NEVER A DULL MOMENT
WHY WE SHOULD LIVE FOR TODAY
We can’t change the past, nor can we predict or guarantee the future. In the end, all we have is the present, yet most of us live our lives
But how do you even get started? The process requires a different way of thinking called mindfulness. Mindfulness is about focusing on what is happening in the present moment — not that work deadline, the movie you just watched, what’s for dinner, or the kids’ extracurricular schedule. It takes practice, and many people use meditation or breathing to help. When mindful, we concentrate on what others say and become more fully present. We also start to notice the small things we usually overlook: the cool breeze on our skin, the sound of the birds, the feel of a sweater, or the sight of our loved ones smiling. Our lives become fuller. And our stress decreases because we’re not clinging to things beyond our command. No one ever stops worrying entirely, and some planning is necessary to live a successful life. But too much can leave us with no energy or time to enjoy it. John Lennon once sang, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Start living in the present so you don’t blink and miss yours.
ignoring its many possibilities.
It’s easy to tune out the life around you, especially if you do many of the same things every day. Taking care of the kids, commuting, working, and running errands can blur together. Just as bad, when life isn’t going the way we want, it’s easy to fantasize about how things “should” be or how they once were. When we live busy or stressful lives, worrying or planning can also make us feel more in control. The problem with these strategies is that they don’t change anything. They help us discount the only thing we can control: what we do now. Life can pass you by that way if you’re not careful. The solution is to exist in the present moment as much as possible and enjoy the good things around us while we have them. Studies show that living this way makes people happier, healthier, and more likely to form strong relationships.
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S
Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 5.8 million adults in the United States and is the sixth leading cause of death among adults. Unless there are advancements in prevention, that number is expected to rise to more than 14 million people by 2060. Americans spend billions every year treating the disease, and millions experience heartbreak as they slowly lose themselves or someone they love to dementia. These are just a few reasons Denmon Pearlman is proud to be sponsoring the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Pasco County on Oct. 16. Registration is free for all walkers, but organizers ask every participant to donate toward the fundraiser. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, which funds research into the disease and provides care and support to Alzheimer’s patients and their families. The Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 by caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s. At the time, far less information was available on the disease, its progression, care, and diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Association has helped change that over the past four decades. One of the organization’s core goals is to help provide care and support for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caretakers. They also promote awareness of the disease and advocate for more equitable screening practices. Just as importantly, the Alzheimer’s Association aims to accelerate research into prevention, early detection, and treatment. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place rain or shine, and children and leashed dogs are welcome. Those who can’t make it to the location can also participate virtually. Each walker will select a flower color for inclusion in the Promise Garden — blue for participants with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, purple for those who have lost someone to the disease, yellow for current caregivers, and orange for others who support the cause. The walk will open with a ceremony dedicating the Promise Garden. If you would like to participate in this year’s walk, register today at Act.Alz.org. Those who can’t walk can donate to the cause at the website. We hope you’ll join others across the nation for the world’s largest Alzheimer’s fundraising event and help create a future without this devastating disease.
Join Us in Pasco on Oct. 16!
2
DENMONPEARLMAN.COM
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator