You Don’t Need Resolutions to Instill Change WHY NOT NOW?
I’ve always found New Year’s resolutions to be an odd concept. Statistics state that 80% of them fail by February. And yet, at the beginning of every year, it seems like everyone steps back up to the plate to attempt resolutions once again, whether or not they failed in the past. Why not take a different approach to making changes? Life is often a series of starts and stops. Things change, people come and go, you get a job, you lose a job. There are endless patterns of change to the average human life, and often, our time becomes largely about keeping up with those changes. For that reason, there’s a lot of power in making concrete decisions for how you instill the change you want to see. With this in mind, the question becomes a matter of when , not how. I can distinctly remember when this outlook first presented itself in my own life. I was about halfway through my second semester of my sophomore year of high school, and I had just met with my guidance counselor to pick out classes for the following year. Admittedly, I had been underperforming, but I told her, “Don’t worry, I’m going to apply myself to my work next year.” I remember her setting my file down, looking me right in the eye, and asking, “Why not start now?” I stared back at her for a few seconds and realized I had no acceptable answer to that question. I may not have known how big an impact this moment made on my work ethic and mindset when it was happening, but when I think back on it, it’s easy to see the change it ingrained in me.
truth is this: If we keep putting them off and keep pushing their start dates to “next Monday,” “after the holidays,” or “in the new year,” then we truly never will accomplish them. Lifestyle is not something you can, or should, let fall to the wayside. It doesn’t work that way. Whether you’re striving to be a good parent, a devoted child, a valuable employee, or a healthy dieter, you have to give it your all, and you have to give it all the time. Life is not about making resolutions — it’s about adopting a lifestyle. Take our practice of law for example. We don’t have the option to put things off or wait and say, “I’ll start on that case in the new year.” We have to focus and apply ourselves at all times because our work touches many more lives than just our own. If you’re a fan of resolutions and are part of the 20% who do manage to stick it out well past February, then by all means, make your list. However you can find inspiration to do more and be better, I encourage you to do it. But I will still stand firm on that one question I was asked all those years ago: Why not start now? I’ll bet many of you are just like me and don’t have a reasonable answer. So, whether or not you make hard-and-fast resolutions and whatever your aspirations may be, there’s nothing stopping you from beginning the journey to achieving them today. Go for it.
We all have ambitions we want to chase after, dreams of “somedays” that seem like they’ll never be “todays.” And the
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“We all have ambitions we want to chase after, dreams of ‘somedays’ that seem like they’ll never be ‘todays.’ And the truth is this: If we keep putting them off and keep pushing their start dates to ‘next Monday,’ ‘after the holidays,’ or ‘in the new year,’ then we truly never will accomplish them.”
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HELP YOUR KIDS ACHIEVE MORE THIS YEAR With Simple and Actionable Goals
With every new year comes an opportunity to reinvent ourselves or start down a new path toward self-improvement. Making resolutions is a big part of many families’ New Year’s traditions, and parents often have a desire for their kids to take part in that tradition when they’re old enough. Following through on resolutions is tough, especially for young children, but with your help, they can achieve their goals. PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH. You are your children’s role model for almost everything, including following through on New Year’s resolutions. So, ask yourself if you follow through on your own resolutions. When you proclaim that you will read more books or finally get a gym membership, do you actually try to do it? Your kids will assign as much importance to New Year’s resolutions as you do, so by sticking to your own commitments, you can help them stay on track too. KEEP THINGS SIMPLE AND ACHIEVABLE. When your kids are forming their resolutions, their first attempts will probably be very
broad. Statements like “I want to be more kind” or “I will try to help more around the house” incorporate good values but don’t include any actionable steps. Help your kids think of tangible ways to act on those goals. For example, if they want to be tidier, a good resolution might be for them to clean their room once a week or take responsibility for one household chore every day. DON’T DO ALL THE WORK FOR THEM. While it’s important for you to help your kids formulate their goals, be sure that you aren’t taking over. If they’re ultimately responsible for their resolutions, they’ll feel more compelled to keep them. Instead, suggest different goal areas they could improve, such as home, school, or sports, and let them elaborate. When it comes to creating habits, nobody is perfect, so even if your kids falter on their goals in the middle of February, don’t worry. The important thing is that you continue to encourage them every step of the way.
Testimonials HEAR WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT US! “Rob is a good and professional attorney. He represented me on two separate back-to-back cases. I felt as if he put in 100% effort all the time. In both cases, I came out with a good outcome given the unique circumstances of the cases. Anytime I called, I always either spoke with him, or I always got a returned call. He always kept me updated on any changes in my case. The staff at Holland and Usry were nice and eager to take care of anything I needed. I appreciate you representing me and keeping me out of jail. Thanks, Rob.”
“Great attorneys who really listen and take the time to know you. They are the best around, and the staff is great.”
–Gayle
–Daniel
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What NOT to Do IN YOUR ACCIDENTAL INJURY CASE
When you’re the victim of an accidental injury, there are some glaring misdeeds you must avoid. Take the lessons learned in this real South Carolina Court of Appeals case as a prime example. A car crash victim focused his trial on a neck strain and elbow injuries that his doctor testified permanently injured his arm. The victim himself testified to consistent pain and the loss of his previously active lifestyle, which his wife confirmed in her testimony. However, the jury awarded him only the exact amount of his medical bills, and the Court of Appeals upheld the verdict. Why? The victim broke two basic rules of a successful injury case. 1. HE DIDN’T DO WHAT THE DOCTOR SAID, AND HE DIDN’T DISCUSS TREATMENT HONESTLY. The victim stopped going to physical therapy. He testified the doctor told him he could stop if it didn’t help, so he stopped. But there was no evidence he ever told the doctor he stopped treatment. Because
the evidence reflected he quit treatment without informing the doctor, the jury could conclude his injuries weren’t as severe as he claimed. 2. HIS TESTIMONY SEEMED DISHONEST. The defense attacked the victim by cross-examining him on his memory. He claimed a semiphotographic memory but couldn’t remember a prior lawsuit from a past crash where he alleged permanent neck and back injuries. He didn’t even mention that lawsuit during the discovery process of his current case, which led the judge to instruct the jury they could conclude that the withheld evidence hurt his case. The immense lesson here is this: Tell the truth even if it hurts. If you don’t and the other side finds out, they will crush you with it. Not to mention, they usually find out. As always, if you’ve got a case you need help with, we’re here for you. Call us so you don’t have to wonder if you’re making big mistakes that can hurt your case.
Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Proverbs 23:4-5 “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” Good News
A traditional New Year’s favorite in the South, Hoppin’ John includes black- eyed peas that are said to represent coins, a sign of prosperity for the coming year. It’s usually served alongside collard greens, which represent cash. HOPPIN’ JOHN
Ingredients
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1 smoked ham hock
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1 cup dried black-eyed peas
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1 medium onion, diced
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5–6 cups water
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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1 dried hot pepper, optional (arbol and Calabrian are great options)
Directions
1. Wash and sort peas. 2. In a saucepan, cover peas with water, discarding any that float. 3. Add pepper, ham hock, and onion. Gently boil and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until peas are just tender, about 90 minutes. At this point, you should have about 2 cups of liquid remaining. 4. Add rice, cover, drop heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, undisturbed. 5. Remove from heat and let steam for an additional 10 minutes, still covered. 6. Remove lid, fluff with a fork, and serve.
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* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.
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INSIDE this issue Don’t Wait for a New Year to Achieve a New You Helping Your Kids Make New Year’s Resolutions Testimonials A Cautionary Tale of an Accidental Injury Case Hoppin’ John Natural Ways to Ease Sinus Congestion
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NATURAL REMEDIES FOR STUFFY NOSES DON’T LET CONGESTION GET THE BEST OF YOU
Nasal congestion can have many different causes, including allergies, colds, or the flu, but the symptoms are often very similar: sinus pressure, headaches, and a stuffed-up nose. This is the result of membranes in your nasal passage becoming irritated and your body responding by producing mucus to try and flush out the irritants. Unfortunately, that response also causes nasal congestion. This is intensified by winter weather when dry air and heaters can further dry out your already irritated nasal passage. So, what is the best way to ease nasal congestion and sinus pressure? Try these at-home remedies that focus on moistening your nasal passage. FLUSH YOUR NASAL PASSAGE Use a saline nasal spray or a nasal irrigator, like a neti pot, to flush and moisturize your nasal passage. These devices flush out allergens and keep your nasal passage moist, easing congestion and preventing further buildup. When using a neti pot or other nasal irrigator, always use sterile, distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled. MAINTAIN MOISTURE Humidifiers add moisture into the air, creating a more humid environment, and can be especially helpful if you have a forced-air heating system. Try
using a humidifier or vaporizer when you sleep. You may also find a warm compress helps ease congestion: Soak a washcloth in warm water mixed with a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil (consult the oil distributor for the exact ratio), then place the washcloth over your nose and cheeks for several minutes. Drinking plenty of water and sleeping upright at night can also help ease further congestion. While over-the-counter decongestants can temporarily help ease congestion, they are not intended for long-term use and may further dry out the nasal passage. Adding and maintaining moisture is the best way to prevent or ease sinus congestion. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor.
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