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THE SILVER LINING To Your Life & Health
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STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS The Mentors Who Guided My Career
The stories about the most influential and important people in business, music, and other industries usually don’t involve tales of self-made success. Instead, these individuals gained guidance, assistance, and help from valuable mentors throughout their lives. Whether we realize it or not, many of us have benefited from the wisdom imparted to us by mentors. These mentors could be relatives, teachers, employers, or anyone else we come into contact with. January is National Mentoring Month, and there’s no better time to reflect and show appreciation for all the mentors who influenced our lives. Many mentors have left their mark on my life, starting from a young age. Like many of you, my grandfather and father gave me valuable advice that helped shape me into a responsible young adult. However, the guidance I received from those outside my family led me to the life I live now. While wrapping up my MBA program at the University of San Diego, I worked closely with Dr. Mark Riedy, the president of Fannie Mae. I learned countless things from Dr. Riedy, who served as a great mentor throughout my educational journey. However, it wasn’t just advice that he provided; he also put me in contact with an amazing individual who would give me an opportunity to
advance my career. Dr. Riedy talked with a gentleman named William Jones and informed him that I was the best student he had ever had. I spent a few days with William, which allowed us to have many conversations and experience each other’s energy. I didn’t submit an application with William’s company or interview for a position, but he offered me a job. Now, you have to understand that William Jones was a big deal in San Diego. He was a city councilman at 24 and a business partner to Sol Price, the founder of Price Club, which would eventually become the Costco we know today. He had an incredible work ethic that put most to shame. I worked as a financial manager for William’s real estate development projects. This was an intense role for my first job. It was a lot to learn, and although William couldn’t pay me what an MBA typically made, he promised to help me get where I needed to be. I decided to look for something different when the internet became more mainstream. I put my resume on a few job boards and found work back in Atlanta, working for another mentor named Daryl Jones. Like William, Daryl also had an incredible work ethic. He was always in the office in the early hours of the morning, as this would allow him
to leave work early to spend more time with his family. Working for Daryl taught me the importance of pursuing financial goals while staying grounded with family. When my time working for Daryl ended, he promised to assist me in my pursuit of “Omega”... becoming a brother of the GREATEST FRATERNITY IN THE UNIVERSE ... Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, the same fraternity my father pledged in 1970. Daryl came through on his promise, which introduced me to another mentor, Darryl Ledbetter. I can thank my many mentors for helping me accomplish so much and become who I am today. I’ve stood on a lot of shoulders to get here, but thanks to other mentors, I’ve also learned what not to do in certain situations. Before the pandemic, I used to sit in my clients’ kitchens and have personal conversations with them. They shared some valuable insights that helped me avoid pitfalls as I matured. Thank you to all
of my mentors and clients for sharing valuable insight and wisdom with me!
–Duane Hamilton
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Why Small Plans Can Make a Big Difference The Happiness Hack
When life feels overwhelming, or you just aren’t feeling your best, it can be difficult to find hope or joy. Sometimes, the best medicine is a little self-care in the form of simple activities and treats that you enjoy most. One of the best ways to boost your mood is by planning something to look forward to. Whether it’s a favorite movie, a new painting class, or a tasty latte, prioritizing things that bring us happiness can empower us with hope. It’s like adding a bright spot in the future, making the tough
activities that make you happy or that interest you. Do you love comedy movies or enjoy going to concerts? You might sign up for an improv class or buy tickets to see a play. It can be anything that brings a smile to your face. PLAN IT. Once you know the activity, start planning. Our busy lives sometimes lack time for the little things that make us feel good. Treat your happiness like a necessary appointment and get it on your calendar. Spending time with your loved ones and friends also has a wealth of benefits for your mental health, so decide whether you want someone to join you.
By planning to do things that bring you joy, you’ll feel more hopeful, balanced, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
days more manageable. WHAT DO YOU LOVE?
Your plan doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Start by identifying
Throughout our lives, we get opportunities to participate in countless hobbies. Many of us have fond memories of playing a musical instrument or joining a sports team in our youth, but as we grow older and become more involved with work and our families, we start to stray from our favorite hobbies. January is National Hobby Month, and there’s no better time to reignite your passion for your favorite hobbies or to try something new. Not only are hobbies an entertaining and fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, but they also provide countless benefits! Here are a few you may experience. HOBBIES IMPROVE YOUR OVERALL WELL-BEING. Stress is a constant in most of our lives, and when the stress becomes too overwhelming, our mental and physical health can suffer. We can find ourselves fighting through depression, which prevents us from exercising or participating in our favorite activities. However, finding Get Back in the Game How Hobbies Improve Health, Skills, and Happiness
time for your hobbies is a great way to offset stress and improve your mental health. Various studies have shown that participating in hobbies can improve mood and focus. Hobbies that require physical activity can provide even more health benefits! THEY PRESENT NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET PEOPLE. You’re likely not the only one who enjoys participating in your favorite activities. Most communities across the country have groups dedicated to various hobbies you can join. Whether you like running, playing video games, or creating beautiful works of art through woodworking, there’s a group of people ready to welcome you. You might just make a new best friend! YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS. Depending on your hobby of choice, there are many skills you can learn and develop through your participation. Joining a sports team can help with your hand-eye coordination, leadership skills, and ability to work within a team. Joining a book club can improve your reading comprehension and speed, and taking up writing can help with your vocabulary and creative-thinking skills. Every hobby provides us with a chance to improve upon a specific skill.
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Safety Tips for Teens Starting Their Driving Journey N ew D river on the R oad ?
Every year, new teenage drivers get behind the wheel for the first time as they begin working toward obtaining their driver’s licenses. This is an exciting time for them, but it also comes with enhanced stress levels for the parents and other relatives involved. Think back to when you first started driving; I bet you can remember a few times when you went through a stop sign or got a little too close to the car in front of you, giving your parents quite the scare. Safety should always be at the forefront of our minds when driving. If you have kids or grandkids preparing to start driving, share the following tips with them to ensure they stay safe every time they hit the road.
BUCKLE UP EVERY TIME YOU DRIVE. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving down the street or across the state; buckle your seat belt every time you drive somewhere. Also, be sure that everyone else in the vehicle has their seat belt buckled. Make it a habit, and you’ll never pull out of your driveway unbuckled again. FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD. You might think you’re cool when you merge without using a turn signal or drive 15 mph over the speed limit, but you’re actually just putting your life and other lives at risk. Follow the speed limit, use your turn signal, and pay attention to traffic signs and lights.
STAY AWARE. Danger can strike in seconds while on the road, so you must stay alert. Check your mirrors and stay out of others’ blind spots when possible. MAKE SMART DECISIONS. Texting while driving has become so prevalent in our society that most don’t even give it a second glance when they see the driver next to them looking at their phone. Don’t follow this trend, as it’s incredibly dangerous. Taking your eyes off the road for a second could be the worst decision you ever make. Keep distractions at bay, including any passengers who want to take your focus away from the road!
TAKE A BREAK
O ne -P ot C hicken N oodle S oup
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS • 2 1/2 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 10 cups chicken broth
• 4 celery ribs, chopped • 4 medium carrots, chopped • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
DIRECTIONS 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Mentorship Matters
The Power of Planning Something to Look Forward To Time to Rekindle Your Passions and Boost Your Well-Being Safety Tips to Share With New Teen Drivers One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
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Vacation in Tropical Panama
An Unforgettable Tropical Paradise DISCOVER PANAMA
The Central American country of Panama, home to the titular Panama Canal that allows easy passage of maritime traffic between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, is more than a hub for international trade: It’s a scenic tropical paradise. Just 30,000 square miles in size — smaller than South Carolina — Panama packs a lot of incredible sites into one compact package. The country uses the American dollar, so you don’t need to exchange currency to make a worthwhile trip there. Here are three locations you can look forward to on your vacation to Panama! PANAMA CITY Founded in 1519, Panama’s capital is a metropolis amidst lush tropical
rainforests. Around 40% of the country’s population resides in the city, which is full of amazing historical and entertainment districts that attract tourists worldwide. The Casco Viejo historical district, comprised of Spanish colonial architecture, was named a World Heritage site in 1997. ISLA BASTIMENTOS NATIONAL MARINE PARK This amazing national park, established in 1988, covers over 50 square miles and over 130 islands of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, including the popular coral reefs of the Cayos Zapatillas. If you are interested in rubbing shoulders with monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and countless marine species, this is the spot for you!
PANAMA CANAL No list would be complete without mentioning one of the greatest engineering feats in human history: the Panama Canal. The canal, which runs for roughly 40 miles through the Isthmus of Panama, was completed in August 1914, just a month after the outbreak of World War I. The canal works via a system of locks, filled and emptied of water to raise and lower boats. Ships up to 950 feet long transport over 200 million tons of cargo annually through the canal. If you visit Panama, you have to see the canal for yourself!
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