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How Knowledge Shrinks the Monsters in Your Mind Fear isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it serves us, teaching us to pause before stepping into real danger or making the same painful mistake twice. It’s like touching the hot stove. Once you burn your hand, you’re afraid to feel that hot burner again. The trouble comes when fear starts running the show. Our minds can’t always distinguish between real and imagined danger, the stove in front of us and the story we’ve heard about someone else’s burn. Fear can stop protecting us and start holding us back. options are out there. You must get out of the emotional side of fear and find out if that worry is valid or one of those invalid 99 fears you’re experiencing. As your lawyer, I could help you see money on the table you’re almost guaranteed to get, solving some of those life concerns. When we’re afraid, we operate based on the boogeyman that exists in our subconscious. Sometimes, generational trauma holds us back from something. For example, Shelia is not keen O ctober 2025 FACING THE BOOGEYMAN
In October, Halloween shines a spotlight on the things that scare us. It’s also the Month of Free Thought, a time to challenge old beliefs, confront
on going out on the water. Part of it is seasickness, but she attributes the rest
to someone drowning or dying on a boat somewhere in her ancestry. All the stories our family has told us and the culture itself form our perception. The not-so-rose-colored glasses society puts us on changes how we interpret the world before us. Preconceptions and the need to feel safe drive fear. When we drive, we know we’re probably not going to die in a wreck because we are correct in perceiving the car in front of us will move forward. While subject to great fallibility, it’s a learned response that helps us operate. We often react to fear without noticing it, interpreting brain signals through layers of history, social conditioning, and cultural stories. When
illusions, and step outside the boundaries we may have let fear
draw around us. Though you may be unable to chase the boogeyman away, you already hold the cure for your fear.
We often perceive things as dangerous that aren’t truly valid. If we hear, imagine, or see somebody else go through something, our brain operates as though it were happening directly to us. That’s why scary stories and horror movies can affect us so profoundly. It feels like it’s ours. I wouldn’t be surprised if 100 fearful things impacted each of us in a day, but only one is legitimate. If that ratio is accurate, it means 99 times we felt fear were for no good reason.
we step outside the reaction, we have a window of free thought where we can see the world without automatic fear filters. When you explore, question, and gather information, the unknown shrinks and perceived monsters fade.
Fear boils down to uncertainty for many of our clients going through a divorce or a family transition. Where am I going to live? How am I going to protect my children? Who will be my companion in old age now that the person I envisioned my life with won’t be there when I turn 70? How in the world do we divide property? How do I live now?
In that space, you’ll discover that most fears were never real, and the life you couldn’t imagine living is still waiting for you.
–Michael Manely
The antidote to fear is data, seeking answers and facts. If you are fearfully questioning how you will afford to live now that you are separated, answers and
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W hen B orders B lur When love and life cross borders, divorce can quickly become not just emotionally challenging, but legally complicated as well. From conflicting laws across countries to complex questions about custody, property, cultural differences, and financial rights, international divorce often brings unique hurdles. Understanding the potential jurisdictional issues and complications and working with an attorney skilled in international family law is essential to protect your rights and future.
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN INTERNATIONAL DIVORCES
CUSTODY Custody agreements can get complicated in international cases when the parents disagree about which country the child should live in long-term or when court orders from different countries conflict. Courts will try to work in the child’s best interest, but it may involve more legal considerations than domestic cases. They will look at where the child has spent most of their life, travel logistics, how a move could impact visitation rights, and how much international travel could strain a child’s safety, security, education, and access to both parents. ASSETS Property division can be complex when assets have to be split up across different countries. Some nations split assets equally, while others base allocations on financial contributions or needs. When assets are subject to vastly different legal systems, making claims to bank accounts, businesses, and even property can be more difficult. Working with a skilled attorney is crucial so you don’t lose marital assets, especially if the jurisdiction is in a country where you are not at an advantage. At The Manely Firm, our international lawyers understand how to navigate jurisdictional disputes, protect parental rights, and ensure a fair division of assets, no matter where they are located. Contact us today.
JURISDICTION An international divorce can occur when you were married in another country, one or both of you live overseas, or you own property in another country. In many situations, more than one country will have jurisdiction in these cases, and they all have very different laws when it comes to divorce. Determining which jurisdiction is right for your case can be tricky, factoring in residency, nationality, and the location of marital assets. A lawyer can help decide in which jurisdiction to file a divorce to get the fairest outcome. In many countries, the first court to receive the case will have priority, but it’s not always the case.
Why Early Fall Is Prime Time for Mediation Autumn Reset
SCHOOL SPARKS ADJUSTMENTS The start of the school year usually highlights areas of your parenting plan and schedule that need adjustments. By October, you’ll better understand your child’s routines, like homework, after-school clubs, and events. Reviewing your plan now can ensure coverage and that you both clearly understand who is responsible for what. School also brings new challenges for adults, like sharing academic information and coordinating with teachers. Mediation now can help iron out all those details to reduce confusion and stress. FALL MOMENTUM Parents often deal with heightened stress during summer break, juggling work, vacations, and their children’s off- time. The fall usually means a return to a more consistent routine, making it easier to get into the right mindset for mediation or a potentially challenging conversation. October is a sweet spot where things are in a steadier rhythm, and you and your spouse might be in a good headspace to prepare for the remainder of the year. If you are ready to revisit your parenting plan or communicate through mediation, contact The Manely Firm today.
Autumn signals a new season with many changes, busy holidays, and the clock ticking closer to the end of the year. For families coparenting or navigating major transitions like a divorce, this could be an ideal time to revisit custody agreements and schedules and improve communication. October provides a natural pause between the start of school and the holiday rush, giving you a window to reassess and resolve conflicts. Here’s why early fall is a great time to schedule mediation or review your parenting plan. PLAN EARLY, STRESS LESS One key to effective parenting plans or mediation is to start discussions early. October comes right before major holidays like Thanksgiving, when schedules get hectic and more complicated. By participating in mediation or adjusting plans before guests start arriving, you can prevent conflicts or surprises from coming up during the actual celebrations. Not only will this help keep the holiday spirit alive for the whole family, but it will also allow you time to lock in travel arrangements and coordinate logistics now instead of when you’re stretched thin.
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Enjoy the hearty taste of fall with these flavorful braised short ribs in a creamy herb sauce. C reamy B raised S hort R ibs
Parents hope for the best for their kids, and seeing a teenager struggling with sadness or dark moods can be hard, but it’s important to remember that feeling sad occasionally is normal for teenagers. If that blue mood lasts more than a couple of weeks, though, your teen may be suffering from depression, an increasingly common condition among adolescents. About 10% of all teens and 30% of high school students experience depression at some point. This condition can be treated, but catching it early increases the chances of recovery. The causes of depression can be complex, including genetic factors, hormonal changes, school-related pressure, insufficient sleep, or the emotional impact of social media. Even a change in the seasons can trigger sadness, or seasonal affective disorder, for some teens. A good first step is to take your teen to see a trusted pediatrician or family physician, who can check for clinically significant signs of depression and recommend next steps. Feeling connected to others and learning how to manage strong emotions are two helpful tools for combating depression. Whenever your teen is in the mood, try to be available to listen, talk, and show you care about their feelings. Feeling unlovable and distant from others is a pivotal symptom of depression, and parents can help by providing a safe environment for airing difficult emotions. Talk therapy is also beneficial for many adolescents. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to help teens change unhelpful behavior and thinking. Dialectical behavior therapy, another kind of talk therapy, also helps change unhelpful thoughts and habits. It teaches teens to accept seemingly contradictory realities, including the fact that despite those negative thoughts, they are acceptable just as they are. A physician or psychiatrist might also prescribe an antidepressant medication for teens with prolonged depression. If you believe your child is at risk of self- harm or suicide, act quickly and seek professional help. It can be challenging to see your child suffer, but paying attention and constructively addressing the problem are significant steps toward helping your teen find a positive solution. Remember, most teens who receive care and treatment for depression eventually recover! A Parent’s Role in Combating Teen Depression L istening , L oving , L eading
I ngredients • 5 lbs bone-in short ribs • Ground black pepper • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced D irections 1. • 6 garlic cloves, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 1 cup white wine or broth Preheat the oven to 325 F.
Inspired by RecipesByJanet.com
• 1/2 cup water • 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped kale (optional) • 4 tbsp salted butter, divided • 8 fresh sage leaves
2. In a large braiser, season short ribs with black pepper. Scatter onion, garlic, and thyme over ribs. Pour in white wine or broth and 1/2 cup water. 3. Cover the braiser with a lid and roast for 2 1/2–3 hours. 4. Increase temperature to 400 F. Remove the lid, skim excess fat, and stir in heavy cream, kale, and 2 tbsp butter. Roast uncovered for 10–20 minutes. 5. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Melt remaining butter and fry sage leaves until crisp. 6. Serve ribs hot with creamy sauce, garnished with sage.
“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” –G eorge S antayana
–Shelia Manely
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211 Roswell St. NE Marietta, GA 30060 (866) 687-8561 allfamilylaw.com
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Caution Signals vs. Imagined Threats
Jurisdiction, Custody, Assets
Stress Less This Season
How Parents Can Empower Teens Battling Depression
Creamy Braised Short Ribs
Hygge Morning Rituals to Nourish Your Spirit
S tart Y our D ay the D anish W ay Create Hygge in Every Comforting Morning Step
There’s a quiet magic in the early morning. It’s a time made for gentleness, nourishing both body and spirit. That’s the beauty of hygge, a Danish philosophy rooted in comfort, mindfulness, and savoring life’s small pleasures. Pronounced “hoo-gah,” this gentle lifestyle encourages you to slow down and enjoy the present moment. And what better time to begin than first thing in the morning? Begin right where you wake, still nestled beneath the covers. Before your feet ever touch the floor, take a moment to stretch — not the kind that feels like a chore but one that softly awakens your muscles and soothes your joints. This small act stirs your blood and eases your body into the day with kindness. Let your shower become a sanctuary. Choose a soap that smells like the season — apple, cinnamon, or something crisp and woodsy. Let the warm water remind you that you’re not in a rush, that this moment is yours.
As the coffee brews or tea steeps, light a candle. Watch it flicker and think of someone who has touched your life. Offer a quiet thank-you and wish them well. This small blessing is a gift to them and you.
Slip on your walking shoes and greet the world outside. Even a short stroll can awaken a sense of calm. Listen to the autumn leaves rustle, feel the sun on your cheeks. Let nature’s rhythm soften your own.
These hygge-inspired rituals help you reclaim mornings with grace, presence, and joy. You’ve earned mornings like these. Let them carry you forward.
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