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A WINTER REFLECTION
As I look out my sunroom window, the snow blankets the ground, the trees stand bare, and the cold air urges me to stay inside. I feel like a bear in hibernation. For many of us, this time of year feels quiet — perhaps too quiet. But if we take a closer look at nature, there’s a hidden beauty in this stillness, a reminder that winter is not just about enduring the cold but also, like hibernation, about embracing rest and renewal. I’ve always loved the opening line from Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence”: “Hello darkness, my old friend.” It’s an invitation to lean into the quiet and find comfort there. Winter’s stillness can feel like an old friend, offering a space to think, reflect, and just be. As a kid, I remember having a snow day off from school one February. The blizzard raged outside, and the power flickered on and off, then finally off for good. At first, I felt restless (remember the days before cellphones and our endless connection to the outside world?). But as the hours passed, I leaned into the quiet. I pulled out a flashlight and a Hardy Boys book and spent the day unraveling mysteries. That day off taught me something important: Sometimes, being forced to slow down is the best gift we can receive. It felt like my own small hibernation, a chance to recharge. This season can remind us that life is about more than constant activity. It’s about balance. While the warmer months may bring energy and outward activity, winter encourages inward focus. It’s a time to think about where we’ve been, where we’re going, and what truly matters. It’s also a time to find joy in the small, quiet moments – like sipping a hot cup of coffee, watching snowflakes fall, or reading a good book by the fire. Yes, winter can feel isolating. The cold weather and shorter days may make it harder to get out and about. But perhaps this is an opportunity to embrace the idea of hibernation in a positive way. Instead of seeing it as a time of inactivity, we can view it as a chance to focus on ourselves and our well-being. This could mean starting a new hobby, revisiting an old one, or simply taking the time to relax without guilt.
There’s an old quote: “Even the longest winter has its spring.” The quote is as much about life as it is about winter. When life feels slow or challenging, I remind myself that spring always comes. The snow will melt, the days will grow longer, and the world will wake up again. In the meantime, there’s value in the pause. And that renewal we see in spring wouldn’t be possible without the quiet work of winter. So, this February, as the snow falls and the world feels still, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of hibernation. Allow yourself the grace to rest, reflect, and renew. There is power in the pause and beauty in the quiet. Winter’s gifts may be subtle, but they are profound — a reminder that growth begins with rest and that even in the stillness, we are preparing for warmer days ahead.
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Nostalgia in the Air
HOW FAMILIAR SCENTS BRING BACK MEMORIES
Have you ever caught a whiff of freshly baked cookies and suddenly found yourself back in grandma’s kitchen? Our sense of smell has a knack for transporting us back in time, thanks to a bank of 50,000 different scents tied to our memories. This little olfactory time machine plays a significant role in our daily lives, taking smells and turning them into emotional snapshots. Get ready to stop and smell the roses because we’re diving nose-first into the power of our nostrils. Scent-sational Memories The olfactory bulb processes scents at the front of our brain, the area that sends information out to the body. Odors go directly to the limbic system, the part of our brain that processes emotions and memories. When we smell something, our brains label it and remember our emotional response to it. So, when you smell those fresh cookies, your
mind tells you it’s a cookie and reminds you of the warmth and love you felt as your grandma baked when you were a child. Our nose also protects us by helping us remember smells associated with danger, like fire. Whiff a Mood Lift Scents also impact our moods and feelings. Certain fragrances, like lavender, can make us feel relaxed; others, like fresh citrus, may trigger a boost of energy. The nose and limbic system work closely together. Certain scents activate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine or serotonin and activate emotions such as happiness. So, the next time you feel nostalgic, light a candle with a scent that reminds you of home, and your nose will transport you down memory lane.
Although it may seem odd to discuss preparing for spring in the dead of winter, many folks enter new seasons unprepared for how the change in weather can impact their health and safety. Here are a few helpful things to consider before winter finally gives way to brighter days. Will your wardrobe work for you? Spring will officially arrive on March 20. Does that mean the snow will instantly vanish, and the sun will stick around for hours each day? Not likely. Fluctuations in weather mark the start of any season, exposing you to potential health and safety risks if you’re not careful. The best rule of thumb is to keep your winter wear handy for at least a few weeks into spring — and to ensure your sunny-day wardrobe is up to date to help you enjoy the great weather once it finally arrives. Have you perfected your pollen protection? In addition to providing more opportunities to spend more time outdoors in the neighborhood, springtime allows many people to travel to other states to visit family and friends. Both scenarios can provoke serious allergic reactions if your body is unconditioned for increased pollen levels. Be sure to monitor allergy risks in whatever place you’ll be spending your time this spring, and check in with your physician before any major trips for advice on preparing for A Pre-Spring Safety Sweep
and avoiding allergens on planes. Pro Tip: Tomatoes, nuts, and blueberries can often help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and histamines. Is your skin season-ready? If you can’t wait to spend your days gardening in the yard or going for nice long walks once spring finally arrives, pause long enough to ensure your skin doesn’t feel the effects of spending too much time in the sun. Apply a strong sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) before leaving the house, and use insect repellent to dissuade bothersome bugs from dining on your epidermis.
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
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Sudoku
Serving as a caregiver for a loved one or dear friend can be emotionally and physically challenging, leading even the most empathetic and compassionate among us to feel overwhelmed and burned out. Here are a few thoughts and reminders to help you alleviate stress — and reduce your possible sense of guilt — when the demands of caring for someone else become too much. You’re only human. First and foremost, you are not a superhero. Every person has physical and mental limits to what they can do as a caregiver. Don’t ignore signs of exhaustion, such as irritability, aches and pains, scattered thinking, or other physical or emotional symptoms. It’s also important to remember it’s normal to sometimes feel frustrated with the person you’re helping. Embracing your emotions in ways that remain caring and respectful toward them — even if it means stepping away for a few minutes to clear your mind — is essential. Your health matters, too. Being a caregiver often entails everything from dressing and feeding someone to managing their finances and household upkeep. Naturally, these activities — coupled with the emotional strain of witnessing the decline of someone you love — can lead you to gain weight, lose sleep, or experience other health issues. Finding time for self-care is essential, as you’ll be of no help to anyone if you become ill yourself. Prioritizing rest, eating properly, staying hydrated, following a consistent exercise routine, and spending at least a few minutes each day doing things you enjoy will go a long way in keeping your internal batteries charged and your spirits high as you move forward in your duties to others. You’re not alone. If you find yourself too overburdened to fulfill your caregiving role on your own, seek the support of other family members or friends who can cover some of your time to give you much-needed respite. It may also be helpful to consult a mental health professional or get involved in an online caregiver support group. Just as you want the person you’re caring for to face their challenges with you by their side, you need to ensure others equally support you as you face obstacles of your own. Cures for Caregiver Burnout BOND VS. BURDEN
Solution on Pg. 4
Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. • Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure — just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
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What’s Inside? 1 2 Finding Peace in Hibernation: A Winter Reflection Sniff Back in Time
Shift the Season Safely
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Caregiving Made Clear
Helpful Resources
Fun Ways to Diversify Your Weekly Menu!
TIPS TO LEVEL UP YOUR HOME COOKING!
Do you regularly make meals for yourself or your family? Have you ever struggled to decide what to make? Are you tired of your regular menu of recipes and dishes? If you answered yes to these questions, know that you’re not alone. Many individuals grow tired of cooking the same dishes, especially if they get on a routine of making the same five dinners every week. However, you don’t need to feel this way. Trying something new in the kitchen is easier than ever! Here are two ways to revitalize your passion for cooking while discovering new recipes. Get out of your comfort zone. How many different cultures do you know recipes from? You are probably familiar with Italian, Mexican, and even some Chinese dishes, but how often do you explore dishes from cultures you know little about? Trying out recipes from new cultures can be incredibly fun. However, it can be challenging to know where to start. Simply pick a country with a cuisine that interests you and Google what they eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll receive a few different options to choose from. Want to get even more adventurous? Consider combining ideas from multiple cuisines to create a unique fusion dish!
Deviate from the recipe. Many amateur cooks follow each recipe without missing a step. However, if you’re making the same things every week, these recipes can grow stale quickly. Instead of trying to find something brand-new to make, consider swapping out ingredients. Change out the spices, sides, or even the proteins to create something entirely new and delicious.
Offices: Howell | Clinton Township
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