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April/May 2025
UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL Why Lifelong Learning Is Key to Growth
Throughout my youth, my dad used to ask me, “What’s the biggest room in the world?” If you Google this, you’ll find answers discussing specific locations in Rome, Dubai, and even Kentucky. However, he wasn’t looking for a literal answer. In his mind, the biggest room in the world is the room to grow. If we’re not constantly learning new things and growing, we’re dying. There are always areas of our lives to improve and new ideas to learn about, but we must put actions in motion to discover them. April presents us with a unique celebration called Education and Sharing Day, which allows us to explore new ideas and learn something new. I think it’s incredibly important to be a lifelong learner, as it’s the best path to becoming the best version of ourselves. Whenever I’m considering hiring someone new at the office, I always ask them what they’re currently reading, watching, or listening to. Their answer will tell me whether they’re committed to the ideal of lifelong learning and what they’re curious about. I try to live by the Kaizen principle, which emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement. I want to be a better version of myself as a father, leader, and all-around person. The best way to achieve this is to become and remain a lifelong learner. When you commit to learning, your life will improve, you have an easier time problem-solving, and you help make the world a better place.
efficiently run and build my business. What’s crazy is that it didn’t take an extreme amount of effort or some deep introspection. All I had to do was load up Google and type in “How to build a law firm?” This brought up a coaching group called “How to Build a Small Law Firm.” I immediately joined and learned so much. It even directed me to other books that supplemented my knowledge. If you don’t have a coach or enjoy reading books, I highly recommend starting with Google when you begin your learning journey. I’m sure you’ll find something that interests you. It’s also worth exploring YouTube to see video sources, as they can be better for visual learners. And don’t be afraid to share what you learn with others, especially as you try to grow your career! I once interviewed a woman who told me that Googling was one of her top skills. That was a powerful response in my eyes, as it meant she was saying there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do because she could easily find information online. Learning is the gateway to becoming the best version of yourself. Pick up a book, join a club, or research online. You never know what you’ll discover about yourself, the world around you, or your favorite interests!
As the years have passed, finding new information and constantly learning new ideas has become much easier. I get the bulk of my information by reading a lot of business, marketing, customer service, and legal books. I also belong to several coaching groups that provide excellent knowledge. However, you don’t have to buy books or join a group to enrich your mind. We have Google and the internet at our fingertips, which presents us with an endless source of information.
When I first started my law firm, I was desperate to learn how to successfully and
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ople to Thank
TURN YOUR DREAM CRUISE INTO REALITY BON VOYAGE! YOUR TICKET TO ADVENTURE As we grow older, life shifts and creates new opportunities we may not have had before — like the chance to finally turn our travel dreams into reality. For many, few travel experiences compare to the comfort and excitement of a luxury cruise, and these four tips can help make your dream cruise happen. Choose the right cruise line. With luxury cruises, it’s essential to compare lines to get your preferred experience and the most bang for your buck. Consider your personal preferences, but remain flexible with accommodations. A little research will help you find the perfect fit. Plan your perfect itinerary. There are many cruise options, so planning an itinerary aligned with your interests and comfort level is easy. River cruises, for example, are perfect for scenic travel, while ocean cruises provide access to exotic ports of call. River cruises are also quieter and more intimate. If you prefer a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities, an ocean cruise is the better option. Book smart for the best deals. Just because a cruise offers luxury accommodations doesn’t mean your trip has to break the bank. Take advantage of early- bird deals, off-peak pricing, and loyalty programs to save big. Some companies even include airfare! You can also save with discounts for seniors and military members. Your adventure awaits! A cruise offers the ultimate way to see the world, from exploring iconic cities to relaxing on scenic rivers or enjoying stunning ocean views. Now is the perfect time to embrace new adventures on a luxury cruise.
DON’T WAIT FOR THE UNIMAGINABLE Plan Ahead With These 4 Estate Planning Essentials We like to think that everyone tries to plan, but it’s not as common as you might think. The next time you gather with your friends and family, ask them if they have an estate plan. You’ll be surprised by how many people either haven’t thought about estate planning or have ignored it because they don’t want to think about their mortality. But estate planning allows you to lay out your wishes while granting us protection for your assets and yourself if the unimaginable happens. We’ve seen many instances where people don’t have an estate plan, causing discord among children and requiring them to go to probate court. Probate can be an incredibly stressful and frustrating experience, especially when you realize it could have been avoided with proper estate planning. Here are four estate planning elements you need to establish right now if you don’t already have them in place. Will When most people think of estate planning, a will is the first thing that comes to mind. It allows you to determine who will oversee your estate, who will receive which assets, and who will become the guardian for your minor children. A will won’t help prevent probate, but it’s the best place to start when creating an estate plan. Healthcare Power of Attorney Too many people think that estate planning only applies to their deaths, but it also allows you to plan for potential incapacitation. With a healthcare power of attorney, you can determine who will make medical decisions on your behalf, including resuscitation, treatment, and care facilities. Financial Power of Attorney Similar to the healthcare power of attorney, this element allows you to determine who will make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This includes managing bank accounts, paying bills, and handling investments. Trusts Trusts are one of the best tools to avoid probate. They allow you to transfer your assets into them, leaving detailed plans for how and when to distribute them. You’ll need to name a trustee to oversee that process.
If you have any questions about these elements or need assistance creating or updating your estate plan, please call us today!
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Reimagine Artificial Intelligence Embrace the Change, Reclaim Your Time
There has been a lot of chatter about artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential role in our lives over the past couple of years. You may have heard news stories about kids using AI to complete their homework assignments or the fear many Americans have
payroll? What about your personal life? If AI removed the repetition, what would you do with the time you get back? Many of us would dedicate it to establishing and maintaining relationships with others.
over being replaced by AI in the workplace. Read too many of these stories, and you’ll quickly believe our future will look like something from “The Terminator.” However, we should try to adjust our perspective and look at AI in a different light. It’s not going to be the end of everything, but it could be the start of a much more efficient future for humankind. Instead of viewing AI as an enemy or a detriment to our future, we should try to see it as a tool or force multiplier. How much time do you waste weekly on repetitive tasks in your professional life — sending emails, creating social media posts, or dealing with
There is so much time every day when we feel like we can’t talk or connect with someone because we have work to do. In recent years, it feels like we’ve forgotten how important human connection is. It’s time to refocus our efforts and attention on re-establishing these connections and communicating more regularly with our friends, family, coworkers, and clients.
Let’s stop viewing AI as a destructive force and instead embrace it as a tool to help us improve
our lives and reconnect with others. Find ways to incorporate AI into your daily or weekly routines,
and you’ll quickly gain more freedom to use your time for more productive and important responsibilities.
TAKE A BREAK
Hearty Gnocchi Soup
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS •
1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 medium onion, diced 1/2 tsp celery seed 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth 16 oz fresh gnocchi 1/2 cup half-and-half
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8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided 2 tbsp chopped chives Salt and pepper, to taste
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DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery seed and cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. 2. Add broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook for about 3 minutes, then stir in half-and-half and 1/2 of the bacon. 3. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup cheese, then rest until thickened, about 5 minutes. 4. Top with remaining cheese, chives, and bacon as desired.
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352 Frank Layman Blvd. • Wintersville, OH 43953 740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
1
Embrace the Journey of Lifelong Learning
2
Secrets to the Perfect Cruise
4 Estate Planning Tools That Ensure Your Wishes Are Honored
3
Artificial Intelligence Isn’t the Enemy
Hearty Gnocchi Soup
Take a Break
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Mastering the Art of Nature Photography
Capture Nature’s Beauty Like a Pro Quick Tips for Better Outdoor Photos
Master Your Equipment Be sure to familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings. Some of the most important include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which control exposure and depth of field. For instance, a wide aperture (low f-stop) can help create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background, which is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high f-stop) is ideal for landscape shots because it increases the depth of field and helps keep more of the scene in focus.
Nature photography offers a great way to get outside and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re new to this hobby or have been snapping photos for years, you can always enhance your skills with these four tips for producing compelling outdoor photos. Plan Ahead Before heading outside with your camera and other gear, research your chosen location and the subject you aim to photograph. Understanding the local wildlife, plant life, and weather conditions can inform your equipment selection. Timing is also key. Early morning and late afternoon, known as the “golden hours,” offer soft, diffused light that enhances natural scenes.
lines (guiding the eye with pathways or rivers), and framing (using natural elements to highlight the subject). Experimenting with different perspectives and angles can also add depth to your photos. Be Respectful Whenever you’re out in the field, respect the environment by following local guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, and minimizing your impact on natural habitats. Always stay on designated paths and never remove any natural objects. Following a few simple rules protects wildlife and the landscape and maintains the integrity of your photography. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors while capturing images that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
Consider Composition In photography, composition is key.
When taking nature photographs, apply compositional rules such as the rule of thirds (placing subjects off-center), leading
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