Take a look at our November newsletter!
Hugs, Hope, and Homemade Cake
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The Real Rewards of Our Work If there’s one undeniable fact I’ve learned as an attorney, it’s that most people want to be heard and understood.
was on behalf of a homeless gentleman who had been struck in a crosswalk in downtown Atlanta while walking to church. We got him a considerable settlement, which he used to get an apartment, purchase a truck and painting equipment, and start a business creating striping and lines in parking lots. His legal victory was less about being awarded money and more about being gifted the self-respect and chance at
As an attorney, I typically don’t meet clients because everything in their lives is going perfectly. My profession is built on assisting people through difficult (sometimes harrowing) times, so I’ve built a culture within my firm based on empathy and
respect. Whether they’re a client experiencing a significant challenge or someone I know outside of the office dealing with a troubling matter, everyone has moments when they just need someone to listen. At Brauns Law, we believe that if we
success he needed. A homemade cake and an online review are always appreciated ( hint, hint! ), but seeing this man prosper after I successfully represented him is perhaps the best thank-you gift I’ll ever receive. As I’ve mentioned in past editions of this newsletter, I didn’t decide to pursue a career in law until I was 31. The years preceding that choice weren’t always kind, and I experienced many ups and downs, periods of economic stability, and times of financial hardship. In hindsight, I’m glad I waited as long as I did to become an attorney, as I needed those experiences to shape the empathy I strive to bring to my work now. Seeing clients walk away with the justice they deserve and knowing I played a part in their success inspires me to turn the lights on in the office every day.
“No matter how a client thanks us, we cherish every time they do.”
listen well enough and genuinely care for the people who call on us for help, the rest of our work will take care of itself. I’m not a businessperson selling services and goods to another business; I’ve built a career devoted to helping people solve problems. The beauty of what we do is that we don’t ask for money up front; we only get paid once we deliver a positive result for the client. That practice won’t change any time soon.
As we approach another Thanksgiving, I’m most grateful for all the special thank-yous and gifts of appreciation we’ve received from our clients. These expressions of gratitude have ranged from baked goods (including a cake from a client who’s a baker!) to plenty of cards and notes. Sometimes, a client will give me a huge hug after being awarded a settlement; other times, they’ll tell me stories of what they did with their settlements and how these awards gave them better lives. No matter how a client thanks us, we cherish every time they do. That said, one moment in my career warms my heart more than many. One of the very first cases I handled at his firm
With that, THANK YOU for reading this article and for trusting my firm. You’ve given us more than we can ever repay, and our ears and hearts will always be open to you. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Retro Remedies for a Radiant Home CLEAN CLASSICS
Mint will suppress summer stink.
Need Help? Call Brauns “Dependable, and Mr. Brauns and his staff work hard to ensure that you don’t have to worry about anything!” —Harry G. “The best law firm I’ve yet to come across. I’ll be sure to let them handle all my accident cases. They keep you updated on every step they take! It’s just awesome. You also get a welcome gift; everything is just amazing. If you have a question, they have the answer!” —Ms. Carmichael Today’s home makeover marketplace is full of high-tech goods and gadgets designed to keep your spaces clean. However, looking to the distant past reveals plenty of practical (and, in many cases, less expensive) options to bring your pad back to perfection. Here are three vintage cleaning tips that still work well today. Markers are no match for rubbing alcohol. Most parents encourage their children to explore their artistic side. Still, the possibility of your little ones becoming future Picassos can become problematic if they use markers to turn your refrigerator, countertops, walls, or other nonporous surfaces into makeshift art galleries. Instead of shrieking in horror upon discovering their creations, reach for rubbing alcohol and apply it to a cloth. Rubbing the fabric on the scribbles will dissolve the pigments, making it easier to restore your child’s ad-hoc canvas to its original, clean condition. Of course, you may want to snap a few photos of your child’s art before wiping it away — and consider purchasing more appropriate things for them to draw on!
Although the air tends to cool off this time of year, summer will be here again before we know it. If heat and humidity make your garbage cans stink to high heaven, you can find the answer to overcoming the odor in your
garden. Grow or purchase fresh mint and place a sprig in each can daily. You’ll be amazed by how quickly the stench goes away. Tidy pet hair without time travel. Pets bring joy and companionship to our lives, but their hair can do a real number on our rugs and upholstery. Interestingly, the secret to purging pet hair emerged nearly 80 years ago. In the May 1946 issue of Better Homes & Gardens, a reader recommended rubbing a wet rubber sponge on the affected areas — a process that rolls up the hair into easy-to-remove balls. A writer from the magazine decided to test this method last year — and the decades-old directions still did the trick.
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Kind Words, Strong Mind The Power of Daily Affirmations
Here are a few daily affirmations to try, courtesy of PositivePsychology.com . For Women “Nobody but me decides how I feel.” “When I lie down to sleep, everything is as it should be, and I rest content.” “I am in charge of my thoughts, and I don’t judge myself.” “I accept and love myself, thoroughly and completely.” For Men “Through my contributions, I make positive changes to the world.” “By being myself, I bring happiness to other people.” “I choose only to surround myself with supportive and good people.” “Whenever I fall down, I get back up again.” For Children “I am unique.” “When I set out to do something, I am capable of doing it.” “I’ll always help others.” “I am loved.” Of course, not all instances of sadness or stress can be solved with a few self-affirming words, and consulting your health care provider is the best course to take to help alleviate ongoing feelings of depression and low self-worth. However, daily affirmations certainly can’t hurt, and they may be enough to put you on a journey toward a clearer and more positive mind. So, say kind words to yourself! You may be amazed at how much better they make you feel.
“I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.” Years ago, the above catchphrase was popularized by the fictitious character Stuart Smalley on “Saturday Night Live.” Although these words and the Smalley persona (played by comedian Al Franken) were meant to poke a little playful fun at self-help trends of the 1990s, the strength that can be derived from daily affirmations is no laughing matter. According to MRI evidence gathered through extensive neuroscientific research, scientists have determined that practicing affirmations increases activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the part of our brain that helps us process self-related information, such as our perception of personal value. Additionally, research shows that self-affirmations can reduce the harmful effects of ongoing stress, contribute significantly to academic achievement, and increase our enthusiasm for engaging in positive physical activities.
Take a Break
Apple-Cranberry Salad
INGREDIENTS •
6 slices of bacon
• • • •
3/4 cup dried cranberries 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup feta cheese
• • • •
1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1/3 cup olive oil 2 tbsp raw honey
8 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
APPLES BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY ELECTION
KINDNESS LEAVES NAP PARADE
PIE SCORPIO TOPAZ VETERAN
Inspired by EatYourselfSkinny.com
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Inside This Issue 1 2 A Thanksgiving Thank-You Old Ways, Fresh Days
Need Help? Call Brauns
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The Science Behind Self-Talk
Apple-Cranberry Salad
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Bundle Up and Step Out
As the temperatures dip and daylight starts to dwindle sooner in the evenings, staying active often falls to the bottom of the priority list. It’s easy to settle into the routine of indoor comfort with more screens and less movement. However, carving out time for a daily walk, even in the chillier months, is a simple and effective way to stay physically and mentally sharp. Fall and winter are nature’s underrated workout months. There’s something calming about a quiet sidewalk covered in fall leaves or a peaceful neighborhood dusted with frost. The colder seasons offer a refreshing and grounding change of scenery. A short walk outdoors allows you to unplug and take in the subtle beauty that’s easy to miss when you’re rushing from one indoor task to the next. The science of seasonal movement is real. Cooler air does more than wake you up. It makes your body work harder to stay warm, thus increasing the calorie burn of THE CASE FOR A DAILY WALK LESS SCROLLING, MORE STROLLING
even a casual stroll. That quick burst of movement in the cold can also boost circulation, improve energy levels, and clear mental fog, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk for most of the day. Create a cozy routine you look forward to. One of the best ways to stay consistent during these cooler months is to make your walk enjoyable. Layer up in comfortable gear, choose a playlist or podcast you love, and set a daily reminder to step outside. Whether it’s 10 minutes around the block or a long weekend loop, consistency matters more than intensity. Make it social, rewarding, or both. If you aren’t feeling motivated solo, ask a friend or neighbor to join you a few times a week. If you prefer going alone, add a small reward: a stop for a warm drink, or the satisfaction of checking it off your daily goals list. These little incentives can make your walk something to look forward to.
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