Check out our latest edition!
m
Feeling With Your Heart Imagine a world where you couldn’t see the colors of the sunset, the smiles on your loved ones’ faces, or the twinkling stars in the night sky. A world where you couldn’t hear a baby’s laughter or your favorite songs. That was the world Helen Keller lived in. Despite being blind and deaf, Keller taught us a valuable lesson about life through her words: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.” Keller lost her sight and hearing due to an illness as a baby. Can you imagine what it was like for her? Without the ability to see or hear, the world around her was dark and silent. But even in that darkness and silence, Keller found a way to connect with the world and experience its beauty differently — with her heart. Our hearts can feel things our eyes and hands can’t. It’s like having a superpower that allows us to understand and appreciate the hidden beauty around us. Keller couldn’t see the sunsets, but she could feel the warmth of its rays on her skin and imagine the colors others described. She couldn’t hear music, but she could place her hands on the radio speakers and feel each instrument’s rhythm and vibrations that made up her favorite melodies. Keller became a writer and a powerful advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. She showed the world that even in the face of monumental struggles, the human spirit can triumph when we feel with our hearts. How did Keller keep such a positive attitude and determination? I believe it was because she didn’t let her physical challenges define her. Instead, she focused on what she could do. So, what are these “best and most beautiful things” that Keller talked about? The ones that “must be felt with the heart”?
They’re the things that bring joy and love into our lives — things like friendship, kindness, laughter, and the feeling of being loved, understood, and productive, despite any limitations. They are the moments that touch our hearts and make us feel alive. Sometimes, they might be simple things like a hug from a parent, knowing that a friend is there for you no matter what, or even reawakening a memory of a loved one no longer with us.
In a world that often focuses on appearances and material things, Keller’s words remind us of the importance of looking beyond the surface. The most precious treasures in life are not in expensive gadgets or fancy clothes but in the feelings we share with others. As we go through life, we should cherish the moments that touch our hearts and those who make us feel special. Let’s appreciate the beauty in the world, not just with our eyes and hands, but with our hearts. How do we do that? Confucius said it best: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”
1
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE DIY PROJECTS YOU’LL LOVE Get Your Home Fall-Ready wax and a candle wick to create something unique. If you’re bored with pumpkins, try the same with acorn caps. An even simpler idea involves glazing real or fabric leaves on the outside of mason jars with craft glue. Then add decorative stones and a wax or battery-operated tealight for a seasonal twinkle.
Housewares stores are currently full of cute autumn decor, but the cost of refreshing your house’s look each season adds up quickly. Fortunately, you can do a lot for less. Many DIY crafts are not as complicated as you might think. In addition to saving money, you’ll create personalized charm none of your neighbors can match. Repurpose your pumpkins. Small gourds are incredibly versatile. Just sprinkling a few around your dining room table or mantle makes it feel like fall. But you can quickly elevate them using metallic paint to add cute designs, phrases, or names. Another option is to wrap seasonal fabric around them like a pouch, gathered at the stem. If you feel more ambitious, you can also use pumpkins to make succulent planters. Cut a crater in the top of the pumpkin, pop in the succulent and soil, and press the dirt until snug. Light up the night. The soft glow of a lantern or candle is the perfect way to get the cozy vibes started. Instead of succulents in the top of your pumpkin, you can set
Decorate your door. Wreaths are a DIY staple for several reasons. They’re easy for beginners to make and can set the tone for your home by offering visitors an autumnal focal point. You can buy a variety of starter wreaths at the craft store, so find one that suits your taste. Then pick up other supplies like leaves, pine cones, dried corn, and ribbon. Now you’re ready to hot glue to your heart’s content and create something distinctive. If you need further ideas, look closer the next time you shop. Many of the fun fall items for sale aren’t very difficult to make yourself with a few minor adjustments and a little creativity.
Fall arrives on Sept. 23, and while it’s been a fun and memorable summer, it’s time to prep for the holidays and get into the autumn frame of mind! This time of year, the Great Lakes State has a lot of farm- festive activities to offer. Here are a few that you must check out before the snowy months roll in. Historic Parshallville Grist Mill & Cider Mill Take this season’s first sip of cider at this popular mill in Fenton, Michigan, on North Ore Creek. Parshallville Grist Mill & Cider Mill is 136 years old and one of the last water-powered mills in the state! Here, Top 5 Local Autumn Destinations
you can enjoy cider, spiced donuts, homemade apple pies, or pick up your own apples to take home for baking. Spicer’s Winery Spicer’s is the place to go for some of the best fudge, cider, and U-pick options. You’ll find a daytime corn maze, arts and crafts, and train rides during the fall months. For the adults, Spicer’s also offers wine tastings! Fawcett Farms Fawcett Farms is one of the best-known pumpkin patches, known for its stunning selection of pumpkins. With hay bales and John Deere tractors skirting the patch, it’s the best spot for photos with the family. Chamber’s Family Farm Chamber’s Family Farm has everything you need to get fall-ready. From pumpkins and baked goods to tractor rides for the kids and fun vendors, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon this time of year. Schell Family Farm Apples, pumpkins, and fruit, oh my! Schell Family Farm offers 250 acres of attractions, wagon rides, U-picks, and seasonal activities for everyone to enjoy. In addition to apple and pumpkin picking, check out the Ghostly Grove haunted house for Halloween!
2
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
As the holiday season approaches, many people become increasingly stressed and anxious. After all, a lot of planning, cleaning, tensions, and emotions come with putting together festive celebrations. With the hustle and bustle of the upcoming festivities, here are a few ways to manage your stress to maintain your health and well-being. Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness means being fully present in every moment and accepting all feelings, experiences, and events without judgment. Take time to enjoy every moment. If you’re cleaning with your significant other or family to prepare for a gathering, appreciate doing it together. If you’re shopping for all the items for a holiday meal, reflect on the season and the blessing of enjoying gatherings with loved ones. Don’t Forget to Move Engaging in regular physical activity is a highly effective stress- reduction technique. While exercising, your body releases endorphins, natural mood elevators that help counteract feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a gym workout, find an activity you enjoy and incorporate it as a consistent part of your normal routine. Prioritize Self-Care No matter how busy you get, you should never forget to care for yourself! Set aside time for activities that bring you joy and help you to relax, especially during times of stress. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with family and friends, or even indulging in a good book can give you the mental break you need to help you recharge. Rest Well Sleep plays a vital role in managing stress; without it, even the most cheerful person may become a bit of a Grinch! Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. To make it easier, you can develop a calming bedtime routine. By nurturing your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, you’ll be better equipped to take on the holiday season without becoming stressed and burnt out! Don’t forget: Your well-being is a priority! Holiday Wellness How to Stay Stress- Free This Season
Solution on Pg. 4
Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com.
• Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law
Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. Just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@ mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
3
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
What’s Inside? 1 Helen Keller’s Wisdom
2 3 4
Simple, Affordable DIY Projects You’ll Love
Embrace Autumn in Michigan
Stay Zen During the Holidays
Helpful Resources
Keep Yourself Safe While Traveling Alone
Traveling alone can be a memorable and adventurous experience — it’s a great way to step outside your comfort zone and continue learning about yourself. While solo travel is chock-full of exciting perks, staying alone in a hotel can be dangerous if you aren’t careful to take certain safety precautions. The next time you take a trip by yourself, keep these tips in mind!
Keep your eyes peeled . Any time you leave your room, even if it’s just to scope out the vending machines, be alert for anyone watching or following you, and always keep your room number discreet. If you ever feel like someone is following you, get off on a different floor and avoid going to your room. Use the deadbolt. If the door in your room comes equipped with a deadbolt, use it! This extra safety measure keeps even those with a key from entering your room without your knowing! Share the hotel information. Let your family and friends know where you are staying! Provide them with the hotel name, address, and phone number in case an emergency arises! Traveling solo is a thrilling experience, but it comes with some extra steps to stay safe! Trust your instincts and use these tips to ensure your trip goes down in the memory books as safe and exciting!
Check in the smart way. When you check in to your hotel, always ask for two room keys — this way, hotel staff and anyone else in earshot will automatically assume someone else is traveling with you. If they ask how many guests will be staying with you, don’t admit you are alone. If you have the option, request a room that isn’t on the ground floor, as research shows they are the easiest to break into! Inspect your room. As soon as you enter the room, make a quick sweep to ensure no one is present in closets, in the shower, or under the bed and that nothing appears to be amiss. It’s always best to be safe rather than sorry!
4
Offices: Howell | Clinton Township
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator