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Peace of Mind Post February 2026
Kindness Lives in the Moments Most of Us Rush Past
They were sitting just a few rows ahead on the plane: an older couple, the kind that makes you instinctively smile. They appeared to be in their mid-80s, with no kids or caregivers in sight. It was just the two of them navigating air travel on their own. As the flight landed and people started shifting around, I noticed the wife struggling with her seatbelt, wrestling with that tiny metal clasp that somehow feels harder to use the older you get. Her husband leaned in to help, but his hands appeared stiff with arthritis, his fingers not cooperating as he wanted. It was one of those moments most people miss because they’re already standing, reaching for the overhead bin, and rushing to get off the plane. I offered to step in and help, because how could I not? I clicked the seatbelt free and watched relief wash over their faces. They thanked me like I’d done something extraordinary, even though it took maybe 10 seconds. When we landed and the plane emptied, the husband mentioned he’d requested a wheelchair assist because walking long distances was challenging for him. The airline staff planned to leave them seated until the entire plane disembarked, even though we were
only a few rows back. So, I asked if he’d mind if I just wheeled him down to baggage claim myself. He didn’t hesitate, and neither did I! We made our way through the airport, chatting and laughing along the way. They were sweet, grateful, and clearly relieved not to be left waiting. It cost me almost nothing, just a few extra minutes of my time, but it meant everything to them in that moment. And as small as it was, it stuck with me. That’s the thing about kindness: It doesn’t usually announce itself. It shows up in random and ordinary places, whether you are paying attention or not. Which is exactly what Random Acts of Kindness Day, celebrated every year on Feb. 17, is all about. It’s about noticing and choosing, even briefly, to look up from your own to-do list and see the people around you, because everywhere you go, there’s potential to help someone if you’re willing to be aware. Too many of us move through our days wrapped up in what we’re doing, where we’re going, and what’s next. That’s incredibly understandable. Life is busy. But had I been completely locked into my own head on that flight, checking my phone, rushing to get off, mentally replaying the conference I’d just attended, I might not have noticed that couple at all. I may have missed the chance to make their day a little easier. Random Acts of Kindness Day is a reminder to open our eyes and slow down just enough to notice when someone needs a hand, a pause, or a moment of patience. The best part is it doesn’t have to be anything huge. Kindness can look like holding the door for the person behind you, letting someone merge in traffic, saying “excuse me” instead of just pushing past, smiling at a stranger, or taking an extra second to help someone reach something on a high shelf. These are tiny things … but they land, and people notice! Sometimes, those small gestures are enough to turn a rough day around. Remember, kindness isn’t about time or money or effort; it’s about awareness, and when we choose to notice, even once, the impact can be much greater than we ever expect.
Thankfully, I wasn’t so focused on the sunset that I missed an opportunity to help my fellow travelers.
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Caregiving NAVIGATING ALZHE
The family of JJ, a preteen troubled by debilitating seizures, was struggling to manage the condition and allay its devastating effect on his learning and well-being. They tried numerous treatments and therapies, but nothing worked well enough to stabilize JJ’s health. Then, JJ’s community stepped up in a way that changed his life forever. Military veterans at Sun Outdoors, an RV community where JJ and his family live in Sarasota, Florida, learned about the difficult situation his family faced and took the initiative to help. Enter Ezra, the service dog. The veterans reached out to Canines for Heroes, a Sarasota-based nonprofit founded by Air Force veteran Mark LaFlamme. As a highly decorated Air Force veteran of three combat operations in the Middle East, LaFlamme knew firsthand the challenges of dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); two of his fellow officers succumbed to the pain and took their own lives. As a way of coping with their loss, LaFlamme set out to help others by giving them access to the healing power of trained service dogs. Canines for Heroes has years of experience matching service dogs with individuals in need. So, Mark LaFlamme and his wife, Sandra, matched JJ with Ezra, a dog trained to detect oncoming seizures and provide emotional support. Ezra is a Czech shepherd, a Central European herding breed known for intelligence, alertness, intuitive ability, and loyalty. Service dogs’ sense of smell is more powerful than any machine and can detect changes instantaneously. They have been likened to a live-in medical alert system. They can also be trained The Service Dog That Changed a Child’s Life Trained to Protect
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a role filled with love, frustration, guilt, and resilience, often all in the same hour. When you’re also juggling a job, family commitments, and your own personal needs, the balancing act can feel overwhelming. But many caregivers manage this reality every day … and learn as they go. The Emotional Weight of Care Alzheimer’s caregiving is unique because the disease slowly changes the person you love. You’re not just helping with daily tasks; you’re grieving small losses along the way. This emotional weight can spill into work meetings, family dinners, and moments meant for rest. Acknowledging this grief without judging yourself for it is an important first step. Caregivers aren’t superheroes; they’re human beings doing their best. The Attempt to Avoid Burnout Balancing a career with caregiving often requires creativity and honesty. Flexible schedules, remote work options, and adjusted responsibilities can make a world of difference. While it can be hard to open up at work, many employers are more understanding than we expect, especially when they know what you’re facing. Setting boundaries is key: You can be dedicated to your job without sacrificing your health or your loved one’s care.
to notice anxiety or discomfort and offer comfort and companionship, interrupting potential panic attacks by calming their human companions. With training by Julie Madison of Top Tier K9, a professional dog-training company, Ezra learned to detect seizures by using his ability to sense subtle changes in scent or behavior. He was also taught to alert JJ and those around him before any visible signs of a seizure appeared, allowing a few crucial moments for JJ to take medications to curtail the seizures and
ensure he was in a safe place. Ezra’s presence led to striking
improvements. Not only did JJ experience a sharp decline in seizures, but the entire family felt less uncertainty and fearfulness. As the story of JJ and Ezra demonstrates, bonds between animals and humans can yield near-miraculous benefits.
Puzzle Time!
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Family Dynamics and Shared Responsibility Family relationships can become strained when caregiving enters the picture. One person often ends up carrying most of the responsibility, leading to resentment or exhaustion. Open conversations, though uncomfortable, are essential. Even small contributions from others, like running errands or providing occasional respite care, can lighten the load and remind you that you’re not alone. The Importance of Making Space for Yourself Self-care isn’t selfish. Caregivers who neglect their own needs are more likely to burn out, get sick, or feel emotionally depleted. Making time for a walk, a hobby, or a cup of coffee is necessary from time to time. These moments help restore patience, clarity, and compassion. The Crucial Aspect of Balance True balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It means adjusting expectations, accepting help, and letting go of guilt. Some days will feel chaotic, and others surprisingly calm. Both are part of the journey. By giving yourself grace and recognizing your limits, you can create a life that supports both your loved one and yourself, one imperfect, meaningful day at a time. Never Clocks Out EIMER’S, WORK, AND FAMILY
From Hedgehogs to Groundhogs
A Holiday Built on Hope and Guesswork
Every year on Feb. 2, a groundhog pops out of a hole and somehow becomes the most trusted meteorologist in America. Personally, I don’t put much stock in the groundhog. In fact, I think he’s a liar. Or at the very least, wildly overconfident for an animal whose job performance depends on shadows and vibes. Six more weeks of winter? Early spring? Buddy, you live underground! Then there’s the other Groundhog Day, the movie kind, where one man relives the same day over and over again. Would I want to live a day on repeat? Absolutely not. That sounds less like a magical second chance and more like a fast track to boredom-induced madness. Even if it was a really good day, how long would that novelty last? A week? A month? Eventually, perfection gets stale. Here’s the thing: How would you even know it was a good day if you didn’t have some not-so-great ones mixed in? Bad days give the good ones contrast. They’re annoying, sure, but they’re also essential. Without them, joy loses its flavor. Even Bill Murray would probably agree (after a few thousand loops). The holiday itself has much older roots than Hollywood. Groundhog Day traces back to ancient European weather lore, particularly Candlemas, a Christian holiday marking the midpoint between winter and spring. Germans believed that if a hedgehog saw its shadow on this day, winter would drag on. When German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania, they swapped the hedgehog for a groundhog. The most famous groundhog of them all, Punxsutawney Phil, made his first official forecast in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, just down the road! According to tradition, he’s been predicting the weather ever since. Whether you believe the forecast or think Phil’s been bluffing for over a century, Groundhog Day sticks around because it’s fun. It breaks up winter and reminds us that even when the days feel repetitive, they’re still moving forward, shadow or no shadow.
Hot Honey- Infused Feta Chicken
Ingredients
• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 tbsp hot honey • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp
crumbled feta cheese • 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or thyme) • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Directions
1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. 2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. 3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. 4. In a small bowl, mix hot honey and minced garlic to create a glaze. 5. Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Pour the hot honey mixture over top. 6. Sprinkle chicken with crumbled feta, then rosemary or thyme. 7. Bake at 400 F for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. 8. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization. 9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon juice and extra herbs before serving.
Inspired by LadySavor.com
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Inside 1 An Ordinary Flight, an Extraordinary Reminder to Be Kind 2 Meet the Canine Hero That Warns of Seizures The Hidden Weight of Alzheimer’s Caregiving 3 Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken Weather Predictions, Time Loops, and a Confident Groundhog 4 Protect Yourself in the Digital Age
Digital Deception Secrets of the Internet’s Sneakiest Scams
Scam Calls Your phone number is public information, and scammers use that to their advantage. They often call seniors, claiming to be someone from their bank, cellphone provider, or another company with which they have an account. They ask for sensitive information shortly after the call begins. Never give it to them. The real organizations rarely call, and if they do, they will not ask for sensitive information. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the supposed organization directly to verify its authenticity. Shared Networks When you enter a business, you may feel compelled to join its public Wi-Fi. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this practice, you do not want to use public Wi-
The internet has become deeply intertwined with our lives, enabling us to reconnect with old friends, stay informed about the latest news, and explore new ideas. However, with the good comes the bad. Scammers have been developing new strategies to take our money, and if you’re not careful, you could become a victim. Here are three internet- enabled scams you should be aware of. Unfamiliar Emails We get emails every day, and most come from unfamiliar senders. These emails rarely contain relevant or beneficial information, but they often carry potential harm. Don’t click on links or attachments within these communications unless you expect them. Scammers can even spoof friends’ or family members’ emails, so it’s always good to be cautious.
Fi to log into and view your bank account, medical information, or social media accounts. Scammers wait on public networks to intercept passwords. Shared networks are not as safe as they may appear.
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