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F inding G ratitude S tarts W ith P erspective
It’s Easy to See the Negative
Life is full of challenges that we have to overcome. Sometimes these burdens weigh so heavily on us that finding relief seems hopeless. But even in the midst of life’s toughest battles, I believe there is a way to find gratitude. Every moment, no matter how bad it may seem, holds the capacity for beauty. With a little more effort, you can find simple moments to be grateful for, which will lead to more fulfillment in your life. I’ve found that some of the simplest aspects are the ones I’m most grateful for. For example, I feel very fortunate to have good health. An able body allows me to support my family and to do the activities I enjoy. There are so many people who do not have certain opportunities due to physical, emotional, or mental limitations. When I work with my clients, I see the sacrifices they have to make firsthand, which makes me more empathetic toward them. At the other end of the spectrum, I sincerely appreciate the challenges life presents. On Dec.10, 2010, I left my car keys on a bench while my children were at swim practice, and the car was stolen. All of my sensitive work documents were still in my car. Without those files,
I couldn’t do my job. When I left the pool to go home, my vehicle was gone and my career with it. It wasn’t an easy time, but when I look back all these years later, it now feels like a huge victory. I made the decision that day to stop being a manager — I wanted to be my own boss. “ WHEN I WORK WITH MY CLIENTS, I SEE THE SACRIFICES THEY HAVE TO MAKE FIRSTHAND, WHICH MAKES ME MORE EMPATHETIC TOWARD THEM. After the check for the car arrived, I had $900 left over. I used that money to start my company. For years, my family scratched and clawed to make ends meet, but we persevered. Clients trusted me to help them with their health care plan, and they continue to do so today. My success is built on others allowing me to help them,
–Duane Hamilton 1 770-744-1855 stumbling blocks he’s placed in my life. When I take my children out to eat, I make sure they keep that perspective. “It wasn’t long ago that we couldn’t afford this,” I tell them. They get sick of hearing it, but it’s a constant reminder that we must be grateful at every turn. and for that, I’m extremely grateful. When a client looks me in the eye and trusts me, it fills my heart with a desire to help. Working in insurance will show you your strengths and weaknesses really fast. I think it’s easy to dwell on the negative events in life, which makes it hard to be thankful. Before my car was stolen, I only had five months of payments left. I could have wallowed in my negativity, but it ended up being a huge blessing. I can’t comprehend God’s plan, but I’m thankful for the
grandparent and angry old neighbor are archetypal depictions of later life. But these fictions don’t have to be your reality. Recognizing and acknowledging gratitude will help you take stock of the positive aspects of your life and dwell less on unhappy thoughts. Being grateful has also been linked to significant health benefits. According to gratitude expert and author Dr. Robert A. Emmons, “Preliminary findings suggest that those who regularly practice grateful thinking do reap emotional, physical, and interpersonal benefits. Adults who keep gratitude journals on a regular basis exercise more regularly, report fewer illness symptoms, feel better about their lives as a whole, and are more optimistic about the future.” How to Practice Gratitude In the above quotation from Dr. Emmons, he mentions the practice of keeping a gratitude journal. This activity is a great way to start seeing the world with a more positive,
appreciative eye. As often as you can, take a few minutes to write down the acts, people, and moments that you’re grateful for. Some will be big, others small — but all will have an impact on your mood and bring a smile to your face. Before you know it, you’ll have an entire book full of good memories and warm feelings. While keeping a journal is great, there are other ways to go about cultivating and expressing gratitude. The easiest one is simply to say “Thanks” whenever you can. It may seem insignificant, but you’d be surprised what a difference it makes. When you approach the world with the perspective that every day is Thanksgiving, it’s only natural to be grateful. We all have moments when we want to curse the world, especially as we get older, and those experiences are perfectly normal. Just as frequently, though, we have moments that are worth celebrating, often with people who are worth appreciating. Which will you think about more?
Taking the time to acknowledge who and what you’re grateful for is a Thanksgiving tradition far more important than turkey or football. It’s the cornerstone of the holiday and the reason we feast together in the first place. But when you really think about it, should expressing our gratitude and appreciation for others be limited to one day every year? Of course not! Why Gratitude Matters As we get older, it’s easy to succumb to negativity and pessimism — “Kids these days,” “The world isn’t what it used to be,” etc. The crabby
2019 Medicare Changes Is the Advantage Plan Right for You?
Medicare provides many benefits, but as with any health care program, fitting it to one’s specific needs can be a challenge. Luckily, Medicare addresses these issues each year and makes adjustments aimed at helping the majority of its recipients. Here are three Medicare changes coming in 2019 that will help people all over the country. ‘Doughnut Hole’ Medicare’s Part D enrollment currently requires individuals with expensive medications to spend more after they reach a certain threshold. As the costs rise, a gap in coverage known as the
“doughnut hole” forms. This gap was scheduled for removal in 2020, but because of the spending bill that passed in March, it will now end in 2019. At-Home Care Assisted living and home-care expenses can be a severe burden for many individuals. Medicare can cover some in-home help for a period, but its reach is limited. Starting in 2019, the Medicare Advantage Plan will now allow beneficiaries the option to include health aides who can assist with bathing, dressing, and other life necessities.
Test Drive New participants often hesitate to enroll, but 2019 will allow those interested in the Advantage Plan the opportunity to try it out for three months. If the coverage doesn’t live up to expectations after the initial enrollment period, there is the opportunity to change plans. These are just a few of the revisions coming down the pike. If you have more questions, reach out to me today to learn more.
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2 F amilies T hat M ake Y ours L ook G ood Would You Spend Thanksgiving With Them?
Some families spend a typical Thanksgiving watching football, feasting, and expressing gratitude. The rest of us plan our family-time survival tactics months ahead, and even then, the preparations are not always enough. Here are two firsthand stories of just how crazy Thanksgiving can get for some families. Tiffany My family came together for Thanksgiving for the first time in years. Everyone was getting along well, talking and laughing — that is until someone brought up the movie “Twilight.” What began as simply sharing opinions turned into a heated war of words over the validity of the characters. This escalated into everyone bringing up deep-seated issues they’ve held onto for years and ended with half the family storming
out. It took months for us to see each other again. David After having several beverages, my erratic uncle decided to use Thanksgiving as a platform to deliver an uncomfortable speech. He stood up and began listing pros and cons about all of his brother’s wives, giving them each a grade. When he turned to his twin brother’s wife, he didn’t get a word in before a brawl broke out and spilled onto the front lawn. As the drama unfolded, my baby cousin had to use the restroom, but no one noticed. The yard turned into equal parts wrestling mat and bathroom. Obviously, these are extremes. Spending time with loved ones is truly irreplaceable. I hope your Thanksgiving is full of grace and love.
S picy , C reamy S weet P otatoes
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS • 5 pounds sweet potatoes • 1 cup canned coconut milk • 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1. Heat oven to 375 F. On a large sheet pan, bake potatoes until very soft, approximately 75 minutes. 2. Let potatoes cool until they are safe to handle, then peel and mash. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut milk and curry paste. Once mixed, add the
Inspired by The New York Times
mixture, salt, half the sugar, and half the butter to potatoes. 4. 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 F. Spread potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. 5. Uncover potatoes and dot with remaining butter and sugar. Broil until brown, crusty, and delicious. Serve hot.
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Thankfulness Is Everywhere If We Just Look How to Give Thanks Year-Round Medicare Changes Coming Down the Pike 2 Crazy Thanksgiving Gatherings Spicy, Creamy Sweet Potatoes A Historic Veterans Day A H istoric V eterans D ay 2 2 3 3 4 This year, Veterans Day takes on particular historic significance: Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. Countries around the world will commemorate the signing of this peace agreement with moments of silence, centennial ceremonies, and historical exhibits. Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I
signing of the Treaty of Versailles the following July. An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians died in just four years, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. Veterans Day Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the one-year anniversary of the armistice, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1938. Today, Veterans Day celebrates veterans who served their country honorably. The U.K., France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate their veterans in November. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service this month.
Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of life. It’s a day to honor the power of peace and the living veterans across the globe who have served their countries. This November, take a moment to remember the war that helped shape the international community’s dedication to peace and thank the individuals who served to defend it. The Great War By 1914, a world war had been years in the making, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by a Serbian nationalist provided the spark that would eventually burn down much
of Europe. A chain reaction of land disputes, pre-emptive attacks, and strategic alliances brought over 30 countries into World War I. The Great War that ravaged Europe resulted in a devastating loss of life, but from those ashes rose a renewed appreciation for the importance of peace and a global effort to ensure its place in the future.
The Restoration of Peace In 1918, Germany surrendered
unconditionally, and the armistice ended the fighting at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, though the war did not officially end until the
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