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Peace of Mind Post April 2024
SPRINGING FORWARD
Embracing Renewal in Nature and Life
Spring has finally sprung, and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome its arrival, along with the vibrant flowers and new growth it brings. As I look at our office, just 200 feet away from our 8-acre farm field, I remember the journey it took to transform the land into a thriving agricultural plot. When we first took over the farm in 2021, it was clear that the previous farmer’s methods had left the land in disarray. Ruts marred the ground, and weeds ran rampant, making it challenging to cultivate anything of value. That first year yielded no crops — we had to invest time and energy into rehabilitating the soil before we could see any growth or progress. While it was frustrating at times to have to put so much hard work into the preparation phase itself, it was a lesson in patience and perseverance and one that ultimately paid off. Now, we have a wonderful hay crop and beautiful land! Much like estate planning, tending to the farm required foresight and dedication. Just as we sow seeds now to reap the rewards in the future, estate planning involves making strategic decisions today to ensure financial security and peace of mind down the
Many people don’t enjoy estate planning — and I don’t blame them. It takes a lot of time, and planning after your passing isn’t always the most pleasant thought, but it’s well worth it. We likely won’t have to replant any crops for another 6 or 7 years, but that’s just like estate planning — once you finalize a plan, we will revisit it in a few years to adjust for life’s changes! Switching gears, as I gaze outside my office window, I see a row of tulips — the remnants of a planting by the former owners. This year, they are making a comeback, for they were accidentally mowed over by the lawnmower two years in a row. I was devastated but left them where they were, hoping for a miracle. As I write this, they haven’t bloomed yet, but they are sprouting and look like they will thrive! Their determination to survive, despite setbacks, is a powerful reminder of the resilience inherent in nature and ourselves. Spring is a season of renewal and hope — when dormant seeds blossom with new life and potential. It reminds us that despite adversity, there is always room for growth and transformation. Like the tulips outside my window, we can all overcome challenges and emerge stronger and more vibrant.
road for ourselves and our loved ones. While the process may seem daunting and time-consuming, the dividends it pays in the future are invaluable.
“Just as we sow seeds now to reap
So, as we embrace the sights and scents of spring, let us also celebrate the spirit of resilience and renewal. We can weather any storm and emerge victorious. After all, just like the tulips, we can bloom again, no matter what obstacles come our way! Happy spring!
the rewards in the future, estate planning involves making strategic decisions today to ensure financial security and peace of mind down the road for ourselves and our loved ones.”
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No flowers quite yet, but the tulips are making a comeback with close supervision
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Finding Joy in the Little Things INCORPORATING HUMOR INTO DAILY LIFE
Unraveling the History of 4 Phrases
Tracing the Roots of Everyday Sayings
April kicks off with April Fools’ Day, and the entire month gives us a reason to smile and chuckle a little louder — it’s National Humor Month! Laughter can improve our health, longevity, and overall well-being. So, why not take a moment to appreciate the importance of laughing and making light of situations from time to time? Research has shown that laughter has numerous physiological and psychological benefits. When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, the feel-good hormones that reduce stress and promote relaxation. This natural
Many different vernaculars are used in daily conversations — English is constantly changing! Some phrases we hear often might make sense if we think about them, but we probably could never guess the backstory of others. So, let’s “dive in” and explore four commonly used phrases and their origins. Raining Cats and Dogs When you hear someone say, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” this comes from when houses had straw roofs with no wood underneath. Animals would burrow into the
straw roof to stay warm. The roof became slippery when it rained, and the animals would fall off. It would “rain cats and dogs.” This phrase is now used to describe heavy and abrupt rainfall and sometimes bad weather in general. Dirt Poor The phrase “dirt poor” is just an extreme way to call someone poor. As simple as this sounds, though, it comes
response boosts our mood and enhances our immune system, making us more resilient to illness and disease. Furthermore, laughing has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, as it increases blood flow and enhances the function of blood vessels. Regular laughter can contribute to a healthier heart and a longer lifespan by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure.
Puzzle Time!
from a time when many poor people had only dirt floors and were thus considered “dirt poor.” Bite the Bullet
To “bite the bullet” means to accept something difficult or unpleasant. In the olden days, when doctors were short on anesthesia or time during a battle, they would ask the patient to bite down on a bullet to distract them from the pain. The first recorded use of the phrase was in 1891 in a Rudyard Kipling novel, “The Light That Failed.” Break the Ice When you “break the ice,” you remove tension from a first or uncomfortable meeting.
Before road transportation was common, ships were the only means of transportation and trade. At times, the ships would get stuck during the winter because of ice formation. The receiving country would send small ships to “break the ice” to clear a way for the trade ships. This gesture showed affiliation and understanding between two territories — similar to how the phrase is used today.
Answer:
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Navigating Estate Planning Transitions — Divorce and Remarriage Life transitions such as divorce and remarriage often require adjustments to estate planning to reflect your wishes and ensure your loved ones are provided for. In these situations, reviewing and updating your estate plan becomes essential to address changes in marital status, family dynamics, and asset distribution. Key Considerations for Estate Planning During Divorce Updating Beneficiary Designations Removing an ex-spouse as a beneficiary on accounts such as retirement plans, life insurance policies, and investment accounts is crucial. Failure to do so could result in unintended consequences, with assets passing to a former spouse instead of your desired beneficiaries. Revising Your Will or Trust Post-divorce, revisions to your will or trust should reflect changes in property division, alimony, child support obligations, and guardianship arrangements for minor children. Updating these documents ensures the distribution of your assets follows your current wishes and that you make appropriate provisions for your children.
For our mind and well-being, humor is a powerful coping mechanism, helping us navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. By finding humor in difficult situations, we can shift our perspective, alleviate stress, and maintain a positive outlook even in challenging situations. Even more, laughter can strengthen social bonds and foster connections among individuals. Have you ever had a good laugh with friends or loved ones? These belly-hurting giggles can deepen relationships, promote empathy, and create lasting memories. In the workplace, humor can also enhance productivity, creativity, and morale. A lighthearted atmosphere cultivates a sense of camaraderie among colleagues, fosters teamwork, and encourages a positive work culture. How can we incorporate more laughter into our lives? It’s as simple as seeking out opportunities for humor in our daily routines. Whether it’s watching a funny movie, reading a humorous book, or sharing jokes with friends, finding moments to laugh and make light of situations can profoundly affect our overall well-being. As we celebrate National Humor Month, let’s embrace the power of laughter to uplift our spirits, strengthen our relationships, and promote a healthier, happier life. After all, a good laugh is not just a momentary pleasure — it’s a gift we can give ourselves daily for better health and greater joy. So, don’t forget to laugh a little louder, smile a little wider, and enjoy the lighter side of life!
Addressing Guardianship and Conservatorship If you have minor children, revisiting guardianship and
conservatorship arrangements is essential. You may need to designate a new guardian to care for your children in the event of your incapacity or death, ensuring their well-being is protected. Key Considerations for Estate Planning During Remarriage Establishing Trusts Trusts can be valuable tools for protecting assets and providing for children from prior marriages while ensuring provisions are made for a new spouse. By establishing trusts, you can safeguard your assets and clarify your wishes regarding inheritance. Addressing Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements can help clarify financial rights and responsibilities in the event of divorce or death. These agreements outline asset division, spousal support, and inheritance rights, providing both spouses clarity and peace of mind. Updating Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives Remember to update your powers of attorney and advance directives to designate individuals to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf. These documents ensure your wishes are followed and your interests are protected in the event of incapacity. Remember that navigating estate planning during life transitions requires careful consideration and professional guidance. Consulting with Trinity Elder Law can help you navigate the complexities of divorce and remarriage and ensure your estate plan reflects your current circumstances and goals!
Warm, hearty, and brimming with flavor, this lentil soup is the ultimate comfort food. Hearty Lentil Soup
Ingredients
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2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced
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6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth 1 tsp dried thyme
2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 carrots, diced
1 bay leaf
2 celery stalks, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups dry lentils
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf, and bring to a simmer. 4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5. Discard the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Inside 1
Lessons From the Land
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How Common Phrases Found Their Voice The Ultimate Stress Relief for Mind, Body, and Soul Ensure Your Estate Plan Reflects Your Current Circumstances Hearty Lentil Soup
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The Birth of the Coffee Break
Coffee Lovers, Look No Further THE HISTORY OF YOUR FAVORITE BREAK-TIME TREAT
In 1902, the Barcolo Manufacturing Company in Buffalo,
to find staff after World War II. He introduced mandatory coffee breaks so workers could get a boost to make it through the day. The problem? He wouldn’t pay the workers for their mandatory coffee break. So, the U.S. Department of Labor stepped in and won the workers paid breaks as they had a positive effect on the business. As time has passed, coffee breaks have evolved from a pragmatic solution in the industrial era to a worldwide phenomenon about more than just a moment to consume caffeine. It has become a social ritual, fostering camaraderie among colleagues and providing a space for informal conversations. These breaks have become a catalyst for creativity and collaboration, so enjoy this cherished cultural staple, especially if you work alongside coworkers in an office space.
New York, implemented a 10-minute break for its employees in the morning and afternoon. The goal was to provide workers with an opportunity to enjoy tea or coffee with a snack. After the break, workers were ready for more time on the job, filled and caffeinated. Not coincidentally, the first vacuum-sealed coffee grounds were released around 1900, making coffee accessible during short breaks, and more companies started offering breaks. A 1955 court case, The United States v. Phil Greinetz of Los Wigwam Weavers, cemented the break into law. Greinetz was the owner of the Los Wigwam Weavers tie factory and struggled
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