Take a look at our March newsletter!
Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. MARCH 2024
The Refreshing Power of Spring-Cleaning BREAK FREE FROM CLUTTER
Spring is in the air, and there’s no better time than the present to start digging through closets and breaking out the cleaning supplies to freshen up your house. I love the concept of spring-cleaning! It’s a great feeling when you can refresh and tidy your home. While I greatly enjoy cleaning my home, I don’t always get rid of unneeded items immediately. Oftentimes, I want to hold onto these objects for sentimental reasons; other times, I worry I’ll need them sometime in the future. I struggle with the idea of being wasteful. I don’t want to throw something out that still works well. To put it simply, it’s just hard for me to let go of things.
Recently, I’ve tried to view “getting rid of something” in a completely different light. I’m allowing these items to move on to the next stage of their journeys. That’s why I like to donate my unneeded or unwanted items instead of tossing them in the garbage or letting them pile up in my home. It’s important to remember that an item could still be a blessing in someone else’s life, even if it no longer serves any purpose in your own. I’ve found that the more I donate and declutter my space, the more it brings me peace. I’m able to relax and enjoy my environment much more. The conclusion of winter provides the perfect opportunity to open our shutters, let the sunshine in, and tidy up the house, but we don’t have to wait until a specific date or season to clean up our living spaces. We can do it all year round. Every other month, I try to remove some unneeded items from my house and donate them. It’s a work in progress, and I do better during some months than others. The six-month decluttering rule states that if you haven’t worn or used something in six months, it’s time to let it go. I have yet to commit to the six-month rule. It can take me six years of not using something before I finally let it go, but I’m improving! A few weeks ago, I donated 10 suits I hadn’t worn in about a decade. The suits will go to an organization that helps young women learn job skills and find success in their lives. They’ll be able to wear those suits to upcoming interviews and try to land the jobs of their dreams. I’m so happy my suits gained a second life, and now I can help other people reach their goals! Spring-cleaning and decluttering the house isn’t an activity I do all alone. My kids also like to jump in and help! We’ll look at their toys together to determine which ones they’re done playing with and donate them so another little kid can have fun. I try not to make it overwhelming for my kids. I simply ask them what three toys they’re done playing with, and those are the ones we donate. It teaches them the spirit of giving and helps them learn the benefits of charity. And we certainly don’t get rid of all their toys! We hold on to plenty for when they have kids of their own.
“Participating in spring-cleaning will benefit you, your family, and your community.”
Participating in spring-cleaning will benefit you, your family, and your community. It takes time, but the rewards are well worth the effort! I hope you all have a wonderful start to the spring season!
–Andrea Shoup
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Unlocking the Secrets of Natural Rest Tune in to Your Body’s Clock
When we lie down and settle into sleep, our brain starts descending from the conscious realm into the soothing arms of slumber. As you drift off, your brain activity decelerates, your body temperature dips, and muscles relax. This phase, known as light sleep, makes up about half of our total sleep time. As the night progresses, we enter the deep sleep stage. Here, our body’s muscle tone and heartbeat find their calmest rhythm while the brain’s activity shifts to delta waves. It’s like a restorative elixir flowing through you, bolstering your immune system and mending the day’s wear and tear. Deep sleep is pivotal in cementing memories and contributes to creativity and insightful thinking. Then, we enter the famous REM sleep, when our brain activity escalates. It is the stage responsible for our most vivid dreams and a fountain of learning and creativity. To enter REM sleep, we must be asleep for at least 90 minutes to cycle through light to deep sleep. Once we are in it, REM can last for about 90 minutes. If we wake up naturally from the light sleep stage, we feel refreshed and rejuvenated. A clock alarm, though, doesn’t know which sleep stage we are in, so it may wake us when we are in the deep sleep stage. Being abruptly awoken in this state leaves us disoriented and groggy. It creates sleep inertia, an uncomfortable stage that can put us in a bad mood when we first wake up.
Our bodies are not designed to wake up during deep sleep. Cortisol, our natural
energy hormone, is like a slow-release pill crafted by nature. Levels decrease as we get ready to go to bed and rise when it is time to
wake up. If the alarm disrupts the natural sleep cycle, waking us before the cortisol surge, we feel out of sorts.
Our brains and bodies are designed to balance our well-being. When we respect its natural rhythms, we enhance our mood, boost our cognitive abilities, and nurture our overall health. Each night is a new opportunity to reconnect with your body’s innate wisdom and wake up to a more vibrant and harmonious life. So tonight, when you lay your head on the pillow, listen to the whisper of your internal clock and embrace your natural sleep patterns. Sweet dreams and sweeter morning awakenings are ahead if you do.
MARISSA’S DEDICATION TO CLIENT SUPPORT The Heart of Estate Planning
the best decisions for themselves and their families going forward. Our estate planning assistant, Marissa, is committed to this goal and continues to go above and beyond to assist everyone she meets. Marissa joined our team this past October after graduating with a degree in political science with a concentration in public policy and law. She hadn’t always perceived a future in law, but that all changed when she was attending Seattle Pacific University during the pandemic. Marissa started to pay more attention to current events taking place on her campus and around the country, making her realize just how much law and public policy impact and influence the lives of every American. After graduating with her degree, Marissa moved back to her hometown in California to be closer to family and get some firsthand experience in a legal
office. Marissa interviewed with us, and we knew she would be the perfect fit for our team.
In just a few short months, Marissa has proven to be a strong source of support and assistance to her coworkers and clients. She’ll wear many hats as she jumps from project to project, helping anywhere she can. From scheduling consultations to answering client questions pertaining to their estate plans, Marissa can do it all — with the hope that she can do even more in the future. After gaining some experience with our office, Marissa has goals to attend law school and become a full- fledged lawyer. In her free time, Marissa loves to relax and enjoy the company of her family.
The desire to help others is a common characteristic shared among estate planning professionals nationwide. Everyone who works or has worked in our office has the same goal of helping members of our community get their estate planning needs handled and maintained. They work diligently to ensure every client and prospective client has all the information and guidance they need to make
We’re thrilled to have Marissa on our team and can’t wait to see what’s next on her professional journey!
Plan today for peace
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Spring Renewal ORGANIZE YOUR ESTATE PLAN FOR A FRESH START As the vibrant colors of spring bloom and the air becomes filled with the scent of renewal, it’s not just the physical surroundings that could benefit from a thorough cleaning and organization. Spring is the perfect time to extend the rejuvenation to your estate planning, ensuring that your legal affairs are as up- to-date as the season itself.
Sesame Garlic Ramen Inspired by TheSaltyMarshmallow.com
Ingredients
• 2 6-oz packages of ramen noodles • 2 tsp of sesame oil • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 2 tsp Sriracha •
Organizing Your Estate Plan Reviewing Documents
Begin your estate planning spring-cleaning by reviewing all of your legal documents. Dust off your will, trust, power of attorney, and health care directives. Ensure the language is clear and accurate and reflects your current wishes. If any life events, such as births, deaths, or major financial changes, have occurred since your last review, update the documents accordingly. Assessing Beneficiaries Check the designated beneficiaries on your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and any other assets with named beneficiaries. Confirm that they align with your current intentions, making changes if necessary. Property Inventory Be sure to assess your property inventory. Update the list of your assets, including real estate, valuable possessions, and financial accounts. This inventory can be a crucial reference for you and your heirs. Guardianship Plans If your estate plan includes provisions for minor children, review and confirm your choice of guardians. Ensure that the selected individuals are still willing and able to assume this responsibility. Circumstances change, and it’s vital that your guardianship plans remain relevant. Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives The individuals entrusted with your power of attorney and health care directives play pivotal roles in your life decisions if you’re unable to make them yourself. Spring is an ideal time to confirm these designations, ensuring that the appointed individuals are still suitable for these roles. Tax Planning Review your estate plan to optimize its tax efficiency, potentially reducing the burden on your heirs. Consult with a financial advisor or estate planning professional for personalized advice. Digital Assets Include a review of your digital assets and their management in your estate planning checklist. Make sure your loved ones can access your digital accounts in the event of your incapacitation or passing. Just as the changing season prompts us to refresh our living spaces, a thorough spring cleaning of your estate plan can bring peace of mind and security for the future. By investing time and effort now, you’re ensuring that your wishes are clearly communicated and providing your loved ones with the guidance they need during challenging times.
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
1. Cook the ramen noodles according to the instructions on the package. Toss the seasoning packet or save for another recipe. 2. Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. 3. Add garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. 4. Remove pan from heat, whisk in soy sauce, brown sugar, and Sriracha until well combined. Feel free to add more heat or sweetness to taste. 5. Drain noodles and combine with sauce, tossing gently. 6. If desired, add your choice of cooked meat or tofu and mix thoroughly. 7. Garnish with green onions.
TAKE A BREAK
e of mind tomorrow.
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Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. 39755 Date St., Ste. 203 | Murrieta, CA 92563 (951) 445-4114 | www.shouplegal.com
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1 | Spring-Cleaning for a Cause 2 | Embrace Your Sleep Cycle 2 | Meet Marissa, Estate Planning Assistant 3 | Include Your Estate Plan in Your Spring Cleaning 3 | Sesame Garlic Ramen 4 | Refresh Your Home for the Season Inside This Issue Sprucing Up for Spring Spring is a time of renewal, blooming flowers, and rejuvenation. Revitalize your home this season with a few easy DIY ideas. Add splashes of color. Nothing says spring like bright, fresh colors. A fresh coat of paint will change the dynamic of any room; try painting an accent wall with greens, blues, and yellows. You can also use colorful pillows, vases, and other accessories to brighten a room.
Get new houseplants. Bright-colored flowering plants and multi-shaped green leaves bring spring to any space. Whether natural or artificial, they’re a great way to make any room livelier. Rearrange the furniture. Shifting your furniture around is a great way to invite spring into your home. Try moving your furnishings so more light comes in.
It doesn’t take a lot to rejuvenate your home for spring. These quick tips will add light, brightness, and color to your surroundings.
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