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April 2025
Tragedy, Triumph, and a Little Bit of Laughter
Why a Merry Heart Is Like Medicine
Life throws challenges at all of us, and in my firm, I’ve seen firsthand how people respond to adversity in different ways. Some sink into despair, while others — against all odds — find a way to laugh, smile, and press on. Since April is National Humor Month, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the power of a positive attitude and how humor, even in the darkest times, can make all the difference. A Bible verse has always stuck with me: “ A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. ” (Proverbs 17:22, KJV). It’s a simple but powerful truth. Laughter and joy have a way of healing, of lifting us up even when life feels almost too much to bear. Over the years, clients have exemplified this mindset in ways that still inspire me today. I remember a case from the ‘90s — over 25 years ago now. A young man in his 20s was driving a garbage truck when, in just the blink of an eye, it overturned. The accident cost him his leg. At that age, I imagined he would struggle enormously with what had happened. But to my surprise, he was always smiling. Always positive. Instead of letting his injury put his life on hold, he went to school to learn how to make prosthetics — turning his own tragedy into an opportunity to help others. His ability to see the good in a bad situation was remarkable, and I believe
that attitude helped him move forward in ways many might not have. I think about his story often. I also think about my Mamaw, Mae Ramey. She was absolutely hilarious, and no matter what life threw at her, she never lost her sense of humor. My grandfather was a pastor at a little country Baptist church, and she spent much of her time visiting the sick and lifting people’s spirits with her jokes and stories. Even after my grandfather passed, she kept her joy. She’d call me and read me the comics from the newspaper just to share a laugh. She lived to 85, and I was holding her hand when she passed away on New Year’s Day. Even in moments of grief, when she talked about my father — her eldest son, who tragically died at just 27 — she would share funny stories about him rather than dwell only on the sadness. She knew that laughter was a gift and shared it with everyone around her. Through my years of practicing law, I’ve noticed a pattern: Those who maintain a positive attitude often fare better in recovery, even after serious injuries. I’ve had clients who suffered horrific accidents but kept their spirits high and ultimately saw better-than-expected outcomes. I’ve also worked with people who had relatively minor injuries but remained stuck in negativity — and their results weren’t nearly as good. Now, I’m not saying laughter alone will
heal you, but I genuinely believe having the right mindset makes a difference. Positivity tends to attract more positivity. Of course, that’s easier said than done — especially when life throws curveballs. But maybe this month, we can all try to find humor in the little things, laugh a little more, and remind ourselves that no matter how tough things get, we can always find a reason to smile. So, as we roll into April, let’s stay positive, laugh often, and never underestimate the power of a good joke, even on the most challenging days.
–Bryan Ramey
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Bon Voyage! Your Ticket to Adventure TURN YOUR DREAM CRUISE INTO REALITY
As we grow older, life shifts and creates new opportunities we may not have had before — like the chance to finally turn our travel dreams into reality. For many, few travel experiences compare
to the comfort and excitement of a luxury cruise, and these four tips can help make your dream cruise happen. Choose the right cruise line. With luxury cruises, it’s essential to compare lines to get your preferred experience and the most bang for your buck. Consider your personal preferences, but remain flexible with accommodations. A little research will help you find the perfect fit. Plan your perfect itinerary. There are many cruise options, so planning an itinerary aligned with your interests and comfort level is easy. River cruises, for example, are perfect for scenic travel, while ocean cruises provide access to exotic ports of call. River cruises are also quieter and
more intimate. If you prefer a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities, an ocean cruise is the better option. Book smart for the best deals. Just because a cruise offers luxury accommodations doesn’t mean your trip has to break the bank. Take advantage of early-bird deals, off-peak pricing, and loyalty programs to save big. Some companies even include airfare! You can also save with discounts for seniors and military members. Your adventure awaits! A cruise offers the ultimate way to see the world, from exploring iconic cities to relaxing on scenic rivers or enjoying stunning ocean views. Now is the perfect time to embrace new adventures on a luxury cruise.
3 CUSTOMS WITH SURPRISING BACKSTORIES What Wedding Traditions Are Hiding
Weddings are filled with traditions we follow without question, but have you ever wondered where they come from? Many customs we associate with saying “I do” have fascinating and unexpected origins, and these three common wedding traditions have some of the most surprising backstories. Wearing a Veil The bridal veil has a long history rooted in both symbolism and practicality. In ancient Greece and Rome, they believed veils warded off evil spirits and protected brides from bad luck. In other cultures, veils served as a symbol of modesty or purity, particularly in religious ceremonies. Over time, the veil also became a way to heighten the anticipation and
drama of the bride’s grand reveal. Many brides wear them today because veils carry special meaning in their families (or they like the look). Matching Bridesmaids The tradition of having bridesmaids dressed alike also dates back to ancient times and has supernatural origins. Back then, bridesmaids wore identical clothing to confuse evil spirits or jealous suitors who might harm the bride or disrupt the wedding. The practice was a “protective” measure to ensure the bride’s safety on her wedding day. Saving Part of the Wedding Cake Many traditions exist around the wedding cake, originating in the mid-
17th century. One enduring tradition is saving part of the cake to eat later. This was originally a practical, money-saving measure — the saved portion of cake would serve as the christening cake for the couple’s firstborn. Today, many couples eat the preserved top-tier of their wedding cake on their first wedding anniversary as a symbol of good luck!
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TAKE A BREAK
Working toward big goals is a rewarding and exciting process, but it can also feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get bogged down thinking about how far you still have to go, but you can use a simple strategy to maintain your momentum: Focus on small achievements. The Science of Small Wins While seemingly insignificant, celebrating small wins has psychological benefits that can carry over into every aspect of your life. When you celebrate small achievements, your brain releases dopamine, the “feel good” chemical that lifts your mood and motivates you to keep going. This positive reinforcement generates momentum, making it much easier to tackle the next step. WHY EVERY WIN MATTERS Celebrate the Small Things
ARBOR ARIES
BASEBALL CHERRIES CHOCOLATE DAISY DIAMOND FOOLS GARDEN KITE
RAINBOW SHOWERS
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Acknowledging small wins also has a measurable impact on mental health. It reduces stress, improves resilience, and helps build a growth
mindset. Focusing on your accomplishments allows you to alter your perspective, and you
With delicious vegetables seasoned with tangy ginger, this recipe is sure to please vegans and meat-eaters alike!
learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Practical Ways to Celebrate Small Wins
Ingredients
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil, divided • 2 tsp fresh chopped ginger root, divided • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tbsp cornstarch • 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
• 3/4 cup julienned carrots • 1/2 cup snow peas • 1/2 cup halved green beans • 3 tbsp water • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1/4 cup chopped onions • 1/2 tsp salt
Incorporating small celebrations into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated, so here are three strategies to help you get started. • Track your achievements in a progress journal. Seeing progress in writing can be very rewarding and provide much-needed motivation when things get difficult. • Share your win with friends and family. When you celebrate your achievements with others, you strengthen personal connections and add positivity to the experience. • Reward yourself. Even simple rewards reinforce the habit of recognizing progress and help make the journey more enjoyable. Achieving small goals is always worth celebrating. Acknowledging every step forward, no matter how seemingly insignificant, helps you stay motivated and confident while improving your overall mental well-being.
Directions 1. In a large bowl, mix 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. 2. Add broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and green beans, and toss lightly. 3. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes. 4. Stir in water and soy sauce. Add onion, salt, and the remaining ginger; cook and stir until the vegetables are crisp and tender.
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33 Market Point Drive Greenville, SC 29607 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Case for Staying Lighthearted, Even When Life Gets Heavy
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Secrets to the Perfect Cruise
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Wedding Rituals With Unexpected Origins
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry
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The Psychology of Celebrating Small Wins
Bizarre Tales of Fairy Romance
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WHEN MYTH MEETS REALITY FAIRY TALES IN COURT
Why These Stories Resonate The allure of fairy romance tales remains strong. Modern literature and media frequently draw inspiration from such stories while reimagining them to explore contemporary themes and societal issues. Authors like Philip Pullman, for example, have crafted thought-provoking retellings, such as his “Grimm Tales,” giving us new ways to look at classic ideas. The continued interest in fairy folklore highlights its timeless relevance. Stories like those from Sweden 400 years ago — where claims of fairy romance sparked legal disputes — bridge the past and present and remind us how imagination and belief have shaped history.
In 17th-century Sweden, stories of fairies and other supernatural beings weren’t just the stuff of folklore — sometimes, they even showed up in court. Tales of people falling in love with these creatures fascinated communities and blurred the line between myth and reality. These beliefs influenced real-life events, leading to bizarre legal disputes and societal consequences. Historical Tales of Fairy Romance Documented examples from Swedish history involve people claiming they had romantic relationships with fairies. According to court records, these claims
weren’t uncommon during the 1600s, when many believed in supernatural creatures. Cases often involved accusations of kidnapping, enchantment, and moral corruption, which mirrored the era’s deep-seated anxiety about the influence of otherworldly powers. These stories went beyond the fantastical and were deeply tied to the cultural norms of the time. Accusations often targeted those on the edges of society,
reflecting how supernatural elements could support real- world prejudices. While these cases might sound unbelievable today, they show how folklore influenced people’s actions and even legal proceedings.
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