Atlanta Divorce Law Group - January 2019

Take a look at our newsletter this month!

The Opportunity to Reinvent Yourself in 2019 NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

January 2019

New Year’s is all about change, and nothing feels like a bigger transformation or brings about more life adjustments than getting a divorce. Whether their marriage lasted for two or 20 years, when a couple chooses to end their relationship, it requires a conversation about which parts of the relationship they want to leave behind and which parts they want to take with them into the future. One of the best aspects of a marriage is the partnership it brings: the ability to lean on your spouse for support during big decisions, problems, and opportunities. But when you make the choice to part ways, it’s as if a part of your identity dissipates as well. While navigating these feelings is a treacherous endeavor, a change in perspective this new year can make a world of difference. If you’ve gone through a divorce recently, I want to challenge you to make these early months in 2019 a time for self-discovery and reinvention. Who are you apart from your former spouse? What are your core values? What do you believe in? My team and I have worked with a number of people who viewed their divorce as a symbolic shattering of their character and identity. A person might spend their entire lives morally or spiritually opposed to divorce but now have to deal with their broken belief system in a very public way. This can easily leave a person in a dark place, feeling very alone. They know they are becoming a different version of their former self, but they have no control over it.

So here’s my challenge: Rather than accepting the perspective that your divorce is just an event that happened to you, try to view it as an opportunity to recommit to yourself. Rather than merely reacting to the changes brought on by a separation, take control of your new life and decide which steps you want to take as you move into the future. Establishing who you are now takes deep reflection and requires you to be truly honest with yourself, but by doing so, you are facing one of the most important facets of life — your ethos — with confidence, enthusiasm, and excitement for what comes next. Deciding who you are as a person gives you an opportunity to decide what kind of parent you want to be, what kind of friend you want to be, and what kind of partner you want to be in future relationships. Imagine how fantastic your goal-setting experience for 2019 could be if you made a commitment to make changes on your own terms. “Rather than merely reacting to the changes brought on by a separation, take control of your new life and decide which steps you want to take as you move into the future.” As you head into 2019, if you feel any fear or trepidation about facing the new year on your own, try to set aside some time to review, reflect, and take control of your life. Let’s make it the best year yet.

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–Sara Khaki

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THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE IN 2019! BY CERTIFIED PILATES INSTRUCTOR MARIA ANGELOVA

With New Year’s Eve on the horizon, people all over the world are making a list of resolutions to achieve in the upcoming year, one of the most popular being a greater focus on health and fitness. In reality, the heart of what they should be working on is self-care, which can be surprisingly difficult to remember during times of transition like the new year. For this reason, we have asked our friend Maria Angelova, a certified Pilates instructor with her own studio in Sandy Springs and founder of Rebellious Intl, a health and wellness program, to compile a list of guidelines to keep in mind this upcoming year. While changes can be positive or negative, both disrupt our routine and frequently take us out of our comfort zone. Unquestionably, a change presents an opportunity for personal growth, but we are often faced with a choice of how to embrace the change while still remembering to focus on self-care. The below guidelines are applicable not only during periods of transition, but at any time. Our society is too rushed, and we often appreciate self-care once urgency presents through health 1. MOVE Our bodies are designed to move. On top of all of the known physical health benefits — stronger muscles, healthier bones, better circulation, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduced blood sugar, etc. — exercise invigorates the mind, creates a positive outlook, and boosts confidence. Physical activity is a wonderful way to tune in with the body, step away from the to- do list, and quiet the mind. issues. Self-care ensures our whole self is nurtured though body, mind, and spirit.

2. BREATHE Everyone is aware of the physiological need for breathing. Breath focus is a shared feature among several relaxation techniques. From slowing heart rate to lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing focus, breathing is a fix for everyone, everywhere and anytime. Perform breathing techniques as a daily habit or as needed when you feel overwhelmed. One of the most popular and basic breathing techniques is belly breathing. Find a comfortable position sitting or lying down. Take a deep breath through your nose and allow your belly to push out. Breathe out through your mouth with pursed lips as you let your belly go in and push all air out. Repeat 5–10 times. 3. MEDITATE Meditation is known for its therapeutic and stress relieving properties. The ultimate goal of mediation is to liberate the mind from attachment to things it cannot control. However, for most people today, meditation focuses the mind on now and takes away an uncontrollable mind spin. Thus, meditation is another tool that does wonders for mental clarity and emotional calm while sharing similar physiological benefits outlined for breathing above. For most beginners, it is helpful to start with guided meditation — Insight Timer App is a favorite — or with focus on breath. Sit down or lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes. Simply breathe in and out and feel the tingle of each breath go down and up your body. Stay focused on the breath and do not allow the mind to wander. Start with a couple of minutes of practice and gradually increase time. 4. ELIMINATE TOXINS Whether toxic chemicals or toxic relationships, take the time to free yourself from both. Environmental toxins contribute to anything from inflammation to fatigue, allergies, brain fog, bloating, disease, etc. Unhealthy relationships increase stress levels and can contribute to chronic inflammation and other health problems. Reduce toxic load. Eliminate or reduce processed foods, sodas, refined carbs, saturated fats, and GMO foods. Minimize the use of household and personal care products loaded with harmful ingredients and substitute with natural alternatives. Avoid plastics, the microwave, and exposure to too much technology. Use the Healthy Living App to check health ratings of your favorite foods and personal care products. As much as possible, stay away from people and circumstances that weigh you down. Set boundaries. If needed, find a professional to share your perspective and seek unbiased clarity. Concentrate on relationships and activities that

nurture the soul, reinvigorate, and uplift. Build your support network of people who make you feel good and fill your cup. 5. EAT WELL Nurture your body. Eat a diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies. Whenever possible, and especially for produce on the Dirty Dozen list, pick organics. Avoid processed, prepackaged, sugar-loaded foods. Select non-GMO foods and health products whenever feasible. Consume grass-fed meat and eggs. 6. HYDRATE Water makes up about 60 percent of an average adult body. It is essential for myriad physiological processes, including normal metabolism functions, waste elimination, beautiful skin, and much more. Drinking water is an easy way to feel good! There are varying recommendations for daily water consumption, but 2 liters per day is a good minimum. 7. SLEEP Be consistent with your sleep schedule. Create a bedtime routine that calms you. Including breathing or meditation as part of the evening or morning ritual is sensible. Avoid electronics and technology prior to going to bed and upon waking up for at least an hour. Remember that the bed is for sleeping and sex. 8. LIVE INTENTIONALLY This is easy yet so hard. Do. What. You. Enjoy. Play. Go to a concert. Walk barefoot in the grass. Meet friends for dinner. Take a crazy workout class. Be silly. Dance as if nobody is watching. Sing as if nobody is listening. Follow your purpose. Travel. Let the adrenaline rush rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. 9. PRACTICE GRATITUDE Focus on all the good things in your life! Think about them consistently and always search for more. Gratitude focuses our perspective on the good and positive opportunities. It keeps the mind open. It keeps us upbeat and fun to be around. It reduces stress and thus improves health. Gratitude practiced regularly has tremendous benefits for ongoing personal growth. 10. PRACTICE SELF-LOVE … by practicing the steps above! Self-love means appreciating, accepting, and forgiving oneself. Self-love is being kind and compassionate to oneself. It is dynamic, it flourishes as we grow as individuals. Self-love is expressed with actions that support our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. We practice self-care once we believe we are deserving and worthy of receiving it. To amplify your practice of self-love in 2019, be sure to check out Maria’s 30-day Health and Wellness Transformation for the new year. To find out more information, go to http://uniquerebel. mykajabi.com/p/30DayResetIntroduction.

MARIA ANGELOVA

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NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Tips to Help Your Child Set Their Own Goals for 2019

MAKE SPECIFIC GOALS WITH SMALL CHECK-INS. According to Dr. Christine Carter, author of “Raising Happiness,” turning a good intention into a habit is one of the most important skills parents can teach their kids. She claims that it takes six weeks to create habits. By helping your children make specific goals and then periodically checking in for progress (rather than total success), you will help them achieve what they set out to do. BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL. As parents, it’s important to practice what you preach. Before you help your children map out their own resolutions, you should start modeling the process for them using your own goals for 2019. Allow them to watch you take stock of the last year and commemorate your own success — it’s important for them to see you feel good about yourself, and you deserve to as well! Then let them in on your own resolution-setting process. This will help them brainstorm ideas for their list.

New Year’s Day is the traditional time to celebrate new beginnings and take on challenges. According to child psychologists, kids ages 7–12 are at the ideal stage to learn some resolution-setting habits. Making resolutions with your children can be both fun and exciting and an excellent opportunity for family bonding. Here are some tips on how to ensure that their New Year’s goal setting is a positive experience and ways to help them keep in touch with their goals all year long. FOCUS ON THE GOOD. Start by helping your child focus on all the positive things they accomplished last year rather than pointing out their potential shortcomings. In this way, you are cataloging their successes in 2018. The next step is the actual goal-setting process. Should you make resolutions for your kid? Most experts say no; they instead encourage parents to guide children toward creating their own goals by offering a few broad categories. Personal goals, friendship goals, and school goals are a great place to start.

OUR FIRM’S Christmas Party!

CITRUS AND AVOCADO SALAD

INGREDIENTS

1 blood, cara cara, or navel orange, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded 1 Meyer or regular lemon, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded

• • • • • • •

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves 1 avocado, cut into wedges Salt and pepper, to taste 1 bunch arugula

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss citrus slices with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast citrus until lightly charred and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Let cool. 3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine onion and lemon juice. Season with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Add citrus, arugula, and mint to onion mixture. Drizzle with remaining oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss thoroughly. 5. Add avocado, combing very gently to not crush avocado.

The holidays are an amazing time to get together with friends, family members, and of course, fantastic colleagues! On Dec. 7, the team here at Atlanta Divorce Law Group celebrated a wonderful year together at our annual Christmas party. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s party the best one yet!

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Inspired by Bon Appétit

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Inside This Issue

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How Divorce Offers the Opportunity for Reinvention

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The Importance of Self-Care in 2019!

New Year’s Resolutions for the Whole Family

Citrus and Avocado Salad

The Best Skiing Destinations in the World

3 of the World’s Greatest Winter Sport Destinations Who’s Ready for Some Powder?

The sound of the first carve through fresh powder is the anthem of all winter sports enthusiasts. Here are three of the world’s best places to experience that powder you’ve been craving all year.

Columbia, you’ll understand why they hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The location’s beauty is only part of your stimulating experience, because every curve of fresh powder makes your pupils dilate. Once you’re done flying down the hill where Bode Miller took the bronze, head over to the winter wonderland of the old Olympic Village for a cozy night in a picturesque town. If you want a great location for next year’s Christmas card photo, there’s no better place than the Tyrolean Alps. Nestled in a valley between perfectly molded mountains, the Austrian landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter excursions. The densely wooded areas and the bright reflection of the snow frame the vibrant town that’s just waiting to be explored. When you’re ready for world-class runs, hop in one of the 11 gondolas and zip down the hills that hosted the 2001 Alpine World Ski Championships. ST. ANTON, AUSTRIA

BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO

John Denver’s anthem “Rocky Mountain High” is about the freedom he felt here. Where there are great mountains, there’s even better snow. The ski resort boasts five peaks, 187 trails, 34 lifts, four terrain parks, and a renowned cross-country trail. After a day on the slopes, head into the town of Breckenridge for dining and activities that ditch the glitz and glamour of Vail or Aspen and take you straight to the heart of fun.

WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

A destination that looks like a cross between a Nordic paradise and Olympic-level runs, Whistler is filled with true magic, winter activities, and a town that captivates the senses. When you see the mountains of British

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