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BRAUNSLAW.COM 404-418-8244 From ‘Meh’ to Motivated
Rekindling Passion and Purpose in Young Adulthood
Say ‘Yes’ More Turning down unfamiliar invitations or avoiding activities that force you out of your comfort zone only reinforces the constraints of a humdrum life. “The mind can come up with all kinds of reasons you should stick to familiar routines, but the heart looks forward to the unknown,” Blone writes. So, the next time you are invited to hike a rugged trail or attend an unfamiliar social event, allow your heart to say yes before your mind can object. As author Seth Godin says, “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.”
As the famous author Willa Cather once wrote, “There are some things you learn best in times of calm — and some in times of storm.” For a growing number of young American adults, their 20s and 30s have become quite the storm. People ages 18 to 44 are being diagnosed with depression at significantly higher rates than older Americans, and the incidence of depression is also rising faster among young adults, according to a Gallup survey. More young adults are single and lonely, compared with past generations. Also, after weathering the Great Recession and a pandemic, plus worrying about the effects of climate change, many report a disquieting feeling of having lost their way. Describing this sense of ennui, lifestyle blogger Vishaka Blone writes, “Most of us, by the time we’re in our late 20s and 30s, are already done with life. We’re alive, but we’re no longer living. We’re just dragging our bodies each day, having nothing to look forward to.” That life path syncs poorly with past generations’ stereotypes of success — finishing your education, finding a partner, getting married, landing a steady job, having kids, and getting promoted. As a result, many young adults feel a growing sense of urgency and stress in figuring out their future. As unnerving as those pressures may feel, they also bring you to a fork in the road — an opportunity to make new choices and try new things. Here are three small day-to-day decisions that, if you make them repeatedly, can lead you toward a more rewarding life. Look for Challenges Rather than indulging your boredom, take on new challenges that require courage. Train for a long bike ride, start a YouTube channel, or volunteer for a food drive. If you lose focus, congratulate yourself on refusing to live the easy life. As the spiritual teacher and author Eckhart Tolle said, “It is not uncommon for people to spend their entire lives waiting to start living. You are living now. How can you enjoy it more?”
“Rather than indulging your boredom, take on new challenges that require courage.”
Feed Your Curiosity Even if you feel hopeless about the future, you can still become curious about it. Blone says, “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to live the width of it as well.” So, go out and find subjects that interested you when you were a kid, or a puzzle in nature, science, or public life that you find intriguing. Find a unique pet you love or, if that’s too much, try growing exotic plants. Would you be stimulated by becoming an advocate for a worthy cause? If you keep kindling your curiosity, new dimensions of life will reveal themselves. Trying these new approaches doesn’t require a permanent commitment. But if you continue to push yourself to try new things, you may awaken one morning to find life isn’t so dull after all.
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HIT PAUSE AND SAVOR CHILDHOOD’S LITTLE MOMENTS The Kid Clock Is Ticking
One minute they’re wobbling through their first steps, the next they’re asking for the car keys, and time seems to have sped up somewhere in between. Kids grow up fast, and as parents, it can feel like you’ve missed out on so much in the whirlwind of school assignments, milestones, and endless to-do lists. You can’t stop time, but you can pause and take steps to ensure you make the most of the cherished experiences together. Choose moments over multitasking. Distractions are everywhere, from phone notifications in your pocket to the near- constant pressure of maintaining your career. Take every opportunity you can to be present with your kids. Even if you’re
just sitting down to watch a movie or all gathered on the patio, put your devices away and focus on what your kids are up to. Engage with them, ask questions, and join in on their games. You can make the most of this precious time by remaining mindful and looking at their smiles instead of screens. It’s more than just a meal. One of the simplest ways to connect with your kids is to share a meal. This can be tricky with busy school schedules, long work hours, and the natural growing pains and pressures of their getting older. But even one shared meal a week can bring you closer together. Whether breakfast or dinner, when everyone sits at the table to eat, it invites the whole family
to open up about their lives, dreams, and plans. No matter how quickly the years seem to fly by, having that daily or weekly moment of connection can create lasting
connections and stability. Love the stage you’re in.
Your children will experience many different stages in their lives, and it’s important to cherish each as it unfolds. It’s easy to mourn the sweetness of their infancy or worry yourself sick about their teenage years. Instead, enjoy the phase they are in and think about how you can support them. Focus on how you’re preparing them for what’s next, not what you’ll miss about their younger years. Keep your sights on their future and all the exciting moments to come.
Need Help? Call Brauns “As a local trial attorney who regularly co-counsels with Brauns Law on cases, I can attest to the quality of their work product and preparing client cases in a professional and effective manner. They are efficient and know what they’re doing!” —John “I had the opportunity to work closely with this law firm on a professional project and was genuinely impressed by their attention to detail, communication, and professionalism. Their team is incredibly dedicated, responsive, and clearly passionate about helping people through difficult times. Based on my experience, I’d feel confident recommending them to anyone in need of a trustworthy and capable injury lawyer.” —Janessa
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If you want a clear idea of where your life may lead, take a thoughtful look back at where you’ve been. It’s hard to argue that our lives are getting busier and more complex, and keeping track of our daily milestones, struggles, and memorable moments can be challenging. With seemingly no end to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, now is the perfect time to consider adding journaling to your daily routine. What is journaling? Depending on your age, it could mean writing in a printed diary or posting updates on a social media account. Either way, journaling has become a lost art in an era when posting memes and commenting on world affairs often replace sharing personal events and thoughts that shape who we are. I believe there’s power in journaling, as it can help our lives in various ways. For example, let’s say you set a significant life goal, such as starting a new diet or pursuing physical therapy after an injury. Writing down your experiences following this new path can help you take stock of your progress, areas that need improvement, or changes in your perspective. Perhaps most importantly, it enables you to vent when times get tough, you temporarily slip from reaching your goals, or you feel discouraged when things aren’t going your way. Chronicling rough patches is just as important as noting achievements, as they show how much you’ve overcome when you look back at what you’ve written over time. The trick is to keep going in reaching the finish line you’ve set for yourself — and keep journaling through every step (however minor) along the way. Who knows ... the journal you keep today may become your memoirs someday — or something you can pass down to future generations. No matter who we are, we all have a story to tell. Start writing yours today; you may be amazed by the tales your experiences tell.
Write Your Way Forward
THE POWER OF JOURNALING YOUR LIFE
Take a Break
Inspired by TheViewFromGreatIsland.com Almond Butter Skillet Blondies
INGREDIENTS •
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup almond butter
• • • •
2 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour
• • • •
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
2 large eggs
DIRECTIONS 1. Set oven to 350 F. Butter a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugars, and almond butter until smooth and creamy. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. 3. Stir in flour and salt, and then fold in the chocolate chips. 4. Spread the batter evenly into the skillet, and bake for about 25–28 minutes, until the edges begin to set and turn golden brown. 5. Allow to cool, slice, and enjoy!
APPLES ASTER COFFEE CONSTITUTION
FOLIAGE GRANDPARENTS LABOR LUNCHBOX
PIRATE SAPPHIRE VIRGO WAFFLES
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Inside This Issue 1
Reignite Your Love of Life in Your 20s and 30s Slowing Down to Enjoy Every Growth Stage Need Help? Call Brauns Past Clues for a Future You Almond Butter Skillet Blondies What Your Food Cravings Are Trying to Tell You
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Do you ever find yourself reaching for chocolate late at night or suddenly craving salty chips in the middle of the afternoon? You’re not alone and definitely not “lacking willpower.” Food cravings are a complex mix of biology, psychology, and emotional cues, and understanding them can help you respond in healthier, more intentional ways. Cravings are a universal experience. Studies show that over 90% of people experience food cravings, with women more likely to crave sweet foods like chocolate, and men more often craving savory options like meat or pizza. So, if you’ve ever thought you were alone in your cravings, know that this is a near- universal human experience. Your brain’s reward system is driving the urge. Cravings often originate in the brain’s limbic system, responsible for behavior, emotion, and long-term The Real Psychology Behind Cravings IT’S NOT JUST A LACK OF WILLPOWER
memory. When you’re stressed or low, your brain searches for a quick hit of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical. Foods high in sugar, fat, or salt can deliver that boost quickly, which is why comfort foods are hard to resist. Processed foods foster addiction. Research from the University of Michigan has shown that highly processed foods can stimulate the brain’s reward centers in ways similar to addictive substances. That’s why stopping after one cookie or chip can feel nearly impossible — the brain is wired to want more. Cravings may signal physical needs. Not all cravings are emotional. Sometimes, your body is genuinely trying to tell you something. For example, craving chocolate may indicate a magnesium deficiency, while craving salty foods can indicate dehydration or a lack of electrolytes. That said, it’s essential to pause and assess. Not every craving means your body needs that exact food. Memories and emotional triggers play a role. Many food cravings are tied to learned behaviors and emotional associations. If you were rewarded with sweets as a child, your brain might now associate ice cream with comfort or safety. These conditioned patterns are powerful, but you can reprogram them. Food cravings aren’t just about what’s in the pantry. They’re about what’s happening in your brain, body, and emotions. When you understand the drivers of your cravings, you can make choices that support your well- being instead of fighting these urges blindly.
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