Check out our November newsletter!
The Disability DIGEST
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November 2024
If you are working with my team and me, you may be feeling stressed, angry, and in pain, among a multitude of other complex emotions. Working within the legal system after an injury is taxing on everyone, especially when you’re also trying to heal and move on with your life. I’m experienced in managing these emotions with my clients. I’m not afraid to be the person someone vents to when working with the Social Security Administration or listening while a client justifiably complains about an insurance adjuster. As upsetting as these conversations can be, I know it’s cathartic for my clients, and I also know I can solve their issues. Most of the time, we end these conversations with a plan for attacking the problem or at least a promise to meet with a plan later. My thanks in return for my work are, of course, my paycheck and sometimes a word-of-mouth recommendation from the client. (However, I also appreciate a nice Google review!) Yet, this scenario can play out differently for my staff. Those answering the phones or interacting with clients can sometimes take the brunt of someone’s anger or frustration. The difference is these staff members are not the people those calling in want to talk to. Everyone is happy to talk to me because my name is on the door; it’s assumed I’m going to solve their problems. Unfortunately, some may see my staff as an obstacle to the solution. THE POWER OF A ‘THANK YOU’ Why My Staff Deserves Gratitude
to help you, it’s in no small part because of the staff I have working with me. Whenever a client thanks my staff or gives them a gift, I can feel just how happy it makes them. Their work can be thankless, but they deserve to feel appreciated. I couldn’t do this job without them, and as a result, our clients wouldn’t get the compensation they need to heal without my staff’s work. November brings a season of gratitude. I feel that gratitude from my clients every day, and it becomes even sweeter when a kind Google review accompanies it. (Doing this helps us help more people!) But, I also enjoy the moments when clients thank my staff. A simple treat basket or a handwritten card reminds them they are helping people. And we always enjoy reading their names in reviews. There is power behind the simple act of saying “thank you,” even if it’s just over the phone or on a Google review. Thank you for trusting us with your future. And, to practice what I preach, I can’t thank my team enough for what they do. I may be the guy with the name on the door, but they ensure I do what I can to help you.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Every day, my staff works tirelessly to ensure we can help our clients get the compensation and results they deserve. Their research skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and compassion all blend together behind the scenes of the law firm to best serve our clients. If I have ever been able
–Joel Thrift
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JOINT VENTURES How to Exercise and Eat Right for Flexibility
The joints in our body are responsible for keeping us moving, so maintaining our joint health is essential. But many of us don’t realize some of our everyday habits might work against us. From how we bend and lift to the choices we make in our daily routines, seemingly small actions can cause significant stiffness or discomfort. Let’s uncover the habits that could be
causing joint trouble and learn how to improve them. Exercise Healthy joints require regular exercise, and it’s crucial to stay active without overdoing it. A sedentary lifestyle with frequent or extended sitting can lead to weight gain and muscle tightness, making it more difficult for your joints to function. But overworking your joints can put stress or strain on them. So, aim for a mix of cardio, muscle conditioning, and strength training in your routine. Give your joints a break from sitting every 30 minutes by doing stretches for a few minutes. Diet Some of the tastiest foods, like red meat, french fries, dairy products,
and sweets, are inflammatory and can trigger worse joint pain, especially for knee and hand osteoarthritis. When planning your plate, look for foods with omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, fiber, and magnesium. Foods rich in these nutrients can reduce joint inflammation and lower cholesterol. Berries, fish, olive oil, leafy greens, and nuts are all great snacks to keep your bones healthy and your body limber. Making mindful adjustments to your exercise routine and diet are proactive steps toward preserving your joint health and enjoying a more vibrant, active lifestyle. Remember, small changes today can significantly improve how you feel and move tomorrow.
Are You Soup and Bread Savvy?
The Lesser-Known Rules of Dining Etiquette
Most people know the basics of table manners, like placing a napkin on your lap and keeping your elbows off the table ( or burping during a meal ). But most diners aren’t aware of the actual ins and outs of dining etiquette. Let’s explore three lesser-known table etiquette rules and how they originated because you never know when you might have tea at Buckingham Palace! Bread With Your Meal, Not Before Did you know bread is meant to be eaten with your meal, not before? According to proper etiquette, when you’re at a formal or business dinner, you should wait to eat the bread until the first course arrives. The “why” behind this is a bit of a mystery, but perhaps it originates from French dining
that uses bread to soak up the meal’s decadent sauces. Continental vs. American Utensil Style Have you ever noticed the different ways people use their utensils? In the Continental style, common in Europe, a diner holds the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right throughout the meal. In contrast, the American style involves switching the fork to the right hand after cutting food with the knife in the right hand. This dates back to our Founding Fathers, who insisted Americans have unique etiquette!
away from you into the soup, gently gliding it along the edge of the bowl, and then bring it to your mouth without slurping or dripping. Eating soup gracefully has long been a sign of refined manners. So, the next time you sit down for a meal, consider these fascinating tidbits of table etiquette and enjoy your dining experience with a touch of elegance and a dash of fun!
The Proper Way to Use a Soup Spoon
When it comes to soup, there’s a right way to use your spoon. Dip the spoon
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TAKE A BREAK
As we age, the need to advocate for ourselves becomes increasingly important. Whether in a healthcare setting or in relationships, assertiveness about your well-being can significantly improve your quality of life. Here’s a guide to help you practice being confident and assertive. Cultivate open and honest communication. Effective communication is the cornerstone of self-advocacy. Start by being open, direct, and honest about your thoughts and concerns. If you’re struggling to be heard by your doctor, explain your symptoms, problems, and fears without minimizing them. Value yourself and your boundaries. Recognizing your worth is fundamental. Remember that your needs are essential, and you have the right to be treated respectfully. Valuing yourself also means recognizing your boundaries. Clearly communicate what is and isn’t acceptable for you, whether it’s a personal, professional, or medical matter. Express yourself respectfully. While it’s important to be assertive, always strive to express your thoughts and needs respectfully. Approach conversations with calmness and ensure your body language reflects openness. HOW TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE Assert Your Needs With Confidence
APPLE BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY
FIREPLACE GRATITUDE LEAVES NAP PARADE PIE STUFFING TURKEY VETERAN
Spinach, Lentil, and Roasted Beet Salad Inspired by MinamalistBaker.com
Ingredients
This respectful demeanor creates a more cooperative relationship with those around you.
Dressing • 1/4 cup tahini • 1/2 medium lemon, juiced • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 3–4 tbsp olive oil • 1 pinch each salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup green lentils, rinsed clean • 1 cup vegetable stock (or water) • 3 medium leeks, chopped • 1 medium beet, quartered • 1–2 tbsp olive oil • 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper • 4 big handfuls of spinach
Examples of When to Stand Up for Yourself • Requesting a second opinion when you’re not entirely confident in a medical diagnosis • Declining invitations that do not align with your personal comfort or health needs • Asking for clearer explanations during medical appointments if procedures are unclear • Setting boundaries in relationships and communicating your limits • Exploring alternative treatment options with your health care provider if you believe a different approach might be more effective Standing up for yourself is more than just speaking up — it’s about doing so in a way that respects both your rights and those with whom you interact. Remember, advocating for yourself is a form of self-care.
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F and grease a rimmed baking sheet. 2. To a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add lentils and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes uncovered until all liquid is absorbed. Set aside. 3. Add leeks and beets to the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake 15–20 minutes. For crispier beets, bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. Set aside. 4. In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until combined. 5. In a larger serving bowl, combine spinach, beets, leeks, and lentils. Add dressing and toss to coat.
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404-618-4816 JoelThrift.com 2860 Piedmont Road NE, Ste. 115 Atlanta, GA 30308
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
If I Helped You, Thank My Staff!
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The Do’s and Don’ts for Happy, Healthy Joints
Polite or Posh? The Surprising History Behind Table Manners
Spinach, Lentil, and Roasted Beet Salad
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Empower Your Golden Years Through Self-Advocacy
Discover Fabergé’s Playful Potato Masterpiece
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THE $93,750 SPUD Uncover Fabergé’s Unexpected Masterpiece
When you think of the name Fabergé, you probably imagine jewel-encrusted eggs that epitomize luxury. But did
surprises like miniature portraits, mechanical wonders, expensive jewels, or even tiny replicas of royal palaces.
house announced the sale of a Fabergé potato, the bidding war was intense, with collectors and Fabergé enthusiasts eager to own this unique piece of history. When the gavel finally came down, the potato had sold for nearly $100K. Why a Potato? You might wonder why Fabergé chose to make a potato. Perhaps it was his way of showing artistry could be found in the simplest of things. Or maybe it was a playful nod to the significance of potatoes in Russian culture — a staple food that sustained many through tough times. Whatever the reason, Fabergé’s potato reminds us that even the most mundane objects can be transformed into something extraordinary.
you know the famous Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé also created a humble potato? And not just any potato, but one that fetched an astounding $93,750 at a Christie’s auction in 2016. Fabergé’s Glorious Spud In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Peter Carl Fabergé was the go-to jeweler
But Fabergé also had a sense of humor. Enter the Fabergé potato, a far cry from the shimmering eggs but equally fascinating in its own right. This potato,
crafted from pink agate, was a whimsical departure from his usual opulent fare. The Humble Potato’s Journey Fast-forward to 2016, and this extraordinary potato was again in the spotlight. When Christie’s auction
for Russian royalty. His lavish creations, particularly the famous Fabergé eggs, were commissioned by Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. Each egg was a masterpiece, often containing hidden
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