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February 2024
The Power of Kindness
How Acts of Goodwill Can Transform Your Life – And the World A Question to Ask (or Answer for) a Loved One Asking and answering important questions helps preserve your family’s values and life lessons for generations to come. Has anyone ever gone above and beyond to do something kind for you? What did they do?
With Random Acts of Kindness Day coming up on Feb. 17, it’s a great opportunity to take a moment and think about the importance of spreading goodwill in our lives. Often, I find that we overlook the quiet yet powerful impact of kindness amidst the complexities of life. Sometimes, it can seem like the world is becoming a harsher place. But if we look closer at the news, the internet, and the people we meet, we can see kindness all around us. Every day, you can find stories of people doing good things and making the world a better place. By working together, we can make the world a little bit kinder for everyone, and it all starts with just one person — you . The Science Behind Benevolence When considering acts of kindness and whether or not to go out of our way to perform them, the question most often asked is, “Why?” Well, the amazing thing about kindness is that it multiplies when you share it. This is actually backed by science! Studies have shown that performing just one random act of kindness each day can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. When you help someone, your body is flooded with hormones like serotonin and oxytocin. Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” can promote cardiovascular health and boost self-esteem and optimism. What’s more, the relationship between kindness and the stimulation of serotonin is similar to the effects of an antidepressant, highlighting the emotional benefits of acts of kindness.
Embracing Random Acts of Kindness So, in light of Random Acts of Kindness Day, it’s a great opportunity for us to think about the importance of kindness in our daily lives. If you’d like a few ideas on how you can get started, I encourage you to visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’s website at RandomActsOfKindness.org . There, you can find simple ways to perform acts of kindness at home, work, or school. You can also download their 2024 kindness calendar, which provides easy ways to be kind every day; some acts are as simple as “give out sincere compliments today!” You don’t have to do them all, but picking a few to try each month can be a great way to get started!
So, minimally being kind to others can help YOU feel happier, healthier, and more relaxed. Plus, you may even live longer!
Remember, just one deliberate act of kindness can help create a more compassionate world!
The Ripple Effect Being kind also has a positive impact on everyone around us. Even small acts of kindness, like holding an elevator or smiling at a stranger, can have a ripple effect that goes beyond the person we’re helping. This means our actions can change the way people treat each other and make our society more caring and compassionate. When you help someone, they’re more likely to help someone else. This sets off a chain reaction that can spread throughout an entire community, city, or even a whole country! If enough people join in, we could make the entire world a kinder and more loving place. Isn’t that the kind of world we all want?
“We should be kind and help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.” –Galatians 6:10
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Celebrate Love With Your Pet
VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS FOR FURRY FRIENDS
Heartfelt Homemade Delights Homemade and health-focused treats are the way to go for pets on this day of love. Bake heart-shaped biscuits for your dogs with nutrient-rich ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, or oats. Making little tuna or salmon treats into tiny heart- shaped cakes will be irresistible for cats. These treats are not just delicious but also healthy, ensuring your pets enjoy Valentine’s Day safely. Personalized Gifts and Quality Time Adding a personalized touch to your pet’s Valentine’s Day can make it even more special. Consider a new collar with a personalized name tag or a new fluffy bed or blanket for dogs! Are their toys ratty and chewed up? A new ball or squeaky toy will make their day! If you live in a colder region, a warm sweater for smaller furry friends is a way to show your love. For cats, a new scratching
post (or an upgrade) rubbed with catnip will be a hit. Cats also love laser lights, so this gift will not disappoint, providing hours of entertainment. And after all the activity? Try a new pet brush and a gentle grooming session to help your furry friends relax and feel loved. But above all, the most cherished gift you can offer is your time. Dedicate this day to enjoy a long walk, an extended play session, or simply some quiet cuddle time. These moments of undivided attention and affection are invaluable, reinforcing the loving bond you share with your pet. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate all family members, including the furry ones, in our expressions of love. Our pets, always there for us with unconditional affection, certainly deserve a place in this day of love and joy. Happy Valentine’s Day to all pet lovers and their beloved companions!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we feel love in the air, not just for humans but also for our cherished pets. It’s the perfect opportunity to show our four- legged family members how much they mean to us. Imagine the excitement and anticipation in their eyes (and the wagging tails) as they receive a special treat made with pure love. Here are a few fun ideas to get you thinking.
Beyond the Finish Line
Compassion at the Neenah Invitational
In the competitive world of high school athletics, where every second counts and victories are often measured in milliseconds, an incident at the Neenah Cross Country Invitational in Wisconsin reminds us of a fundamental but often forgotten aspect of sports: good sportsmanship. On this race day, amid the blur of sprinting figures and cheering crowds, a moment of true sportsmanship unfolded. Two runners from Stevens Point Area Senior High, Cooper Erickson and Ethan Olds, encountered a fellow competitor, Seppi Camilli, in distress. Camilli had collapsed, his strength waning just shy of the finish line. Erickson and Olds chose empathy over rivalry in a split-second decision that would resonate far beyond the race track. They paused their own race to help Camilli cross the finish line. This act, simple in its execution but profound in its implication, speaks volumes about the values ingrained in these young athletes. It’s a vivid reminder that the essence of sports isn’t solely found in the glory of winning but also in the moments of shared humanity. In extending their hands to a competitor in need, Erickson and Olds demonstrated that real victory lies in lifting each other up, even amidst fierce competition.
This incident is a beacon for young athletes and a reminder for coaches, parents, and spectators alike. It underscores the importance of nurturing not only physical strength and skill in our young athletes but also the values of kindness, teamwork, and respect for others. As Erickson and Olds demonstrated, sometimes the most enduring triumphs on the sports field are those of the heart. The coaches and spectators at the Neenah Invitational witnessed more than a race that day; they witnessed a powerful lesson in character and humanity. In a world where headlines often speak of division and conflict, stories like this inspire us to look beyond the finish line and see the broader horizon of human kindness and fellowship. The spirit of sportsmanship, as shown by these young athletes, is a testament to the true essence of competitive sports — a celebration of shared humanity alongside physical prowess.
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TAKE A BREAK
AQUARIUS CANDY CUPID GROUNDHOG HEART LINCOLN CHOCOLATE PENNSYLVANIA PHIL
History of Pregnancy Testing FROM SEEDS TO SCIENCE From ancient times, human ingenuity has been pivotal in unraveling medical mysteries, and pregnancy testing is a particularly fascinating example. In Egypt, around 1350 BCE, pregnancy testing blended mysticism and early science. Women would urinate on wheat and barley seeds, an intriguing method that modern research has shown to be surprisingly accurate, with a 70% success rate. If barley grew, it indicated a male child; wheat signified a female. Across different cultures, unique approaches emerged. The Greeks, influenced by Hippocrates, developed diagnostic theories based on the four bodily humors. In India, ancient Ayurvedic texts detailed pulse examination techniques for various conditions, including pregnancy, showcasing remarkable observational abilities and a deep understanding of the human body. The Middle Ages saw a curious amalgamation of superstition and the beginnings of scientific inquiry. “Piss prophets” examined urine for its color and clarity, practices that were precursors to today’s urinalysis. A significant advancement came in the 20th century with the discovery of the hormone hCG. This breakthrough led to the first reliable home pregnancy tests in the 1960s, marking a dramatic shift from rudimentary ancient methods and offering greater accuracy and privacy. This journey from ancient seed tests to sophisticated modern diagnostics illustrates the evolution in our understanding of the human body. Those early tests laid the groundwork for the reliable techniques we use today, inspiring us to continue improving our medical knowledge and practices.
PRESIDENTS VALENTINE WINTER
Marry Me Chicken Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup chicken broth
Directions 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A Journey to a Kinder and Happier World
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Valentine’s Day Pet Pampering
When Compassion Trumps Competition
Marry Me Chicken
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Seeds, Science, and Surprises in Medicine
Lessons From Hoffman’s Estate
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Beyond the Stage PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN’S ESTATE OVERSIGHT
The situation raised significant questions about how Hoffman’s daughters figured into the estate since they were born after the will’s creation. Thankfully, New York law, like many other states, offers protection for children in this situation, provided there’s no explicit intent to exclude them. Hoffman’s choice not to marry O’Donnell further complicated matters, leading to a substantial estate tax burden. Unmarried, Hoffman’s estate faced a staggering tax rate of up to 40% federally and 16% in New York State, culminating in a potential $14 million tax bill from his $35 million estate. Marital status plays a crucial role in estate tax liabilities, something entrepreneurs with significant assets should note.
The unexpected demise of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman at just 46 shocked the world and brought to light the intricacies of estate planning. His passing left behind a substantial estate worth over $35 million, primarily bequeathed to his long-term partner, Marianne O’Donnell. A glaring issue with Hoffman’s will was its outdated status, failing to encompass his entire family. Drafted in 2004, it only acknowledged his son, Cooper, with daughters Tallulah and Willa, born after that, absent from the document. This oversight necessitated a complex navigation through New York’s probate system, showcasing the need for everyone to update their will regularly.
Photo: Georges Biard
Hoffman’s case exemplifies why proactive and continuous estate planning matters. Regular updates to one’s estate plan can significantly ease the burden on your loved ones during times of grief. It’s a stark reminder to meticulously manage and regularly revise your estate plans, especially for entrepreneurs overseeing considerable assets. It ensures your final wishes are honored, and your loved ones are provided for.
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