gaining new customers is the most critical goal of any business, you’d be wrong. While attracting revenue through new sales is key for continued growth, retaining new customers is equally crucial to building your bottom line. Here are three essential considerations to remember when trying to keep customers coming back. IT’S CHEAPER TO KEEP EXISTING CUSTOMERS THAN TO ATTRACT NEW ONES. An existing customer generates more income for your business than you may realize. In addition to spending money on your product or
service, they save your business money since you’ve already done the heavy lifting to get them there and don't need to spend the same amount to get them to return. What you do need is a game plan to ensure their ongoing patronage. Implementing a loyalty program is one way to appeal to potential repeat customers at a minimal cost compared to winning them over the first time. Elements of successful loyalty programs include giving existing customers early access to new products, service offerings, exclusive discounts, special prize drawings, and point systems that award free items for frequent purchases.
using your product, accompanied by positive words about their experience, will tell your story more convincingly and effectively than promoting your brand yourself.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING "Having two children who both have special needs, as parents we've always been very protective. The fear, especially with our daughter, was that she would potentially become a victim of someone abusing her physically or sexually. We looked for someone who was trustworthy, caring, someone who understood the pain and the struggles we were experiencing. It was obvious right from the very beginning that Case cared and that he cared deeply about our situation and did not lose sight that at the end of the day, the right thing was going to happen. The right thing was going to be done. Case had a very good understanding of the school district's perspective as well, so it was refreshing to work with someone like Case who got it. Thanks to Case, we know our daughter's future is protected. If you're looking for an attorney you know is going to be supportive, reliable, and trustworthy, then you need to call Case Barnett Law." –Thomas L.
This publication is intended to educate the general public about personal injury and elder abuse. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different.
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On the cover, I talked your ear (or eyes) off about one of my favorite books, “The Obstacle Is The Way,” by Ryan Holiday, and how it’s not only a great read, but a whole mindset. Interestingly, it ties right in with Never Give Up Day, celebrated on Aug. 18. It’s a great reminder of how powerful reframing adversity can be, especially for personal injury clients navigating one of the most challenging times of their lives. Every Fight Is a Chance to Be Heard
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICE CREAM BARS Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com
Ingredients
• 1 pt strawberry ice cream • 1/4 cup strawberry preserves • 1 pt vanilla ice cream
In “The Obstacle Is The Way,” Holiday lays out a timeless idea rooted in Stoic philosophy: that every obstacle, no matter how painful or frustrating, holds an opportunity. It might be the opportunity to grow, lead, speak up, or for our clients, to tell their story. Let’s face it: When you’re up against an insurance company fighting you at every turn, it’s easy to feel worn down. But what if that fight is actually a platform? What if that deposition isn’t a trap but your spotlight? What if it’s your chance to show the full weight of what you’ve been through and how far you’ve come?
• 1 5.25-oz package crispy sugar cookies • 1 0.8-oz package freeze-dried strawberries
Directions
1. Stir strawberry ice cream in a large bowl until spreadable. Fold in preserves until evenly streaked throughout. 2. Stir vanilla ice cream in a separate large bowl until spreadable. 3. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of 8 (1/3-cup) popsicle molds. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the vanilla mixture on top of the strawberry mixture into the molds. Repeat, alternating the 2 mixtures, until each mold is full. 4. Place sticks into the popsicles and freeze until solid, 4–6 hours. 5. In a large zip-lock bag, crush sugar cookies with a rolling pin until pieces are rice-size; pour into a shallow dish. 6. Repeat with freeze-dried strawberries and stir the pieces together. 7. Run the ice cream molds under warm water to release popsicles from molds. 8. Coat bars evenly with cookie mixture. 9. Eat immediately or place on a cookie sheet and freeze.
That’s where Holiday’s message hits home: The obstacle itself is the way forward. Our clients often don’t choose their
circumstances. Accidents, injuries, and losses come out of nowhere, but their power lies in how they respond. When they walk into a trial, share their truth in a deposition, and stand up for themselves, they become the main character in a hero’s journey. Jurors see that — they can feel it. I think about it like this: The bigger the obstacle, the bigger the bounce back. Personally, I’ve had my share of low moments, times when the struggle felt overwhelming. But those are the chapters in my story that make the comeback that much more meaningful. It’s the same for our clients. Every pushback from the other side, delay, and moment of doubt builds toward something powerful. That’s why Never Give Up Day is such a perfect match for what we do. Because when clients face challenges head-on, they’re not just surviving, they’re owning it!
LAUGH LAWS
–Case Barnett
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 1 Finding Strength in the Pages of a Good Book
Page 2 Retain, Reward, Repeat
What Our Clients Are Saying
Page 3 The Hard Stuff Might Be the Best Part of Your Story
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Page 4 Cook Up a Legacy
CREATE A FAMILY COOKBOOK FULL OF LOVE AND FLAVOR A TASTE OF HOME
In most families, holidays, special occasions, and Sunday dinners usually revolve around laughter and food — lots of food. Whether it’s Grandma’s famous biscuits or that secret chili recipe your uncle swears he’ll take to the grave, these dishes are part of what makes your family your family. So, why not gather all those delicious memories into one place by creating a family cookbook?
funny kitchen mishaps. That’s the good stuff that makes your cookbook meaningful. Choose an organizational style. You could go the traditional route with categories like appetizers, mains, and desserts, or get creative with sections like “Grandma’s Greatest Hits,” “Cousin Potluck Favorites,” or “Holiday Classics.” Just pick a format that feels natural and easy to follow. Test and tweak as you go. Some family recipes live in the land of vague directions — “a dash of this” or “cook until it smells right,” etc. If needed, test the recipes and jot down more precise measurements or instructions. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Add a personal touch. Photos can take a cookbook from good to unforgettable. Include pictures of the dishes, handwritten recipe cards, or candid family
cooking moments. Even simple design details — like using someone’s handwriting or a family saying — can make it feel special. Pick a format. You don’t need to be a professional designer to pull this off. Tools like Canva, Shutterfly, or even Microsoft Word can help you create a layout. Decide whether you want to print physical copies, go digital, or do both. Don’t forget to embrace imperfection. Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect! A little mess here and there adds charm. What matters is preserving the joy, tradition, and flavor of your family’s kitchen.
Know your why. Before you dive in, decide what your
cookbook is for. Is it a holiday gift? A legacy project? A fun way to organize weeknight favorites? Knowing your purpose will guide the tone, design, and care you put into it. Gather the goods. Now comes the fun (and sometimes chaotic) part — tracking down recipes from relatives. Send a group text, email, or social media post asking for their go-to dishes. Encourage everyone to include personal stories, tips, or
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