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MAR 2025
The Discipline of Optimism
we make every day to keep going despite our doubts. It’s in the way we show up for others, even when we feel like falling apart ourselves. It’s in the willingness to embrace change, even when it wasn’t what we planned. One of the biggest misconceptions about optimism is that it means always being happy. That’s not true. Optimism doesn’t require us to ignore pain or pretend that everything is okay when it isn’t. It simply asks us to acknowledge that even in the darkest moments, there is still light somewhere. And most of the time, that light comes from the people who care about us. So, what does this mean in practice? It means that when things feel overwhelming, instead of spiraling into despair, we shrink our time horizon. If the future feels too uncertain, we focus on today. If today feels too heavy, we focus on the next hour. And if that’s too much, we take a deep breath and focus on simply getting through the next moment. It also means remembering that we don’t have to do it alone. Optimism is not a solo endeavor — it thrives in connection. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your strength. Lean on the friends who listen without judgment. Seek support when you need it. And most of all, give yourself grace. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. But if there’s one certainty in life, it’s that love — our connections to those who care about us — is always within reach. And maybe, at the end of the day, that’s what optimism
March is National Optimism Month. I could fill this space with clichés about looking on the bright side, but that wouldn’t be honest — or particularly helpful. The truth is, optimism isn’t about ignoring reality or blindly believing things will magically work out. It’s about keeping your mind open to the opportunities that still exist, even in the hardest moments. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. As I sit down to write, I’m carrying the weight of a difficult phone call with a close family member battling cancer. If you’ve ever been in a situation like that, you know how powerless it feels. You want to fix it, to take away the pain — but you can’t. And when the odds are uncertain, when the outcome isn’t in your hands, what does optimism even look like? Optimism, I’ve realized, is a discipline. It’s not passive. It’s not wishful thinking. It’s the choice to not let despair take over. It’s the decision to shift focus — not by pretending
everything is fine, but by holding onto the things that still matter. And often, what matters most is love — the connections we have with the people who stand beside us, even when life feels unbearable. I suspect many of you reading this understand exactly what I mean. Divorce can shake your foundation. For some, it brings grief, uncertainty, and a loss of identity. When you envisioned your future, you probably didn’t picture this moment, this version of your life. It’s disorienting to realize that the story you thought you were living has taken an unexpected turn. I’ve seen that weight in the eyes of many clients who walk through my door. But I’ve also seen what happens when they choose to keep going — when they refuse to let pain define them, when they discipline themselves to look for the opportunities that still remain. Over time, the hurt softens, life begins to move forward, and something new, even beautiful, begins to take shape. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. And more often than not, what pulls people through isn’t just time — it’s the relationships they nurture along the way. That’s because optimism and love are deeply connected. When life feels unbearable, sometimes all we can do is hold onto the people who remind us why we keep going. A close friend. A sibling. A parent. Our children. Even if everything else feels unstable, those relationships can anchor us, reminding us that we’re still here, still worthy of joy, still capable of moving forward. Optimism isn’t just about what we believe — it’s about how we act. It’s in the small choices
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truly is: the quiet, stubborn belief that no matter what happens, we are not alone.
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A Black Lab’s Role in Transforming a Veteran’s Life Scout’s Meaningful Mission
The story of how Scout came into Ryan’s life feels almost destined. Before his deployment, Ryan and his wife had adopted a black Lab, coincidentally named Scout, who died before Ryan went overseas and whose loss Ryan never truly reconciled as he was away from home. So, when Ryan arrived at K9s For Warriors, and the trainers introduced him to his new service dog — a black Lab named Scout — it was a moment of profound healing and renewal. It was as if life had come full circle, offering Ryan a second chance at hope. K9s For Warriors is a testament to the life-changing power of service animals. Determined to combat the devastating reality that 20 veterans die by suicide every day, this program rescues and trains dogs to become service animals for veterans grappling with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. The result is transformative. Veterans find independence, confidence, and purpose, while rescue dogs gain a life of devotion and meaning. The impact is undeniable. Graduates of the program report mended family relationships, reduced medication reliance, and renewed joy in life. Ryan’s wife has seen the change firsthand, describing her husband as more engaged, animated, and hopeful for the future. Scout symbolizes resilience and proves that an incredible bond can heal even the deepest wounds.
For former U.S. Army Cavalry Scout Ryan Finch, life after his tour of duty was a battlefield of its own. Haunted by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the weight of his experiences, Ryan struggled to navigate even the simplest moments of daily life. But then Scout came into his life and became a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and a steadfast partner in his journey toward healing. Scout, a vibrant black Lab, has done more than help Ryan manage his anxiety; he’s transformed his world. Crowds and loud noises, once overwhelming triggers, are now manageable with Scout by his side.
Soccer games, family gatherings, and the everyday joys of life that once seemed impossible are now part of Ryan’s new normal. Scout’s presence allows Ryan to enter spaces he never thought he’d enter again, not as a man weighed down by his past, but as a father, a husband, and a human being rediscovering connection.
Divorce, Distractions, and Drive Tips for Tackling Professional Tasks
Staying focused at work can be one of the most significant challenges during a divorce. Here are three quick suggestions to help you avoid letting a tough time negatively affect your career. CRAFT CLEAR COMMUNICATION. Naturally, balancing our professional and personal lives can be tricky, especially when you’re going through an emotionally draining event that could slow your performance at work. Depending on your employer’s culture, informing your boss and team members of what’s happening may be wise. In addition to possibly suggesting constructive ways to remain productive, they may provide certain flexibilities regarding your duties, allowing for reasonable fluctuations in your performance. Additionally, if you’ve accumulated plenty of PTO, now may be a good time to take some well-deserved time off. AVOID THE TRIGGER TRAP. If you work away from home, you’ve likely transformed your cubicle or office into a mini representation of your home life — full of pictures of you smiling with your spouse or gifts and trinkets from years past. Instead of letting this space become a tomb of despair, put those mementos in a box and replace them with items that may brighten
your mood as you work. Of course, this goal may be challenging if
you’re a remote worker conducting business from Ground Zero of the split, but at least do what you can to clear your immediate work area of potential sore spots. FIND NEW METHODS FOR MIND AND MOTION.
Whether you work from home or in the office, a divorce or separation can drastically reshape your daily routine, often leaving gaps in your schedule you once filled with spending time with your partner. If you previously used your lunch break for text or phone check-ins with your significant other, you could now spend that time walking or performing a quick workout to recharge your internal batteries to finish the workday stronger. If you miss your Friday night TV time with your soon-to-be ex, redirect those hours to going to the gym, meeting with friends, or participating in a community organization or activity. No matter how you decide to fill your newly acquired free time, always devote it to charting a path toward greater self-care.
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The division of assets is a common element in divorce cases. Several obvious items typically come up in these proceedings, including homes, automobiles (and associated loans), and family heirlooms. However, an increasing number of divorces now involve data ownership on phones and computers. If this fact surprises you, read on for perspectives on how modern technologies impact separations. A CLASH IN THE CLOUD With so many aspects of our everyday lives being preserved digitally, there’s a good chance you have more Facebook videos than physical photo albums in your family collection. In the event of a divorce, it may be necessary for both parties to agree on how to navigate access to and ownership of family-related digital media. Will both parties have access to passwords, cloud-based links, and download capabilities? Should you establish restrictions on what can be accessed from personal or — often in the case of social media — joint accounts? These questions, and many others, could arise when Tech and Tensions Digital Assets in Divorce
ranging from access to business-related websites and other web-based promotional tools to the division of profits and potential changes in future ownership. Additionally, you may need to consider how to handle cryptocurrency or other income sources known for fluctuating values need to be divided. DIRECTION IN DIGITAL DISPUTES Every photo you’ve taken of your children on your smartphone could add another layer of concern during a divorce, as splitting intangible items can be more complex and stressful than many imagine. Please contact us today if you have any questions or concerns about how to address digital content in your case.
determining who walks away with what. CYBER GLITCHES AND FINANCIAL GAINS
Discussions and possible disagreements regarding digital assets could also arise if you derive income from a joint e-commerce venture, such as an online shop. This situation could introduce many concerns,
TAKE A BREAK
Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients • 1 (4 lb) corned beef brisket with spice packet • 3 qts water • 1 onion, quartered • 3 carrots, cut into large chunks • 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tsp salt • 2 lbs red potatoes, halved • 1 small head of cabbage, cut into eighths
Directions 1.
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine corned beef, spice packet contents, water, onions, carrots, celery, and salt. Bring to a simmer (skimming off any foam on top). 2. Cover pot, reduce to low heat, and let simmer for 3 hours until meat is fork tender. 3. Add potatoes to the pot and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until potatoes are al dente. 4. Add cabbage along the edges of the meat and on top. Cover and let simmer until cabbage is tender, 20–30 minutes. 5. Place meat on a cutting board and let rest for 10–15 minutes. After meat has cooled, slice against the grain. 6. Add to a large serving bowl, ladle vegetables and broth over top, and serve.
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161 N. Clark, Ste. 1700 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 488-1938 rbbfirm.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
1.
The Discipline of Optimism
2.
K9s For Warriors Is Saving Veterans, One Rescue Dog at a Time
Discipline During Separation
3.
Data Distribution and Disputes
Not Your Mom’s Corned Beef and Cabbage
4.
Pineapple Theft Was Once Britain’s Ultimate Crime
Forbidden Fruit
When Pilfering a Pineapple Was Britain’s Juiciest Crime
Most criminals sentenced to seven years have committed a serious crime, such as armed robbery or multiple burglaries. In 1807, however, a British man named John Godding was sentenced to seven years in an Australian penal colony for an entirely different offense: stealing seven pineapples. The prickly-skinned golden fruit was so prized in 16th, 17th, and 18th-century Britain that pineapples commanded exorbitant prices and were even available to rent to prosperous Brits who featured them as centerpieces at parties. The pineapple craze drove prices for the fruit so high that they became a prized target among petty thieves. Pineapples are native to the Caribbean and South America, and Christopher Columbus is credited with introducing them to Europe after finding them in Guadeloupe in 1493. The fruit quickly became de rigueur among the wealthy as an exotic delicacy. Importing pineapples was difficult, however, because they usually spoiled en route. In the 1770s, pineapples were selling in England for the equivalent of $17,000–$23,000 apiece in 2025 U.S. dollars.
Europeans went wild over the sweet, fragrant fruit, which became a symbol of warmth and hospitality incorporated into Renaissance architecture. Kings and queens clamored for pineapple, including Catherine the Great and King Ferdinand of Spain. King Charles II of England even commissioned a portrait of himself being presented with one. Initial attempts to cultivate pineapples in Britain’s cool climate failed. Transplanting and propagating plant stock and nurturing young plants to maturity was a painstaking process made more difficult by the fruit’s long maturation cycle, which requires as long as 2 1/2 years or more from planting to mature pineapples. British farmers tried for centuries before finally succeeding at producing
pineapples in “hot houses” or “pineries” heated by furnaces placed within glass-walled enclosures. Advancements in global trade eventually made pineapples more readily available in Europe. Had the unfortunate Mr. Godding, the pineapple thief, committed his crime in modern times, he would probably have gotten off with a mere $100 fine.
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