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Why is it so hard to just be ourselves? Maybe it’s
insecurity, fear of rejection, competition with others, or social pressure. Perhaps it’s a combination of all of the above.
I’ve watched the musical film “The Greatest Showman” more times than I can count. The film features PT Barnum’s struggle to create the spectacular life he dreamed of as a child. But just as central to the
Did we dislike Rudolph, Hermey, or the Misfit Toys because they were different? Of course
not. Their quirks were what made them endearing.
I think back to my favorite teachers, coaches, and clergy members. They
film’s plot is the self-doubting group of misfits with Barnum trying to find their place in the world. The film’s main anthem, “This is Me,” does a powerful job of speaking to their, and everyone’s, insecurities:
were passionate, peculiar, and sometimes downright eccentric, but that’s
what made them special and memorable.
Returning to “The Greatest Showman” and “This is Me.”
“I am not a stranger to the dark Hide away, they say ’Cause we don’t want your broken parts
The lyrics speak to the pain of being rejected or criticized for your “broken parts” and “scars.” But ultimately, the lyrics celebrate the strength and resilience of being yourself.
I’ve learned to be ashamed of all my scars Run away, they say No one’ll love you as you are” The lyrics hit home for anyone who’s been bullied, rejected, discounted, or misunderstood. The lyrics also set the tone for the rest of the song, which is about overcoming the fear of rejection and owning your uniqueness. As I continued watching, I thought of a different group of film misfits, this one from my youth. Do you remember the animated “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” film? In that story, the Island of Misfit Toys is where toys end up if they are considered flawed or different. I have a vivid picture of the Charlie-in-the-Box, a train with square wheels, a cowboy who rides an ostrich, a bird that swims, and a spotted elephant. Of course, Rudolph is the main misfit, along with his friend Hermey the elf, who wanted to be a dentist. Spoiler alert — in the end, Rudolph and Hermey help the Misfit Toys by finding them homes with loving children who appreciate them as they are.
“But I won’t let them break me down to dust I know that there’s a place for us For we are glorious. When the sharpest words wanna cut me down I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out I am brave, I am bruised I am who I’m meant to be, this is me.”
We are all peculiar, insecure, quirky, and eccentric in different ways. To paraphrase one of my favorite songs by the singer Pink, we’re not broken, just bent. We should all embrace that quirkiness, those differences, and strive to be ourselves no matter what our scars and bruises. I’ll leave you with a quote by Zen Shin that seems fitting for springtime: “ A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms. ”
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All Aboard the Extended Vacation Trend
TOP 3 VACATION DESTINATIONS FOR A LONGER STAY
that home exchanges of two weeks or more increased by 13% in January-May last year. According to Travel Pulse, 26% of people opt to take a trip that exceeds 10 days.
The pandemic slowed us down. Over the past few years, we collectively took fewer vacations, boarded fewer cruise
allow you to pack in a dozen or more of these natural gems in just a couple of weeks! Many national parks also accommodate RVs for comfort and convenience. Drive the California coast. A trip up and down the California coast never disappoints. With so many great places to stop and breathtaking views to absorb, you’ll need at least two weeks to experience them properly. You’ll want to explore the Redwood National Forest, the Lost Coast, Pebble Beach, Monterey Bay, Half Moon Bay, Big Sur, Venice Beach, and many more! Hop aboard a cruise. A cruise is one of the best ways to see many destinations in one trip. You could visit several countries in just two weeks, stopping in different ports to explore! On a cruise, you could see the Caribbean one day and wake up somewhere completely different the next day with a new adventure ahead!
ships, and avoided airports. However, many studies and reports show that now, more than ever, Americans are taking longer vacations! Why might this be, and what are some of the greatest destinations for an extended stay? According to Amex Travel’s 2022 Global Travel Trend Report, 55% of vacationers are interested in taking longer trips because they can work remotely. The trend of swapping homes is also on the rise. HomeExchange’s website reports
If you are interested in taking a more extended vacation, whether it’s because your job went remote, you lost out on travel time in 2020-2022, or you saved on gas money while working from home, here are some great destinations that support a longer stay. Visit the national parks. There is no better way to connect with nature than to tour the national parks. Several epic national park road trips could
Did you know that April 21 is Go Fly a Kite Day? While you may have never flown a kite, having a hobby is extremely important. Not only do hobbies keep you entertained and help to stave off boredom, but they relieve stress, teach you new skills, and help you bond with others. 5 Unique Leisure Activities
DIYs If you’re handy and enjoy
making things, find some new DIY instructions online and set out to create some new and useful
items. You never know what DIY
If you’re looking for some new options to shake things up a bit, here are some fun hobbies to try.
projects you’ll come across!
Puzzles If you’ve ever completed a puzzle before, then you know the feeling of accomplishment that washes over you! Puzzles come in such a wide range of scenes, piece counts, and shapes, and they make for an awesome way to stay busy and keep your mind occupied. Upcycling. Upcycling is the process of taking anything deemed junk and repurposing it to create something cool! For example, you can upcycle mason jars and create a chandelier or repurpose ice cube trays to create small organizers for tiny items. Your options are endless! No matter what you choose to try out and take up, you’ll be glad you did — hobbies stretch our imaginations and allow us to spend quality time getting to know ourselves, and others with the same hobbies, a bit better.
Photography Whether it’s sunsets, trains, cattle, or clouds that pique your interest, grab a camera and get creative with different angles, lighting, and settings! Photography is a great way to express yourself and capture special moments. Don’t let your best memories exist only in your head, get those exciting and meaningful snapshots! Musical Instruments If you already play the piano, try out the flute or the guitar. If you’ve already mastered the drums, invest in some violin lessons. If you’ve never even tried playing an instrument, pick one and run with it. Everyone has a song inside them, unleash yours!
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Funny and Punny!
Embrace Life’s Humor
What did one plate say to the other? Dinner’s on me!
Laughter is infectious and good for your soul. April is National Humor Month, a time meant for taking a moment or two to recognize the importance of getting in a good laugh and not taking life seriously all the time. Some studies have proven that humor works wonders for your mental and physical well-being, makes you more attractive to others, and increases your ability to lead others. Let’s look at some of the most incredible benefits of humor! It strengthens your immune system. Laughing is a huge stress reliever because it reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increases your infection-fighting ability and antibodies. It also increases your blood’s T-cell count to help fight off infections! It relaxes your body. If you’ve ever had one of those deep, long belly laughs, you’ll know that once the giggles subside, you’re left feeling much more relaxed and content. By increasing your body’s intake of oxygen-rich air, your mind and muscles both get a chance to relax. It burns calories. Fitting into your favorite pair of jeans becomes easier with a great sense of humor! Some studies have shown that laughing for about 15 minutes a day can help you burn anywhere from 10 to 40 calories! While it won’t replace a morning jog, every little bit helps! It attracts others. When you know how to have a good time, let loose, and make light of most situations, others notice that and enjoy your company more. Embracing humor, for most, is a very attractive quality and helps you bond with others. As the old saying goes, “Laughter is the best medicine,” and it’s true — the best part is that it doesn’t cost a thing! This month, starting with April Fools’ Day, enjoy and embrace the humor in life and never forget to laugh!
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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 have grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside the field 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!
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
What’s Inside? 1
Quirky Is an Amazing Compliment
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Top 3 Extended Stay Destinations
Try These 5 Hobbies Out!
Don’t Forget to Laugh!
Helpful Resources
Combating Spring Allergies
Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay. Reduce your exposure. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash Nipping Spring Allergies in the Bud
your hair and skin to remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening.
Remove pollen from indoor air. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air. Rinse out your sinuses. When pollen overwhelms your sinus passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. Take over-the-counter medications. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over-the- counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies.
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