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Rediscovering the Things That Matter OLD WISDOM FOR A MODERN WORLD THE LEGAL NAVIGATOR FEBRUARY 2026
Our world has us all moving at a rapid pace. It seems like the days are constantly filled with another alert, another tab, and another task. And I’m pretty sure it’s not just me. In fact, the average adult spends around seven hours a day online, whether for work, streaming, or just scrolling mindlessly. We reach for the phone hundreds of times throughout the day, almost on autopilot. And meanwhile, we’re all multitasking. The real irony is that we have more tools, more information, and more choices available than ever, and yet many of us still feel rushed and disconnected from genuine human interaction. None of this is a failure on our part. It’s just the water we swim in, and it pulls our attention in every direction. Ours is a life our grandparents would barely recognize, but I’m not here to say our world is bad and the past was easy or pure. Previous generations had their own struggles. They dealt with hard limits, lean budgets, and real scarcity; convenience was rare. However, what they did have was a slower pace of life that made it easier to focus on things that truly mattered. It left more room for generosity, connection, and gratitude in everyday life. Although some of us may have lost touch with those old-fashioned values, they remain relevant. And it’s never too late to bring them back into our lives. So, how do we do it? Examining what we can control, such as our free time, is a good place to start. Instead of filling our evenings with screens, which is far too easy to do, we can make more time for actual conversation. It could also do us all some good to remember that some things can wait. Between work and taking care of responsibilities at home, our lists of to-dos can keep us constantly moving from one thing to the next. But messages can go unanswered for a while, and the laundry will still be there tomorrow. Setting one task aside or saving an errand for later can help us slow down and be more present. It’s not just what we do at home, either. The same awareness and thought can also help us show up for the people around us.
We might not bring a fresh-baked loaf of bread to a neighbor anymore (although we could), but we can still stop by, share something from the garden, or ask how someone’s doing. A quick check-in or even just a kind word can make a greater difference than we think. Generosity and good manners still matter, even in a fast-moving world.
Gratitude is another thing that never goes out of style. And it’s more than simply saying thank you. It’s about noticing what’s already good. First, there’s gratitude for the big things. Maybe it’s our health or our relationships. However, we should also show gratitude for the little things in life, such as a good morning coffee or the reliable car that gets us to work. It ultimately comes down to paying attention. When we focus on what’s already working, it helps us stop rushing to find something better. Our grandparents didn’t have the pace or convenience we live with now, but they did know how to make time mean something. And we can take a page from them without turning back
the clock. Slowing down, showing care, and paying attention aren’t old ideas. They’re what keep modern life from running past us.
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Think Better, Remember More
DELICIOUS FOODS THAT POWER YOUR BRAIN
You’ve likely heard the saying “you are what you eat,” but when it comes to memory, that’s more literal than you might think. Your brain is constantly working to process, store, and recall information, and it requires the right fuel to stay sharp. However, certain foods can actually improve memory, focus, and overall brain health. Here’s what to load up on next time you’re at the grocery store. Fatty Fish If your brain had a favorite food, it would probably be salmon. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and trout are full of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, which are crucial for building and maintaining brain cells. These healthy fats also enhance communication between brain cells, which aids in memory and learning. If you’re not a seafood fan, you can still get omega-3s from plant-based sources like walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
flavonoids that help protect your brain from oxidative stress (basically, brain “rust”). These compounds can also boost communication between brain cells, which may help slow cognitive decline and improve short-term memory. Try tossing a handful of berries into your morning oatmeal or smoothie for an easy boost. Leafy Greens and Veggies Spinach, kale, broccoli, and other leafy greens are rich in nutrients such as vitamin K, lutein, and folate, which are associated with improved cognitive function. These nutrients promote healthy blood flow to the brain and protect against inflammation. Studies even suggest people who eat a daily serving of greens have the memory of someone years younger. Not bad for a salad, right? Whole Grains and Nuts Your brain runs on glucose, and whole grains provide a slow, steady supply of it, helping to keep you alert and focused. Brown rice, quinoa, and oats help maintain balanced energy levels, while nuts (especially almonds and walnuts) add vitamin E, another nutrient tied to improved memory and slower cognitive aging.
Berries Don’t underestimate these colorful little
powerhouses. Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants called
ESTATE LESSONS FROM PAUL NEWMAN
THE PLAN BEHIND THE LEGEND
the spotlight. When he planned his estate, he handled it with the same thought and discipline he brought to everything else. When he passed away in 2008, Newman’s estate was worth hundreds of millions of dollars. That alone isn’t what makes his plan remarkable. What stands out is how carefully he put it together. He had a detailed will, a private trust to keep his finances out of the public eye, and two trusted people ready to manage the details. Newman even included a clause discouraging legal disputes because he knew arguments over money can divide even the closest of families. His decisions reflected what mattered in his life. Newman’s wife, Joanne Woodward, kept their home and personal belongings. His Oscars, Golden Globes, and other awards went to the foundation that still bears his name. Newman’s image, his company, and the earnings that continue to
fund projects across the country also went to the foundation. He also took care of the practical side of things. By setting up the right trusts, he delayed certain taxes, ensuring his wife would be cared for before the government took its share. Newman even included provisions for various asset types, including his race cars and airplanes. He directed the proceeds from those to his residuary estate. Ultimately, his plan was practical, generous, and designed to last. Most of us don’t have a Hollywood fortune to divide, but we still face the same questions. Whom do we trust to handle things when we’re gone? What should continue to work long after we stop? Newman showed that good planning has less to do with money and more to do with making things clear for the people you care about. And his name still funds good work, which is a legacy worth having.
Paul Newman was more than a movie legend. He built race cars, funded hospitals, and turned salad dressing into one of the most successful charitable brands in the world. But one of his quietest accomplishments happened away from
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SMALL SPACE, BIG STYLE Design Hacks That Make Any Room Feel Larger
Expand Upward Architects through the ages have reduced crowding by expanding living and working spaces upward. You can do the same by creating multipurpose floor-to-ceiling bookshelves for your small abode. Tiered display shelves draw the eye upward and offer multiple options for storing or displaying books and decorative items. Also, floor-length, wall-to-wall curtains in light colors can create the illusion of high ceilings and make a room feel more spacious. Use Folding Furniture A clever way to increase potential uses for your living space is to invest in multipurpose furniture. A futon sofa bed can double as a comfy couch. A stylish ottoman can open up into a storage receptacle for magazines or linens. If you enjoy entertaining, consider an extendable drop-leaf dining table with storage shelves
Amid rising housing costs and a trend toward smaller families, many Americans are choosing smaller homes and apartments. When bulky sofas and expansive chandeliers are out of the question, homeowners seek stylish ways to make small rooms feel spacious. Here are four design hacks to transform your small living space into an alluring sanctuary. Invite Light An abundance of light helps create a living space that feels airy and open. Choosing a white, cream, or light gray decor reflects available light, but any pale pastel hue can achieve a similar effect. Glass, Lucite, or acrylic tabletops lend depth and reflect natural light. And don’t hesitate to play with mirrors. Placing them opposite windows, in an entryway, or on interior doors can amplify natural light coming in.
tucked inside, or nesting sets of two coffee tables that swivel into one. Additionally, while you may be tempted to push your furniture up against the wall to save space, this actually creates a cramped feeling. Choose pieces that rest on exposed legs rather than flat on the floor, and position furniture at a slight distance from walls. Reduce Clutter Any room feels smaller when strewn with clutter. Take advantage of the many stylish storage options available today to make that mess disappear. Under-bed storage containers serve as sturdy hideaways, and a hanging shoe organizer can store other items, such as cleaning supplies. Any of these strategies can help make your living space feel larger, easing that cramped feeling and freeing you to enjoy it to the max!
Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken
Ingredients
• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 tbsp hot honey • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese • 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or thyme) • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Directions
1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. 2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. 3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. 4. In a small bowl, mix hot honey and minced garlic to create a glaze. 5. Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Pour the hot honey mixture over top. 6. Sprinkle chicken with crumbled feta, then rosemary or thyme. 7. Bake at 400 F for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. 8. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization. 9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon juice and extra herbs before serving.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
What Our Grandparents Got Right
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A Sharper Memory Starts on Your Plate A Hollywood Actor’s Thoughtful Final Act
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Clever Design Tricks to Expand Your Small Space Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken
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Island Hop on a Hassle-Free Adventure to These Travel Destinations Set Sail on a Getaway That Keeps Things Simple A Cruise Where Your Passport Can Stay Home 4
New England. Stroll through Halifax, Nova Scotia, savor lobster in Portland, Maine, or take in the quaint charm of Bar Harbor. With Norwegian Cruise Line, you can enjoy a journey hitting all these spots before returning to the Big Apple. Sun, Sand, and Caribbean Vibes If turquoise waters and golden beaches are more your style, the Caribbean is calling, and you don’t need a passport if you start from U.S. ports like Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. Regent Seven Seas invites travelers aboard the Wonders in the Caribbean cruise, stopping in the Cayman Islands, Belize, Mexico, and more. For a tropical twist, Royal Caribbean’s Southern Caribbean Holiday cruise begins in San Juan and visits Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, and St. Maarten. Bahamian Bliss Florida’s sunny ports are your gateway to The Bahamas. From Miami, Port
Everglades, or Port Canaveral, you can hop on a Carnival or Disney cruise for a few nights of fun. Disney Cruise Line’s three-night Bahamian adventure aboard the Disney Wish includes Nassau and the legendary Disney Castaway Cay. Sand, sun, and smiles await without ever leaving U.S. waters.
Have you been dreaming of a getaway, but the thought of renewing your passport is too much? Don’t worry, you can set sail without leaving the country. Passport-free cruises make it easy to explore charming towns, sunny beaches, and vibrant ports, all while keeping the logistics simple. Canada and New England Adventures Who says you need a passport to explore charming cobblestone streets, colorful harbors, and breathtaking fall foliage? Cruises from Boston, New York City, and Cape Liberty (New Jersey) make it easy to experience the magic of Canada and
Bermuda Bound Just 570 miles off North Carolina,
Bermuda is a perfect East Coast escape. Departing from New York City, Boston, Norfolk, or Miami, you can enjoy sandy pink beaches, historic Hamilton, and the charm of St. George. Carnival and Oceania offer cruises with relaxing days at sea and island adventures, perfect for a tropical getaway close to home. From the historic streets of New England to the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, these passport-free cruises make it easy to see the world while keeping things simple.
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