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A Guide to a Gentler Year Ahead How do we make 2026 our best year yet? One day, action, and conversation at a time.
Although there have been times when I’ve paid the price for following this mindset (who hasn’t?), I still lean into kindness as much as possible. Of course, there will inevitably be times when you learn that such kindness wasn’t warranted or reciprocated. Still, being supportive of others and giving them the benefit of the doubt is the best practice to follow. I bring that philosophy into every new relationship I begin, whether it’s with a friend or a new client. That said, it’s wise to try to steer clear of people who mistake kindness for weakness. Sometimes, people will take advantage of your kindness, and you’ll need to flip the script, learn from your mistake, and not fall into that trap with that person again. Just as showing kindness is essential to positive living, so is setting boundaries for yourself and lines that others shouldn’t cross. Although you may find yourself in situations where your kindness was exploited, it’s important not to let these moments bring you down or discourage you from treating others the way you want to be treated. Taking a genuine interest in someone else and being present for them in the moment is one of the greatest gifts you can ever share. In some respects, it’s human nature to take, take, take and put yourself at the forefront of your mind. It’s also human nature for us to start thinking about what we’re going to say while the other person is still talking, even if it’s in an attempt to think of something relatable to share with them. Instead of making the conversation about you, pull back and ask them a question to show that you’re paying attention and considering their words with care. Doing so will drastically alter the nature of that conversation and what you’ll both gain from it. There’s a vast difference between asking someone, “How are you doing?” and “How are you really doing?” Opening your ears and heart to someone and wanting to know how they’re doing is the ultimate act of kindness. Make this act a New Year’s resolution you’ll keep this year.
Like most people, I always view January as an opportunity to reset my life and focus on ways to be happier and healthier. It is also a fresh opportunity for me to be a better person to others, whether in my work as an attorney or as a family man at home. New Year’s Day often symbolizes the first step we’ll take in making this a great year for ourselves and those we love, but I’d like to bring another critical date to your attention. It won’t arrive for a few weeks, but it couldn’t hurt to start thinking about it now. Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and I often reflect on the kindness I exhibit in my daily work here at the firm. As a lawyer, I interact with people from all walks of life. As I’ve grown older and wiser, I’ve come to realize that every single person, regardless of how they may appear on the outside, is going through something that we can’t see. Embracing that reality over the years has inspired me to treat people differently, especially when they bring an energy to our encounter that isn’t particularly pleasant. The person in front of you may be having a bad day or may be dealing with a life issue that we are unaware of. Ultimately, kindness should prevail in our dealings with others, whether they’re members of our family or the people we encounter as we’re getting through our days.
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Don’t Let the Fire Die MAKE WINTER BONFIRES YOUR NEW TRADITION
still create an awe-inspiring bonfire during winter if you put together a plan. Winter bonfires can quickly become a regular part of your seasonal traditions, and these strategies will help ensure your bonfire is a hit with everyone who attends. Help people stay warm. Nobody wants to sit outside in the dark and freezing cold. Encourage everyone attending to dress in warm clothes appropriate for the frigid temperatures, but be prepared to help out if someone starts to feel chilly. Have extra blankets and coats within reach so you can easily pass them to anyone in need. Provide toasty treats. Sometimes, clothes alone are not enough to protect us from winter’s chill. During these moments, it can help to eat or drink
something that fills your whole body with warmth. Thankfully, you’ll have a bonfire to help you toast and warm some delicious treats. S’mores are usually the go-to, but you can also warm up hot dogs, sausages, or even corn on the cob. And don’t forget the drinks! Hot chocolate, warm apple cider, or even tea can help everyone stay Some may grow bored with traditional bonfire activities, which is why you should have an extra activity or game up your sleeve. Depending on the lighting, you could play a card or board game. If the lighting is too dim, you can incorporate other activities requiring more movement and adventure. Kids and adults alike will have fun playing a game of flashlight tag or participating in a scavenger hunt. Plus, the extra movement will help everyone stay warm! comfortable and in good spirits. Add games or fun activities.
Many Americans invite their friends and family for a bonfire throughout the summer and fall. Nothing beats making s’mores, sharing stories, and enjoying the flickering flame under the moonlight. As temperatures drop and winter weather appears on the radar, some cover and ignore their bonfire area until after the cold and rainy seasons. However, you can
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Doing good things for others does more for our minds and bodies than you may realize. In the spirit of this month’s cover article on the value of kindness, I recently conducted research into how we are psychologically affected when we perform good deeds for others. What I uncovered was astounding, and it provided further proof that we should all do our part to make the world a more caring and compassionate place. According to the Mayo Clinic, focusing on kindness can decrease the production of the stress hormone cortisol and lower our blood pressure. Additionally, showing kindness to those around us has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness, improve our mood, and strengthen our interpersonal relationships. Perhaps most significantly, being kind boosts our levels of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters contribute to our well-being and fulfillment, stimulating the reward and pleasure centers of our brain. We may also experience positive physical sensations, as endorphins, which act as natural painkillers, can be released when we perform kind acts. As reported by the American Psychiatric Association, research shows that individuals with a history of anxiety and depression experienced notable dips in episodes of both after engaging in acts of kindness and increasing their overall participation in social activities. With these THE PHYSIOLOGICAL PERKS OF KIND ACTS HELP OTHERS, HELP YOURSELF
participants, shifting attention away from their symptoms and focusing
on the happiness of others helped alleviate their feelings of sadness or nervousness. Kindness isn’t just a social goal we should strive to achieve in our everyday lives; it’s a scientifically proven way to help sustain our physical and mental health. The next time you’re out and about, be sure to hold the door for the person behind you, take an interest in how others are doing, and even “pay it forward” at the drive-thru. You may end up benefiting yourself as much as the person you’re helping.
Take a Break
KOREAN GROUND BEEF INGREDIENTS Sauce •
1/4 cup reduced- sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp honey, or a liquid sugar-free sweetener 1 tsp cornstarch 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
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DIRECTIONS 1.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, stirring, until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as you cook, about 5 minutes. 3. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 4. Stir sauce into the beef, then cook for 2 more minutes, until heated through and the sauce thickens. 5. Off heat, drizzle the dish with sesame oil, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve over white rice (if desired).
Stir Fry •
2 tbsp avocado oil
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1 lb lean ground beef, 85/15 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh ginger root, minced
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Finishing Touches • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil • 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
BOOTS CANDLES CARNATION FURNACE
GARNET HOCKEY INSULATE JANUS
OPPOSITE RESOLUTION
SKATING SWEATER
Inspired by HealthyRecipesBlogs.com
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Inside This Issue 1
Kindness Creates Connections Turn Cold Nights Into Warm Memories Need Help? Call Brauns Adrenalize Yourself Through Altruism Korean Ground Beef Make 2026 Your Healthiest Year Yet
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3 Daily Habits That Will Transform Your 2026
As we enter another new year, there’s no better time to adjust your daily habits to help you become the healthiest version of yourself mentally and physically. Here are three strategies you can incorporate into your New Year’s expectations and resolutions that will help ensure 2026 is your healthiest year yet! Start every day strong. Many Americans fall into the same routines year after year, and most are dangerous for their overall well-being. They stay up too late, wake up to an alarm a few hours later, scramble to get ready, and jump in the car as soon as possible to get to work. Your morning routine sets the tone for your day. If you’re in a hurry every morning, you will feel rushed and exhausted. Give yourself ample time in the morning to take care of yourself and some simple chores. Make your bed, have a glass of water, take good care of your hygiene, eat something, and incorporate some movement into your mornings. It will be hard initially, but you’ll feel the benefits within a few weeks. Diet and exercise matter. This is probably not news to you, but we can’t downplay the importance of diet and exercise. Listen to your body; it will tell you what it needs. Many people fall into the trap of overeating without realizing it or starving themselves when they want to lose weight, but this won’t make them feel good. Eat when your body tells you to, stick to a healthy diet, and find time for exercise. You need to find ways to motivate yourself, especially when you want to stay in bed and stick to comfort foods. Your body will thank you.
Drink more water. How much water do you drink each day? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that men should drink about 15.5 cups of fluids daily and women should drink 11.5 cups. If you aren’t hitting these numbers, it’s time to adjust. Start and finish each day with a glass of water. Walk around with a refillable bottle. Staying hydrated will help your body function much better.
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