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Peace of Mind Post November 2025
Stop Sweating the Small Stuff
Letting Go Can Be the Healthiest Choice
Life has a funny way of piling on stress. Traffic jams that make you late for work, spilled coffee on your favorite shirt, or the frustrating argument about something you’ll barely remember in a week are all small pain points that can add up. That’s exactly why Nov. 14 is Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day, and it carries a surprisingly big message: Maybe it’s time we stop sweating the small stuff. This isn’t about ignoring life’s serious challenges. Instead, it’s about choosing your battles wisely and asking yourself a simple question: Will this matter in 20 years? If the answer is no, and if you might even laugh about it later, then maybe the best move right now is to let go and lighten up. The 20-Year Test One strategy for shifting perspective is what some people call the “20-year test.” Picture yourself two decades from now, looking back on this exact moment. Will you still be steaming over the fact that your loved one wore mismatched socks, or that a project didn’t go exactly as planned? Or will you chuckle about it? Most of the time, the latter is true, and if future-you is going to laugh, maybe
present-you can relax and laugh a little sooner.
I can always count on the sunrise to reset my perspective.
This test is especially valuable in the context of caregiving. November isn’t just home to Loosen
Up, Lighten Up Day; it’s National Family
Caregivers Month. For caregivers, daily stress can feel relentless, but a small shift in mindset can lighten the load.
Lessons From the Dementia Village If you’ve been following along, you may remember I recently visited The Hogeweyk Dementia Village. It was an important reminder that not everything needs to be a battle. Caregivers were encouraged to approach loved ones with compassion and flexibility, even when their choices didn’t align with “normal” expectations. If someone wants ice cream for breakfast, why not? If they’d rather tuck their pants into their socks or wear underwear over their trousers, is that really worth a fight? These choices might look unconventional, but they’re not harmful. More importantly, pushing back often creates unnecessary conflict. Letting go, however, can bring moments of peace, joy, and even humor. Sometimes, the kindest thing we can do for ourselves and others is to stop insisting on control and allow things to be. The Caregiver’s Reset Button Of course, loosening up isn’t always easy when you’re overwhelmed. That’s why it helps to have a personal reset button. For
some, it’s stepping outside, regardless of the weather, and taking a five- or 10-minute walk. Fresh air, movement, and a change of scenery work wonders on a stressed-out mind. November may be packed with reminders about gratitude and caregiving, but this little holiday offers something just as powerful: permission to let go, laugh, stop getting tangled in what doesn’t matter, and choose peace over perfection. So, this month, whether you’re a caregiver, a parent, a friend, or simply someone navigating the ups and downs of daily life, give yourself permission to loosen up, lighten up. Take a walk, share a laugh, let the small stuff slide, and maybe even enjoy some ice cream for breakfast!
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Calm, Care, an
For one special soldier, the mission is clear: Provide comfort, lift spirits, and stand by his crew, four paws at a time. Raider, a 1-year- old Lab mix from an animal rescue in San Diego, isn’t your typical recruit. He’s about to make waves as the first full-time morale dog on a Navy ship, and he could transform life at sea for hundreds of sailors. With a wagging tail and unwavering loyalty, this pup is ready to serve his country in the most heartwarming way. The nonprofit Shelter to Soldier has been training shelter dogs as service animals for veterans since 2012, with a mission to “save lives, two at a time.” Though the organization partners dogs with individual veterans, it began bringing therapy dogs to Navy ships for special training outings and made a discovery. Crew members felt a special connection with the pups and kept asking, “Can we take this dog on deployment with us?” Raider is the first canine cadet for the job. He was adopted from Labs and More Rescue and has been deep in training since April. This new furry crew member has been working hard on learning to use a “potty patch” on board and special safety gear like booties for his paws and eye protection. Along with getting his sea legs, he’s learning various commands that will help in his Meet the Navy’s First Full- Time Morale Dog ANCHORS AWEIGH, BELLY RUBS AHEAD
REDUCING HOLIDAY STRES
The holidays often come with long to-do lists, but for families affected by Alzheimer’s, less is more. Instead of large, noisy gatherings, consider smaller, more intimate celebrations. Keeping the environment calm and predictable reduces overstimulation and helps patients feel secure. Caregivers should allow themselves to decline extra invitations or tasks. A simple meal shared with loved ones can be just as meaningful, if not more, than a big production. Create a calming environment. Familiarity and comfort go a long way in reducing stress. Keep decorations warm but minimal and avoid flashing lights or clutter that might confuse or agitate the patient. Playing soft holiday music can set a cheerful yet peaceful
mood. Whenever possible, stick to daily routines like mealtimes, rest periods, and medication schedules. If you’re planning an event, consider holding it earlier in the day, when many patients feel more alert and less fatigued. Prioritize caregiver well-being. Caregivers often put themselves last, especially during the holidays. But taking care of your own needs is essential, not selfish. Asking for help
role, which is “designed to support the emotional wellness, morale, and mental health of sailors and Marines,” according to the nonprofit. Raider will
join a team of five handlers and live full time on the USS Makin Island in his own room. Crew members will get their wish, and any time the base deploys, he’ll be along for the ride.
Known for his goofy personality and affinity for belly rubs, he’s already bringing cheer to the base and inspiring others to follow in his
pawprints. The nonprofit is busy training morale dogs for other ships. “Everyone is just really excited to have a furry companion to go with them when they’re underway,” Director of Operations and Training Nicky Moore said, adding, “What makes you happier than a dog?”
Puzzle Time!
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nd Connection
SS IN ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS
from family, friends, or community services can make the season more manageable. Even brief moments of rest, like going for a walk or enjoying a hobby, can restore energy and patience. Self- care allows caregivers to approach holiday challenges with more resilience and compassion. Focus on meaningful connections. Alzheimer’s may change how someone experiences the holidays, but the season’s joy (love, connection, and happiness) remains. Instead of chasing perfection, focus on creating moments of togetherness. Bake cookies, flip through old photo albums, or watch a classic holiday movie. Simple, familiar activities can spark smiles and comfort. Even if conversations repeat or traditions look different, what matters most is being present in the moment. Embrace the spirit of the season. The holidays don’t need to be stressful or
Recognizing the Vital Role of America’s Family Caregivers 53 Million Strong Every November, National Family Caregivers Month reminds us of a truth that often goes unnoticed: Behind every patient, diagnosis, and every medical journey, there’s often a loved one quietly giving their all. Family caregivers are the heroes who step in to provide selfless and unrelenting care. The numbers alone are staggering. Over 53 million Americans provide unpaid care to loved ones, often juggling jobs, families, and personal health. Within that group, about 12 million are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. These conditions demand around-the- clock attention, which can leave caregivers physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and sometimes isolated. But many caregivers carry this role silently, unaware of resources and programs designed to help. The weight of responsibility can make it feel like there’s no time to even look for support, much less accept it. That’s why awareness is so critical. No one should feel like they have to navigate caregiving alone. The part often overlooked is that caregivers must also care for themselves. It may sound cliché, but it’s true: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” You must take care of yourself to properly care for others. That’s why this month isn’t just about recognizing the sacrifices caregivers make. It’s about encouraging them to pause, breathe, and ask for help. Whether it’s through local support groups, respite care, or programs that provide practical resources, lifelines are out there. Sometimes, the hardest part is simply realizing you don’t have to shoulder the entire burden alone. To every caregiver out there: Your dedication is extraordinary, but your well-being matters just as much. Accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an act of strength.
overwhelming for families navigating Alzheimer’s. By simplifying plans, fostering calm, and remembering to care for yourself as a caregiver, you create space for what truly matters. With patience, empathy,
and creativity, this time of year can be a time of peace, warmth, and meaningful memories for patients and caregivers.
Slow Cooker Brisket
Ingredients
• 1 (1-oz) envelope onion soup mix • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 3-lb piece of beef brisket (flat cut)
• 1 lb carrots,
peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 lb baby golden potatoes • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 large sweet onion, cut into 8 wedges • 2 1/2 cups beef stock • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 8 fresh thyme sprigs • 8 whole garlic cloves • 2 bay leaves
Directions
1. In a small bowl, combine soup mix, sugar, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over brisket. 2. Place meat, fat cap side down, into an 8-qt slow cooker. 3. Top brisket with thyme, garlic, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion. 4. Whisk stock, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until fully dissolved. Add to slow cooker. 5. Cover and cook on high for 5–6 hours until tender. 6. Remove to a cutting board, fat side up. Remove thyme and bay leaves. 7. Thinly slice brisket against the grain. 8. Serve with vegetables, drizzled with gravy from the slow cooker.
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Inside 1
Here’s Your Permission to Laugh Instead of Stress
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How a Rescue Dog Is Lifting Spirits at Sea Caregiver Strategies for the Season Slow Cooker Brisket Behind Every Patient Is a Caregiver
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The Caribbean Woman With the World’s Rarest Blood Type
THE ONLY MATCH? HERSELF The World’s Rarest Blood Type
You’ve heard of A, B, AB, and O, but have you heard of Gwada Negative? Odds are you haven’t, and for good reason: It belongs to just one person on the planet. After over a decade of research, scientists in France have officially classified this ultra-rare blood type as the 48th recognized blood group. The discovery started with a seemingly routine blood draw in 2011 from a woman originally from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, affectionately called “Gwada” by locals. What followed was anything but routine. Researchers first spotted a strange antibody in 2011, so they knew it was unusual, but lacked the resources to investigate further. Years later, thanks to advances in DNA sequencing, they finally traced it back to a unique genetic mutation passed down by both of the woman’s parents. The result? A blood type so rare that the woman is only compatible with herself.
Now dubbed Gwada Negative, this new type has captured the attention of scientists worldwide. It’s a medical unicorn, a reminder that plenty of mystery still runs through our veins.
This discovery adds a new branch to the blood type family tree and highlights how critical diversity is in blood research. Who knows? A revolutionary find could be sitting quietly in someone’s bloodstream, waiting to be uncovered during a routine checkup. So, the next time you roll up your sleeves for a blood draw, remember that your body might be more unique than you think!
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