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BERT’S BUZZ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024
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Gratitude in Action HOW A SIMPLE PRACTICE TRANSFORMED MY PERSPECTIVE
Thanksgiving is always a great time to reflect on gratitude, and this year, I find myself especially thankful for the practice of being grateful itself. Being grateful for gratitude might sound odd, but a decade ago, I began exploring how gratitude could alleviate those general feelings of anxiety and feeling down that we all experience. I discovered that these emotions cannot coexist with a mindset of gratitude. Gratitude is a choice, a deliberate decision to focus on the positives, even in the midst of challenges. If you deliberately feel gratitude, there is no room for other negative feelings. For me, this practice of gratitude goes beyond fleeting thoughts — each night, I write down what I am grateful for. Sometimes, it’s just a few words; other times, it’s several sentences about my day, my family, or my work. Over time, I’ve developed a habit of ending each day on a positive note, and I’ve realized how powerful this can be. It shifts my perspective, even on the toughest days. Growing up, I had the opportunity to live in several countries — Senegal, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Tunisia — before returning home to Albuquerque after each stay. Seeing poverty and suffering firsthand, the distended bellies of starving children my age, made me appreciate even the simplest things that we often take for granted in the U.S. One of those things is clean water. In many of the places I lived, access to clean water was not guaranteed. Here in the U.S., we turn on the tap without thinking about it. Water is a life-giving force, and I remind myself every day how lucky we are to have it so easily available. Beyond basic necessities, I am also grateful for something that often gets overlooked: the Rule of Law. Having traveled to countries where justice systems are less reliable, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the structure we have here in the U.S. Our legal system isn’t perfect, but it provides a level of security and predictability that is rare in much of the world. Contracts are upheld, agreements are honored, and if they aren’t, there are systems in place to make things right.
I’m grateful to be part of that system, working as an attorney to help people find justice. I take great pride in the work I do, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in my clients’ lives. It’s no coincidence that National Inspirational Role Models Month falls in the same month as Thanksgiving. I am deeply grateful for the incredible people who have inspired me. When I reflect on the role models I’m most thankful for, my wife and my parents are at the top of the list. My wife’s selflessness and unwavering care for others make her a true role model in every sense. My father’s passion, intellect, and love for life have been guiding lights, while my mother’s strength and musical talent continue to inspire me. The love and support each of these remarkable people have shown me has shaped my life in countless ways. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by other amazing people who are role models in their own right. From my colleagues at the firm to my friends at the judo club, I’m constantly inspired by those who give their all to help others. My children, in particular, teach me new and valuable lessons every day. There’s a saying in judo that even black belts can learn from white belts, and that couldn’t be truer. My kids’ perspectives remind me to stay curious and open to new ideas. As Thanksgiving approaches, I can’t help but think about the meaning of the word “company.” It’s derived from the Latin “com,” meaning “with,” and “panis” meaning “bread.” Essentially, “company” means “with bread” — a beautiful reminder that sharing a meal is about more than just food. It’s about coming together, breaking bread, and connecting with the people around us. Thanksgiving, with its focus on gratitude, togetherness, and a delicious meal, is the perfect time to do just that. I encourage everyone to take time to reflect on the people and experiences that make life meaningful. Gratitude, after all, is best celebrated when shared, whether at the dinner table or in a simple moment of reflection.
—Bert Parnall
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Celebrate Child Safety Protection Month With Smart, Simple Strategies Ensure Your Kids Are Safe This November
Child Safety Around Dogs Dogs can be wonderful companions, but it’s important to remember they can also be unpredictable, especially around small children. Toddlers, who are at eye-level with most dogs, may unintentionally provoke a dog, putting them at risk. Here are some essential tips for keeping kids safe: • Supervise All Interactions: Never leave a child alone with a dog, even a family pet. Supervision is vital to preventing accidental bites or aggressive reactions. • Teach Kids to Approach Calmly: Teach your child to approach dogs gently and ask permission before petting someone else’s dog. • Know the Signs: Help your child recognize signs that a dog is feeling threatened, such as growling or showing teeth. Prioritize Child Safety Every Day Child Safety Protection Month reminds us to stay proactive about our children’s safety. Keeping our kids safe is a responsibility we all share, and by staying mindful, we can help ensure their well-being year-round.
If you stay vigilant about what your child is exposed to online, you can help create a safer, healthier digital environment. Safe Driving for Teens Driving is an exciting milestone for teenagers, but it also comes with serious risks. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., and many of these tragedies can be avoided with better driving habits. To help your teen become a safer driver, focus on these tips:
November is Child Safety Protection Month, making it the perfect time to focus on ways we can better protect our children. From technology and driving to dog safety, there are plenty of areas where increased awareness can make a big difference and even save a life. Technology and Social Media Safety The rise of social media in the past decade has led to increasing rates of anxiety and depression among children and teens. While technology provides great learning opportunities, it also exposes kids to cyberbullying, unrealistic body images, and harmful content. Here are a few ways to protect children online: • Limit Screen Time: Establish clear boundaries for how long your child can spend on apps and social media platforms daily. • Monitor Usage: Use parental controls and stay aware of the content your child is consuming. • Open Communication: Keep the conversation going about their online experiences. Encourage your child to come to you if they encounter anything uncomfortable or distressing online.
• Avoid Left Turns on Yellow: Intersections are particularly dangerous for teen drivers.
Teach your teen to be cautious and avoid turning left on yellow lights to prevent accidents. • Put the Phone Away: Remind your teen that texting and driving is incredibly dangerous. Have them put
their phone on “Do Not Disturb” while driving to avoid distractions.
• Practice Defensive Driving: Encourage your teen to drive
defensively, always anticipating that other drivers may make mistakes.
Instilling these habits early on can go a long way in keeping your teen safe on the road.
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SUDOKU
At Carnegie Hall, the concept of a concert has been reimagined with a delightful twist. Welcome to Well-Being Concerts, a series that entertains and soothes the soul. Launched in March 2024, these performances are designed to create a safe and relaxing place for the mind. Forget the traditional concert hall setting of rigid chairs and hushed whispers; these concerts invite you to settle down on cozy floor cushions. The environment is crafted to be as warm and welcoming as a friend’s living room, with soft, inviting lighting and fabrics draped to enhance the space’s coziness. Imagine a musical experience where you’re encouraged to breathe mindfully A Symphony of Support How Well-Being Concerts Are Boosting Mental Health
and connect genuinely with those around you — this is precisely what Carnegie Hall offers with its Well-Being Concerts.
Solution on Pg. 4
Sarah Johnson, director of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute
Crunchy, Lemony Salmon
(WMI), explained the vision behind these gatherings: “Given everything that people are navigating in today’s world, we wanted to intentionally craft a communal musical experience to maximize the health benefits of attending a performance.” This innovative approach to concerts stems from the growing body of research, like the comprehensive 2019 World Health Organization report, that links music to reduced stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. The series, which included 16 Well-Being Concerts, catered to the general public and provided tailored experiences for specific groups such as health care workers, veterans, and individuals affected by the justice system. Instead of a traditional stage, performers and attendees share the same level, forming a circle that fosters a unique sense of community. The impact of these concerts goes beyond the event itself. Johnson’s team, along with strategic advisor Ian Koebner, is exploring ways to extend the calming influence of the music. Attendees may soon be able to access curated playlists and snippets of the performance after the concert, allowing them to relive the serene experience and carry the tranquility into their daily lives. These Well-Being Concerts at Carnegie Hall are more than just performances; they are a sanctuary in the city, a gentle reminder of the healing power of music and community. Hopefully, we will see many more concerts like these in the Big Apple and worldwide.
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter • 3 garlic cloves, smashed • 3/4 cup buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed • 3/4 cup panko • 2 tsp minced fresh thyme • 2 tsp lemon zest • 1 tsp each black pepper and salt, divided • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper Inspired by FoodAndWine.com Ingredients Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
• 2 tbsp heavy cream • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 (3-lb) skin-on salmon fillet (1 1/4-inches thick)
2. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. In a medium bowl, stir together crackers, panko, thyme, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Add melted garlic butter and combine. Set aside. 4. In a small bowl, stir together cream and mustard; set aside. Drizzle oil in a heatproof baking dish and place fish, skin side down, in the center. Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Brush fish evenly with cream mixture. Top fish with cracker mixture, gently pressing into fish. 5. Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce temperature to 400 F. Bake until crumbs turn golden brown, 15–18 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
The Global Lessons That Shape Bert’s Gratitude
Protect Your Kids: From Social Media to Distracted Driving
3
Take a Break!
Crunchy, Lemony Salmon
New Well-Being Concerts Highlight the Healing Power of Music
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Homemade Play-Doh Alternatives for Endless Kid Entertainment
Ordinary Ingredients, Extraordinary Fun
CLOUD DOUGH AND SLIME RECIPES
creating unique items using ingredients from around the house.
and 1 cup of cornstarch, and mix it all in a bowl. Once it becomes hard to mix, start kneading the dough with your hands until it’s smooth and cloud-like. That’s all there is to it. When your kids finish playing with their cloud dough, squeeze all the air from it and place it in an airtight container to ensure it maintains its form and stays workable. You can also replace the conditioner with yogurt if you’re worried about your little one trying to sneak a taste. Slime Want something a bit gooier? Then let’s make some slime! Start by combining one 4-ounce bottle of school glue with 2 tablespoons of contact lens solution. Then, add 1–2 cups of shaving cream, depending on how thick you want your slime. Knead it together until it’s no longer sticky, and you’re good to go!
Nothing is better than spending an afternoon playing with your kids and enjoying their company. However, finding a game or activity that keeps their attention and focus can be challenging. That’s when we have to get creative to find something fun and new for our kids. One solution that keeps kids engaged is
We’re not talking about the standard arts and crafts here! Younger kids love playing with Play-Doh, but you don’t have to go to the store to pick it up. You can make a few different versions with everyday household items. Your kids will love creating and playing with the dough. Here are a few options you can try the next time your kids want something to do. Just remember to supervise your kids during these activities! Cloud Dough If you want to try a soft and fluffy alternative to Play-Doh, you’ll love creating cloud dough. You’ll need an unscented hair conditioner or one with a scent your children enjoy, food coloring, and cornstarch. Combine a half cup of conditioner, 4 drops of food coloring,
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