MAKE LIFE BEAUTIFUL APPRECIATING LIFE’S PRECIOUS MOMENTS BEFORE THEY’RE GONE
Life is fragile, capable of changing in an instant. Anyone can go from being a bright, young, healthy person to fighting for their life in the blink of an eye.
Even though there is some danger in being out on the ocean and catching a 1,000-pound billfish or the prospect of getting wrapped up in fishing line or falling off the boat, it doesn’t stop Christopher. He is careful and uses precautions but doesn’t dwell on the dangers. He enjoys his time on the ocean, and it’s worth the potential risks because he takes steps to protect himself. Whenever Ashley climbs onto our horse Lena for a ride, she also takes the necessary safety precautions. She knows she could fall off and get hurt. In fact, horse sports are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries, even more so than football. But if we were scared of every possibility, every “what if,” then we would never experience the things that bring us joy. Don’t let anything hold you back from doing something that brings beauty into your life. You can always take steps to ensure you’ll be safe or well- prepared for the possibility of things going wrong. Appreciate those things you love, and remember that we only have a limited time in this world, so enjoy those moments when you can. Our friend knew that she could fall off her horse and get hurt, but it was her passion. She loved riding horses and showing them, and she loved helping others with their horses. Even though they can be dangerous animals, horses were her life. Helping others was part of her life. Our children truly enjoyed learning from her because she pushed them to be better and not be afraid when riding. Our friend is a beautiful person. We hope she heals and that her life will be beautiful once again. –Ashley and Christopher Bruce
This is exactly what happened to our friend when she fell from a horse earlier this year. She was helping a family with their young pony, but it got spooked, causing her to fall off. Even with her helmet, she hit her head so hard it caused a traumatic brain injury. There were many uncertainties her friends and family worried about — would she wake up from the coma, would she be the same person, would she remember things, and would she ever ride a horse again? Perhaps the hardest part was seeing her on Facebook. In those beautiful pictures, happy with her horses, it was a reminder of how beautiful she is, inside and out. But it was also a difficult realization that she is only in her 20s and has a whole life ahead of her. Our friend’s story reemphasizes the importance of appreciating the small things in life because everything can change so quickly. She is a living example of why it is crucial to Make Life Beautiful, a holiday celebrated on June 11 that we should take to heart daily. Even in life’s most challenging and scary times, there are always reasons to embrace joy, express gratitude, and cherish the moments that matter. Take nothing for granted because that, in part, makes life beautiful. Human life is fragile, but that fragility is part of what makes it special and worth putting time into cherishing. It’s important to appreciate what we have because that’s the best way to celebrate the people and things that make us happy. Nothing is permanent, and the more we can be grateful, the more we will understand just how valuable life is. At the same time, you cannot dwell on the “what ifs” or let fear hold you back from experiences that can enrich your life. Life will be dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you should not live.
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Pythagoras (yes, the one responsible for making high school geometry a nightmare) had a dark secret. He wasn’t just a mathematical genius; he was also utterly and irrationally terrified of beans. Specifically, fava beans. And not just in an I-don’t-like-their-texture kind of way. He believed they were portals to the underworld, conduits for lost souls, and, perhaps most offensively, they caused distracting gases. Legend has it that Pythagoras was so committed to avoiding beans that, when fleeing from attackers, he and his followers refused to run through a blooming fava bean field. Instead of making their great escape, they chose to stand and fight. Spoiler alert: It didn’t end well for them. THE PHILOSOPHER VS. THE BEAN So, why was Pythagoras so scared of a simple legume? One of the more eyebrow-raising explanations is that he believed fava beans bore an uncanny resemblance to human reproductive organs. Apparently, the connection was so strong in his mind that he once declared, “Eating beans and eating the head of one’s parents are the same thing.” That is quite the leap, even for a philosopher. Another theory suggests Pythagoras believed beans were literal doors to the underworld. He wasn’t alone in this, as the ancient Greeks and Romans were suspicious of fava beans, perhaps because they could cause a rare and severe genetic reaction called favism. Unbeknownst to the ancients, some people (especially in Mediterranean regions) have a genetic deficiency that makes fava beans potentially deadly. So, weirdly, Pythagoras may have been onto something , but not for the reasons he thought. THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE GOLDEN THIGH Of course, bean phobia wasn’t Pythagoras’s only claim to strangeness. His followers believed he was a demigod, possibly the son of Hermes or Apollo. They claimed he could tame wild animals just by speaking to them and that he had the power to write messages on the Moon. But the most outrageous legend? He supposedly had a golden thigh . He would flash his shimmering leg whenever someone doubted his divine status and instantly gain a new believer. And yet, despite all this mysticism, Pythagoras’s biggest fear was beans. This just goes to show that even history’s greatest minds had their odd quirks; some were just more odd than others. THE PHILOSOPHER WHO FEARED BEANS MORE THAN DEATH ANCIENT WISDOM OR LEGUME LUNACY?
WHO GETS THE HOUSE?
1 Home, 2 People, Big Decisions
When a marriage ends, one of the biggest questions is what happens to the house. Will one spouse keep it? Will it be sold and the profits divided? Or, will there be a months-long battle over what becomes of the family home when this significant change happens? In a divorce, your home isn’t just brick, mortar, and a roof over your head — it’s all the memories, emotions, and likely one of your most valuable financial assets. Understanding your options and the way the process works can make all the difference as you make this decision. ONE SPOUSE KEEPS THE HOUSE If one or both spouses are interested in keeping the home, a couple can either come to an agreement in their divorce settlement on who gets it or can have the court make that determination. The person who wants to stay needs to prove they can afford it and have solid reasons why it makes the most sense for them to take over the asset. If you will be the primary custodial parent to your children after the divorce, it’s a valid point to bring up that it’s in their best interest for you to stay. It will ultimately make the process smoother, faster, and less expensive if you can agree together. A judge will aim for the fairest and most equitable choice for the whole family. SELLING THE HOME If neither of you wants to keep the house or cannot afford the costs and mortgage on your own, then it can be sold. This is typically the option the courts will pick for couples, with the profits being split as equally as possible between you. This is a good option if refinancing isn’t an option or if the upkeep of the home would be challenging for both parties. PRO TIP If your spouse keeps the home, you must ensure that your divorce settlement considers whether the house will be refinanced. If there is a mortgage, you’ll need to get your name removed from it. Typically, in a divorce settlement, the person keeping the home can assume the mortgage and become exclusively responsible for making payments.
Is your friend or client married to a controlling, manipulative, narcissistic husband?
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THE GREAT ESCAPE
HOW TO BREAK FREE AND STAY SAFE
FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY The more financially independent you are before leaving, the better off you will be. Start saving money in your own private account or a new account to ensure you have a safety net and the funds to live on your own. If you are dependent on your spouse, you should begin applying for jobs or looking into opportunities for financial support. You also need to gather your essential documents, like birth certificates and passports, in a safe place so you can access them easily when you make your move. BREAK FREE WITH BOUNDARIES Narcissists are skilled at twisting your words, so avoid getting into any conflicts when it’s time to leave. Remember that you don’t owe them an explanation, and you’re unlikely to gain real closure with them. Don’t leave an ambiguous door open because it could result in an emotional entanglement that lasts longer than needed. If you can go no contact, that’s the safest option, but if you have to continue communicating, keep it minimal and only discuss need-to-know information.
Leaving a narcissistic spouse takes planning, strength, and a strong support system. It isn’t just about walking out the door — it’s about doing it safely, strategically, and with an exit plan. Narcissists thrive on control and unpredictability, so a well- thought-out plan can be the key to reclaiming your freedom while minimizing the fallout. Whether you are considering an escape or are ready to take the next step, knowing how to protect yourself and secure your assets is essential. SECURE SHELTER AND SUPPORT The foundation of your exit plan is rooted in your safety and emotional well-being. So, one of the first things you should do is determine where you will stay. Think about any family or friends who can temporarily provide you with a room or couch so you can get out of the situation and into a safe space. If that’s not possible, seek out temporary housing or even a domestic violence shelter, depending on your situation. Your support system is also a crucial part of your journey from here on out. Share your plan with people you trust and know won’t say anything to your spouse. Your support network can help you logistically and emotionally during this time.
Have a Laugh!
Inspired by EatingWell.com
GOLDEN SUMMER SQUASH AND CORN SOUP
This light soup offers the perfect combination of healthy ingredients and flavor.
Ingredients •
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium shallot, chopped 2 medium summer squash (about 1 lb), diced 3 tsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano, divided
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1 14-oz can reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
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• • • •
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup corn kernels (from 1 large ear)
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1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions 1. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 1 minute. 2. Add squash and 1 tsp herbs; cook 3–5 minutes until the squash softens; stir occasionally. 3. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 more minutes until squash is soft. 4. In a blender, purée soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and stir in corn. 5. Simmer over medium heat and cook 3–5 minutes until corn is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. 6. Serve garnished with remaining 2 tsp herbs and feta.
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Why Risks Are Worth Taking page 1
Why One of History’s Greatest Minds Refused to Eat Beans
Who Stays, Who Sells? page 2
Escaping a Narcissistic Relationship
Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup page 3
Weddings, Birthdays and Baby Showers — Oh My! page 4
SAY YES TO THE CELEBRATION, NOT THE OVERSPENDING CELEBRATE YOUR LOVED ONES WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR BUDGET. Money can be a tricky subject, but being upfront about your financial situation can help you avoid unnecessary stress. If an event is out of your budget, have an honest conversation with the host. Most people will be understanding and actually appreciate your transparency. Be sure to express gratitude and excitement for their big day, even if you can’t be there in person. STAY CONNECTED IN CREATIVE WAYS. Just because you can’t attend doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! Send a thoughtful gift within your budget, offer to help with planning, or schedule a video call to toast their milestone. Your presence matters more than your presents, and true friends will appreciate any effort you make to share in their joy. Ultimately, celebrating your friends and family shouldn’t come with financial stress. The best memories don’t come from the most expensive gifts or the fanciest flights. They’re built on laughter, love, and the moments you share, no matter what that looks like.
When wedding season rolls around and birthday invites start stacking up, it’s easy to feel like your wallet is under attack. Between flights, gifts, and party attire, the cost of celebrating your loved ones can add up fast. But with planning and savvy spending, you can still show up for the big moments without blowing your budget. PLAN AHEAD LIKE A PRO. Before you say “yes” to every invitation, take a moment to map out your year. Write down weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and graduations you hope to attend. Once you see them all in one place, estimating your total spending is easier. Set a realistic budget for each event, and don’t forget to factor in travel, gifts, and attire. Always do your research and verify prices for flights, hotel rooms, and registry gifts. CUT COSTS WITHOUT CUTTING FUN. Once you have a budget, look for ways to trim expenses without missing out on the fun. Instead of buying a new outfit for every event, consider re-wearing something you already own or borrowing from a friend. If travel is involved, check if you can split an Airbnb or crash on a friend’s couch.
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