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FEB 2026
Simplifying Life The Power of a Personal Reset
For a long time, my life felt loud. Not in an obvious way. More like a low-grade hum that never shut off. The kind that sits in your chest and makes even quiet moments feel busy. Work played a role. Trying to lead a growing firm played a role. Wanting to be fully present for my family while carrying the responsibility of providing for them played a role. None of it was dramatic on its own. It just stacked. Thought on thought. Day on day. By the time night rolled around, my body was tired but my mind refused to stand down. Therapy helped slow things down. So did a handful of decisions that forced me to pay closer attention to how I was living instead of how I was performing. One of those decisions was stepping away from alcohol back in October 2021. It wasn’t a grand declaration. It was a quiet choice that created more space than I expected. The
noise softened. Breathing got easier. Calm stopped feeling like a fluke. February feels like the right time to talk about this. Its name traces back to purification. Not the dramatic kind. The quiet kind. The kind that happens through repetition. Through checking in. Through noticing when something feels off and refusing to ignore it. The kind that asks for patience more than willpower, and honesty more than discipline. As I write this, I’m a few minutes away from getting in my car and heading to therapy. That drive feels different than it used to. There was a stretch when I walked into those sessions bursting at the seams, racing to unload every fear before time ran out. Now, I sometimes sit there wondering what even needs unpacking. Silence has crept in, and it no longer feels threatening. It feels earned.
too busy negotiating with gravity. The kind that hurt a little. The honest kind. The kind that leave you tired in a good way. Recovery matters, too. We added an outdoor sauna and cold plunge at home, and it changed the rhythm of my weeks. Sitting in 190-degree heat for 20 minutes does something primal. Sweat clears more than skin. Then the cold. The shock. The sharp inhale. The reminder that you’re still here. Every time, the same result: quiet. A reset I now notice when it’s missing. This isn’t about presenting a perfect life. It’s about proof. Proof that patterns can break. Proof that the things dragging you down don’t have to win by default. Purification isn’t a finish line. It’s maintenance. It’s paying attention. It’s choosing to stay awake in your own life. If something feels heavy right now, notice it. Sit with it. February has a way of asking for
That still surprises me.
Life feels steadier these days. Not perfect. Not untouched by stress. But manageable in a way that once felt out of reach. The floor feels solid. The swings feel smaller. When problems show up, they stay problems instead of becoming emergencies. The biggest change came from structure. Not productivity hacks. Not grand plans. Simple things, done consistently. Hard workouts four or five times a week. The kind that leave no room for mental noise because your body is
Check out the “Illinois Divorce Guide Podcast”! Listen and Share!
honesty. Sometimes that’s where the change starts.
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The Case of the Skimpy Snack The concept of “shrinkflation” may be gaining ground in light of today’s economy, but it’s nothing new. In fact, nearly a decade ago, the thought of companies reducing the amount of product available in each sale while charging the same price hit one Midwestern man right in his sweet tooth. In 2017, Robert Bratton of Columbus, Missouri, sued the Hershey Co. for $5 million, claiming that the boxes of Reese’s Pieces and Whoppers he regularly purchased were not filled with enough candy. Citing violations of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, he alleged that 29% of the Reese’s Pieces boxes he purchased were empty, while only 59% of the Whoppers packaging contained actual product. His suit further alleged that the candy company unjustly enriched itself by knowingly selling boxed items containing considerable empty space. Aiming to avoid leaving a sour taste in court, Hershey’s contended that at least some empty space is common in most packaged goods to allow for “efficient manufacturing and distribution.” Additionally, the company claimed that consumers are made aware of this necessary space before purchasing its goods, as the contents of Whoppers and Reese’s Pieces boxes “audibly rattle.” Seize Your Valentine’s Victory Solo, Strong, and Satisfied A Sweet Swindle?
Despite his multimillion-dollar complaint, Bratton continued to purchase Hershey products, a move that ultimately led to the unraveling of his lawsuit. In 2018, Judge Nanette K. Laughrey dismissed the case after it was revealed that the plaintiff had purchased Reese’s Pieces and Whopper boxes by the hundreds over several years, despite knowing the high likelihood that they would not be full. “Mr. Bratton testified that he initially expected the boxes to be full, but at some point … [he] realized that they’re not,” Laughrey said in her ruling. “Although Mr. Bratton claimed to have always clung to his hope that the boxes would be full, he acknowledged that he did not expect the box to be miraculously filled the next time he bought it.” While Bratton’s love for sugary treats is impossible to deny, his efforts to take down a chocolate giant for shortchanging his confectionery conquests were questionable at best.
If you’re dreading your first (or another) Valentine’s Day alone, it’s time to look at Feb. 14 in a new way. Whether you’re newly divorced or struggling with being alone on yet another day celebrating love, here are three tips for finding greater happiness on the holiday. START WITH SELF-CARE. Valentine’s Day celebrates love for others, but nothing stops you from loving yourself as well. For one thing, it lands on a Saturday this year. If you typically have weekends off, you can be as extravagant or low-key as you want without your “you” time interfering with your work commitments. Go on a short trip to visit an out-of-state spot of interest, give yourself a rejuvenating trip to the gym, or simply stay home and soak in some long-overdue peace and quiet. Regardless of how you choose to fill your time, focus on activities that bring you pleasure and fulfillment. PRIORITIZE PEOPLE WHO PROVIDE PEACE. Keeping good company can go a long way in clearing your head. If being alone will bring you down this Valentine’s Day, consider making plans to spend time with single or separated friends who may also
benefit from a bit of companionship. Even if your desired company lives far away, you can always use tech to have a video chat or even host a multiperson “watch party” of a silly movie
you all love. Just because you’re not spending Valentine’s Day with a partner doesn’t mean you need to stay solo. BLUEPRINT A NEW BEGINNING.
If this Valentine’s Day threatens to drown your feelings in thoughts of the past, consider using it as a way to plot a new chapter in your life. Have a hobby or interest that’s been on the back burner for far too long? Want to get in better shape and adopt a healthier lifestyle? Would adopting a new or first-time pet bring you joy? If so, Feb. 14 is the day to put these plans into action! A new course for a more fulfilling life is perhaps the best Valentine’s Day gift you’ll ever receive.
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Gloom Be Gone Win the War Against Winter Woes
When we were younger, winter often meant days off from school and time to play in the snow. As adults, this time of year can lead to schedule disruptions, social isolation, perpetual bad mood, and unhealthy daily habits. If winter just isn’t as fun for you as it once was, these three tips may help you rise above the seasonal slowdown.
yourself to following the same sleep and eating schedules daily. Even if you feel stuck indoors watching movies or scrolling through your phone, try to limit or stop your screen time long before you go to bed. You may be surprised at how quickly these simple changes can help clear your
brain fog in the weeks leading up to spring. CULTIVATE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS.
Humans are social animals, which makes staying in touch with friends and loved ones especially critical in winter. Look into community events or groups that allow you to meet new people, and set time aside to connect with people close to you who live far away. Winter is a great time to use technology to its fullest, as it’s easy to converse with someone face-to-face via Zoom meetings or video chats. If you’re feeling shut off and lonely right now, a friend or family member is likely experiencing the same struggle. Reaching out may be the best thing you can do for yourself … and for them. SENSE WHEN TO SEEK SUPPORT. Although these aforementioned pointers can help most people find greater stability in a rough season, a malaise can still follow you no matter how hard you try to shake it. If you’re experiencing erratic mood swings, ongoing depression, decreased interest in things that typically bring you happiness, or considerable weight gain or loss, it may be time to seek a medical professional’s care to identify and treat an underlying physical issue or to consult a therapist for help in achieving greater mental clarity.
DON’T LET THE CLOCK COUNT YOU OUT. Does every hour after midafternoon feel like midnight to you during winter? The lack of sunlight can wreak havoc on your daily schedule, especially if you have some downtime during the holidays. If you’ve been feeling sluggish lately, it may be a sign your body needs a more consistent routine. Avoid late nights if you’re off from work, and commit
TAKE A BREAK
Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Ingredients • 4 thick, boneless pork chops • 3 1/2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning, divided • 1 tsp sea salt • 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1/4 cup stone- ground mustard • 1/4 cup fresh honey • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Pat pork chops dry before seasoning them with salt and 1 1/2 tsp of garlic and herb seasoning. 3. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. 4. Sear pork chops in hot oil for 1–3 minutes on each side. 5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mustard, honey, and remaining garlic and herb seasoning while the pork cooks. 6. Remove pork chops from skillet. Add honey mustard mixture to the skillet and mix. 7. Place pork chops back in skillet and cover with sauce. 8. Place pan in oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until pork reaches 145 F. 9. Set oven to broil for the final minute to allow the tops to caramelize and enjoy!
Inspired by LoveFromTheOven.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
1.
Mind, Body, and Balance
2.
A Chocoholic’s Day in Court
A Holiday for Greater Happiness
3.
A Smoother Seasonal Slump
Honey Mustard Pork Chops
4.
Island Hop on a Hassle-Free Adventure to These Travel Destinations
Set Sail on a Getaway That Keeps Things Simple
A Cruise Where Your Passport Can Stay Home
Have you been dreaming of a getaway, but the thought of renewing
Portland, Maine, or take in the quaint charm of Bar Harbor. With Norwegian Cruise Line, you can enjoy a journey hitting all these spots before returning to the Big Apple. SUN, SAND, AND CARIBBEAN VIBES If turquoise waters and golden beaches are more your style, the Caribbean is calling, and you don’t need a passport if you start from U.S. ports like Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. Regent Seven Seas invites travelers aboard the Wonders in the Caribbean cruise, stopping in the Cayman Islands, Belize, Mexico, and more. For a tropical twist, Royal Caribbean’s Southern Caribbean Holiday cruise begins in San Juan and visits Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, and St. Maarten. BAHAMIAN BLISS Florida’s sunny ports are your gateway to The Bahamas. From Miami, Port Everglades, or Port
Canaveral, you can hop on a Carnival or Disney cruise for a few nights of fun. Disney Cruise Line’s three-night Bahamian adventure aboard the Disney Wish includes Nassau and the legendary Disney Castaway Cay. Sand, sun, and smiles await without ever leaving U.S. waters. BERMUDA BOUND Just 570 miles off North Carolina, Bermuda is a perfect East Coast escape. Departing from New York City, Boston, Norfolk, or Miami, you can enjoy sandy pink beaches, historic Hamilton, and the charm of St. George. Carnival and Oceania offer cruises with relaxing days at sea and island adventures, perfect for a tropical getaway close to home. From the historic streets of New England to the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, these passport-free cruises make it easy to see the world while keeping things simple.
your passport is too much? Don’t worry, you can set sail without leaving the
country. Passport-free cruises make it easy to explore charming towns, sunny beaches, and vibrant ports, all while keeping the logistics simple. CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND ADVENTURES Who says you need a passport to explore charming cobblestone streets, colorful harbors, and breathtaking fall foliage? Cruises from Boston, New York City, and Cape Liberty (New Jersey) make it easy to experience the magic of Canada and New England. Stroll through Halifax, Nova Scotia, savor lobster in
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