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FEB 2024
Breaking the Time Loop How ‘Groundhog Day’ Teaches Us the Art of Service
Believe it or not, one of my favorite movies of all time is the 1993 classic “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray. The movie, of course, takes place on the holiday, which officially takes place on Feb. 2 every year. In the movie, Murray’s character, Phil, is a newscaster who visits the town of Punxsutawney to report on whether the legendary groundhog, also named Phil, sees his shadow. But, as many of you likely know, the human Phil instead finds himself living the same day over and over, trapped in a seemingly endless time loop. When I first thought about it, I wasn’t exactly sure why I love this movie so much. Yes, I think Murray is an endearing human being and appreciate the genius of his comedic timing. I also just generally have a thing for time-travel movies. But when I really dig deep and think about why this movie has stuck with me so much over the years, I realize that I enjoyed watching Phil learn about himself throughout his journey. In many ways, the movie is a study of humanity. For example, at the very beginning of the movie, Phil is in disbelief about his situation — and who wouldn’t be? Then, his disbelief transitions to anger before finally landing on sadness. But then, Phil pivots and decides to use his situation to his advantage, to fulfill all of his selfish desires, including manipulating the woman he likes into finally paying attention to him. He memorizes the exact sequence of things he needs to say for her to respond favorably, he memorizes her
ice cream flavors and schedule, and resorts to what anyone not stuck in a time loop would call stalking, all to trick her into believing they’re a perfect match.
ends up liking him because she admires how much he helps others around him. The audience watches in real time as Phil goes through his journey of self-reflection and puts all of this together on his own. And once he does, he wakes up on Feb. 3 finally free of his time loop. So, if I had to put it into words, what I love about this movie is how it condenses a lesson that would have otherwise taken most of us 10 years of banging our heads against walls to learn. And that lesson is admittedly best said by Zig Ziglar: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” This realization is what ultimately releases Phil from his time loop, and it’s a realization that I think we often need to be reminded of. Oftentimes, the best way to break out of our ruts, whether that be depression, anxiety, negative self-talk, or even just the constant chasing of “more,” is to be of service to others. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give hours of your time or a financial donation, but simply helping others in the same ways you would appreciate people helping you. Pay them a compliment, hold the door, tell them you’re proud of them or that you love them. Any little thing you can do to help someone else goes a long way. Often, further than you think.
Spoiler alert: It doesn’t work. Despite his best attempts, she still doesn’t like him, and, most of the time, finds him straight-up offensive. Completely defeated, Phil gives up on the woman and instead decides to focus his attention on helping a homeless man who was an annoyance to him earlier in the movie. He helps the man get a hot meal and takes him to the hospital, and the two develop something of a friendship. It’s then that he unlocks the code to truly fulfilling his desires. When Phil begins to use his endless days to be of service to others, things begin to fall into place. The woman of his dreams even
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Apple Pay Later Ushers in a New Era Navigating the World of Digital Wallets: In the dynamic world of digital finance, Apple Pay Later could be a game-changer, offering an innovative solution for consumers seeking convenience and financial control. Apple Pay Later joins a crowded marketplace of “buy now, pay later” apps like Klarna, Sezzle, Affirm, and PayPal’s Pay in 4 program, all of which have varying payment schedules; some require a minimum and maximum purchase amount and other restrictions. THE CONVENIENCE OF DEFERRED PAYMENTS At its core, Apple Pay Later provides a simple yet powerful feature: the ability to split purchases into four equal payments over six weeks with zero fees or interest. This approach aligns with the needs of modern consumers who need budget- friendly solutions to maximize their resources. Whether shopping online or in-app, Apple Pay Later integrates seamlessly and works for purchases between $50– $1,000 (using a debit card connected to Apple Wallet, not a credit card) on iPhones and iPads. Because you don’t need additional apps or passwords at checkout, it’s
straightforward to use. Even better? Engaging the app initiates only a “soft check” on your credit, so it doesn’t impact your credit score. SMART BUDGET MANAGEMENT Beyond its convenience, Apple Pay Later is designed to promote responsible spending. Before committing to a purchase, users can view their upcoming payments, providing a transparent snapshot of their financial commitments. This feature, coupled with options for manual or automatic payments, enhances a user’s ability to decide how the purchase could affect their budget. Also, timely alerts and reminders for payments due ensure users stay on track and avoid financial surprises. At this time, Apple Pay Later has no plan to charge fees for late payments. PRIVACY, SECURITY, AND A TOP BANKING PARTNER In today’s digital age, privacy and security are paramount. Apple Pay Later is crafted with these concerns in mind, ensuring user data remains protected. Goldman Sachs is the official loan issuer. Apple Pay Later could be a beacon of financial flexibility and user empowerment. It’s more than just a payment method; it’s a smart spending tool that aligns with the contemporary consumer’s lifestyle. Apple Pay Later is paving the way for a more informed, secure, and flexible approach to personal finance, making it an indispensable tool in the consumer tech arsenal.
The 3 Best Books for Children About Divorce
Divorce can be hard on children. Many kids won’t understand why they have two holidays or how custody works. Some even blame themselves for their parents’ divorce, and parents can find it challenging to explain the ending of their marriage. Books are great for getting the message across to kids, as they speak in a more understandable language. There are many excellent books on the subject, but these three are particularly effective. ‘WHEN MY PARENTS FORGOT HOW TO BE FRIENDS’ This book by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos is for young children between 4 and 7 years old. Besides its charming and engaging illustrations, it tells the story of a girl learning about her parents’ divorce. While she initially believes that she’s responsible, she eventually understands that it’s for
conveys that what they’re feeling is okay and that working through
those emotions is important. In the book, the titular bag of worries
follows Jenny, a girl struggling to cope with anxiety. It grows larger and larger as she frets about all the stressful parts of her life. Ultimately, her grandmother offers to help Jenny open the bag of worries and get rid of them. BOOKS SPEAK A KID’S LANGUAGE. These books convey a message about divorce while providing essential coping skills during a difficult time. Nightly bedside readings allow children to ask questions and learn about their new family life, encouraging a healthy transition. No matter the specifics of the divorce, it’s crucial to speak a language children understand, and books can do just that.
the best and — most importantly — that they love her. ‘WHAT CAN I DO?: A BOOK FOR CHILDREN OF DIVORCE’
For older children up to 12, “What Can I Do?” by Danielle Lowry tells the story of a girl coping with her parents’ divorce, particularly how to handle her emotions. Throughout the book, she learns various coping strategies to feel better. ‘THE HUGE BAG OF WORRIES’ Some kids (and adults) might not want to discuss divorce. “The Huge Bag of Worries” by Virginia Ironsides, for children age 2 and older,
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Kindness Unleashed Embracing Random Acts of Kindness for Yourself and Others
In a world bustling with daily demands, taking a moment to celebrate kindness can be a powerful and transformative experience. Random Acts of Kindness Day is dedicated to the simple yet profound notion of spreading goodwill without any expectation of reciprocity. This annual holiday, on Feb. 17, serves as a reminder that compassion and generosity can have a ripple effect, creating a more harmonious and connected society. A single act of kindness can be a catalyst, inspiring others to pass it on. It’s also important to balance selflessness and personal well-being. Centering your self-care and setting healthy boundaries without overextending yourself is essential. Acts of kindness should come from a genuine desire to make a positive difference rather than a sense of obligation or a way to displace other needs. We encourage you to celebrate this holiday and extend your kindness to yourself as well. Taking a moment to engage in mindful practices, like meditating or taking a stroll, recognizes the importance of nurturing one’s mental health. Small indulgences like buying a new book you’ve been eyeing can go a long way. This gesture is also an act of kindness and can reignite your mood so you have more energy to be kind to others. These can range from offering someone a meal, surprising a colleague with a card of appreciation, or telling your friends you love them. Incorporating both methods of kindness toward the self and others can create a balance that fosters a resilient and compassionate mindset.
As Random Acts of Kindness Day approaches, let’s pause to reflect on the beauty of selfless gestures and consider how we can contribute to a world where kindness is a way of life. Take this opportunity to begin a regular routine of kindness and kickstart a regular rotation of acts to care for yourself and others. Whether your acts of kindness are toward loved ones or yourself, embracing this worldview can help shape a society where kindness is part of our daily interactions, creating a brighter future for all.
TAKE A BREAK
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts Valentine’s Day means heart-shaped everything, even desserts! Bake these puff pastry berry hearts for Valentine’s Day or any other day.
Ingredients: • 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh
raspberries (or berries of your choice)
Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.
Inspired by Weelicious.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
1.
The Wisdom Hidden in ‘Groundhog Day’
2.
How Apple Pay Later Enhances Financial Flexibility
Great Books to Help Kids Cope With Divorce
3.
Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts
4.
Personalized Vacations With AI
AI-Enhanced Travel:
Your Secret to the Perfect Itinerary
The feeling of excitement for an upcoming
for perfect results. The more grammatically accurate your sentence is, the more artificial intelligence can help you. Next, you need to be as specific as possible. Include all relevant information about your travel party when asking it to make plans for you, including if there are any kids, elderly travelers, pets, dietary restrictions, interests, or priorities because those factors will impact the results it gives you. You should also tell the AI software when it misunderstands you or gives you results that don’t match what you want. AI, like ChatGPT, uses large language models (LLMs) to learn from the person interacting with it, so the back-and-forth of providing feedback helps it pinpoint your specific interests to give you better information.
For example, you can provide this prompt: “Make me a travel itinerary for seven days in Rome with activities in less crowded areas that are accessible to elderly travelers.” Finally, double-check any of the information AI gives you. Most platforms can only access information available before 2021, so certain attractions, restaurants, parks, or other itinerary items may not exist anymore. WANT TO GIVE AI TRAVEL A GO? ChatGPT isn’t the only site you can use to plan your itinerary! You can try any one of the following AI software specifically created for travel: • Tripnotes.ai • RoamAround.ai • Curiosio.com
vacation can quickly turn into one of stress. After you purchase your ticket or
plan your travel, you may feel so burnt out that scheduling day-to-day activities for said vacation feels impossible. Thankfully, helping you create an itinerary is where AI thrives. SO, HOW DO YOU USE AI TO HELP YOU PLAN A TRIP? The first step is to craft a prompt that will get the best response possible. To do that, ask your preferred AI platform questions in your native language. AI understands many languages, and your grammar and syntax when asking questions matter when looking
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