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WISE WORDS FROM ROBERT FROST
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” --Robert Frost
I took four lessons from Frost’s poem:
• Be intentional: When you live intentionally, you choose what’s important to you and work toward it. Your decisions match your goals, and you can focus your time and energy on what helps you reach those goals instead of being distracted by things that don’t matter much. • Embrace flexibility: Life is dynamic, and choices aren’t always permanent. Be open to walking off your path or turning around based on new experiences and opportunities. Flexibility leads to growth along the journey. • Learn from your mistakes: You’ve heard me say it before. It’s not “win or lose”; it’s “win or learn.” Not every choice will lead to the expected outcome. Setbacks are challenges and opportunities for learning and progress. • Have no regrets: Once you choose a path, it’s natural to fret about what you missed on the other path. Don’t. Regrets weigh us down, like carrying heavy bags from the past. You can’t move forward with all that baggage. Dwelling on regrets also keeps us stuck in yesterday and prevents us from fully embracing today. So, let’s focus on lessons learned instead of disappointments long past.
We have all found ourselves at a crossroads, faced with a decision that will shape our future. Robert Frost’s famous poem, “The Road Not Taken,” brilliantly captures the essence of life’s choices and their impact on our journey. Two roads diverging in a wood. Simple yet profound. My mind vividly pictures those roads winding off through a colorful forest. It also drifts to major decisions in the past and others upcoming. Each path represents a different direction we can take, a metaphorical fork in the road.
The heart of the poem is a choice:
I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference
You could say it encourages you to choose paths in life that are original, less popular, or less predictable. Life is full of choices; sometimes, the most rewarding options are unconventional ones.
My conclusion? Don’t forget to celebrate the good and bad choices that make you who you are, and take pride in your unique voyage. After all, the roads we choose define us and, in Frost’s words, “make all the difference.” I’ll leave you with a quote from William Shatner that is apt here, and it makes me smile:
But the beauty of our decisions is that they all create different adventures — the roads lead somewhere, not necessarily to the same place.
So, is one road better than another? In our everyday lives, we face countless big and small decisions that contribute to our journey. Whether it’s choosing a career path, making or breaking personal relationships, or navigating life’s frequent challenges, Frost’s poem invites us to reflect on our choices and their impact on us.
“Regret is the worst human emotion. If you took another road, you might have fallen off a cliff. I’m content.”
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Embracing Kindness The Impact of Random Acts of Kindness Day
In a hectic and challenging world, the simple act of kindness holds immense power. Feb. 17, celebrated as Random Acts of Kindness Day, is a great reminder of the positive impact that small, unexpected gestures can have on individuals and communities. Brighten Someone’s Day The beauty of a random act of kindness lies in its unexpected nature. Whether it’s buying a coffee for the person in line behind you or leaving an uplifting note for a colleague, these gestures have the remarkable ability to brighten someone’s day. Create a Ripple Effect One act of kindness has the potential to set off a chain reaction. When someone experiences a random act of kindness, they are more likely to be inspired to pay it forward. This ripple effect creates a positive cycle, fostering community and shared humanity. Foster Connection and Empathy Random Acts of Kindness Day encourages people to step outside their daily routines and connect with others on a human level. Kindness promotes
empathy and understanding, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of unity. Whether it’s helping a neighbor with groceries or offering a kind word to a stranger, these actions contribute to a more compassionate and connected society. Boost Mental Well-Being Engaging in acts of kindness is not only beneficial for those on the receiving end but also for the giver. Studies have shown that performing acts of kindness releases feel-good hormones, such as serotonin and oxytocin, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. As individuals engage in positive actions, they often experience a boost in mood and a reduction in stress. Cultivate a Culture of Kindness Random Acts of Kindness Day is an annual reminder to prioritize kindness daily. Beyond this specific day, the aim is to cultivate a culture of kindness that persists throughout the year. By integrating acts of kindness into our routines, we contribute to creating a more compassionate and supportive community. As we spread kindness, we contribute to a more compassionate and connected world, one small act at a time. Whether it’s on Feb. 17 or any other day, let kindness guide us to a more positive and friendly world!
Retirement opens the door to new hobbies and activities. Among these, cultivating an organic vegetable garden could be a fulfilling and beneficial option. This activity provides your body with healthy exercise and fresh produce and can rejuvenate your mind and soul. Health Benefits: A Natural Boost for Well-Being Physical Activity: Gardening is a gentle way to stay active. Bending, planting, and tending to vegetables are excellent low-impact exercises that improve flexibility and strength. Plus, it doesn’t feel like you’re exercising because the activity is goal-focused. Healthy Eating: Harvesting your own vegetables ensures a supply of fresh, organic produce. This home-grown food is free from harmful pesticides and richer in nutrients, contributing to a healthier diet. If you have extras, you can share your harvest with others, helping to improve their diets, too! Mental Health: Gardening is therapeutic. It reduces stress and promotes a sense of accomplishment. It’s also a source of new learning and curiosity. You may need to The Garden Path to Joy
do some research to learn about the best zones for various
share tips, and exchange
produce, fostering a sense of community. Inviting
plants and techniques to keep them healthy. Watching plants grow from seeds to harvest can be incredibly satisfying and a great way to boost mental well-being. Environmental Impact: Tending to the Earth Responsibly Organic gardening is environmentally sustainable. By avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides, gardeners protect the soil and local wildlife. Home-grown vegetables mean fewer trips to the store and less packaging waste, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. So, by gardening, you’re participating in an eco-friendly practice. Social Connection: Growing Community Ties Gardening offers opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners,
grandchildren or neighborhood kids to the garden can educate them
about where food comes from and the importance of sustainable practices. If you participate in a community garden, these benefits, in particular, contribute to a sense of well-being because you’re getting active in the community, making friends, and sharing your knowledge with others. It’s a win-win. Organic gardening in retirement is not just about cultivating plants; it’s about cultivating a healthier lifestyle, a better environment, and stronger community bonds. It’s a hobby that offers endless learning, joy, and satisfaction, making retirement not just a time to relax but also a time to thrive.
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Sudoku
Every four years, our calendars make room for an extra day, and we find ourselves in the unique realm of a leap year. Feb. 29, a date that appears infrequently, has many traditions, folklore, and customs that add a touch of whimsy to our usual routines. Behind the Extra Day A leap year, occurring every four years, consists of an additional day — Feb. 29. This adjustment aligns our calendar with the Earth’s orbit around the sun, ensuring that our timekeeping remains in sync with astronomical realities. While this may seem like a minor adjustment, it opens the door to many curious customs and traditions. Leap Year Proposals — Breaking Gender Norms One of the most well-known leap year traditions is the concept of women proposing to men on Feb. 29. This reversal of traditional gender roles is said to date back to a 5th-century Irish nun named St. Bridget, who, according to legend, complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait too long for a proposal. In response, St. Patrick designated Feb. 29 as a day when women could propose. While societal norms have evolved, this tradition continues to be embraced by those who enjoy a playful twist on gender expectations. Leap Day Birthdays — Celebrating the Rare Occurrence Individuals born on Feb. 29, often referred to as “leap day babies” or “leaplings,” face the unique challenge of celebrating their birthdays only once every four years. To accommodate this rarity, leap-year babies often choose to celebrate on Feb. 28 or March 1 during non-leap years. Leap Year Superstitions While leap year is generally seen as a time for celebration, superstitions suggest caution. Folklore in Greece, for example, warns against getting married during a leap year, particularly on leap day. According to tradition, marriages that occur during this time are believed to be destined for bad luck. As we welcome Feb. 29 this year, we have an opportunity to embrace the unusual, challenge norms and celebrate the rare occurrence of an extra day in our calendars. Whether proposing marriage or hosting a leap year party, this once-every-four-years phenomenon can be fun and exciting! BEYOND THE CALENDAR Traditions and Superstitions of Leap Year
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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!
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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 Wisdom of the Road
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Kindness Matters
Retirement Bliss in a Garden
Diving Into Leap Year’s Extra Day
Helpful Resources
Embrace Change, Enhance Life!
HOW TO THRIVE IN TIMES OF CHANGE
The world today changes constantly, sometimes very quickly, and each twist and turn brings a new adventure! As we journey through life, especially in our golden years, change remains a familiar companion, offering a blend of new experiences and difficult situations. Here’s how to navigate this ebb and flow with confidence. Shaking Up Your Routine Personal changes in your day and routine might seem strange, but soon, you’ll find a new rhythm and perspective, breathing fresh energy into your daily life. Simple acts, like picking up a new hobby, can revitalize your mental and emotional landscape. Cultivating Resilience and Flexibility Navigating change successfully is all about balance. Being resilient means you meet challenges head-on, while flexibility helps
you adapt and find creative solutions. Imagine yourself as
a mature, healthy tree, swaying with the winds of change without being uprooted.
Embracing the Process Remember, evolving with change is a journey, not a sprint. It’s normal to need time to adjust to new
surroundings or situations. Be kind to yourself, seek support when necessary, and savor each step of this phase of life. After all, mastering the art of change is one of life’s most valuable skills. As you face change and the need to evolve, consider it a doorway to new experiences, not an insurmountable hurdle. It truly is a chance to grow, learn, and enjoy life from a fresh vantage point. So, take a deep breath and dive into the adventure like a champ!
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