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“Every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to be yourself.” -Gail Salz THE BRILLIANCE OF HUMAN KINTSUGI
The New Year is a time for new beginnings. You know the annual drill — fix your flaws, polish your rough patches, and “start fresh.”
I recently came across a word I had never seen before: kintsugi . That word reminded me that the New Year is also an invitation to reflect on what we’ve experienced, endured, and learned. Kintsugi is a Japanese concept that offers a different perspective — one that celebrates imperfection and honors the journey of growth. The word translates to “golden joinery” and is the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery in a way that highlights the cracks instead of concealing them. Rather than discarding something because it’s no longer perfect, the concept encourages us to see these breaks as part of the object’s history, as scars that add to its beauty. The broken pieces are lovingly joined with gold, silver, or other precious metals, becoming a new form of beauty that is stronger and more resilient than before. Of course, kintsugi is more than a pottery repair process; it’s a mindset, and the philosophy extends beyond pottery to our own lives. Every year brings a blend of challenges and victories, moments we want to forget and others we’d relive a hundred times over. When we think about our lives in terms of kintsugi, we begin to see that even the hardest times contribute to the whole of who we are. We don’t have to hide our scars; instead, we can honor them as parts of a story that has made us stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. Think about the moments in the past year when things didn’t go as planned. Perhaps you experienced personal hardships, professional setbacks, or lost relationships. Each of these leaves a mark, and while we might be tempted to try to erase those marks, kintsugi encourages us to see them as golden seams. The cracks in our lives — the missed opportunities, the mistakes, and the pain — do not define us as “broken.” Rather, they make us human — full of layers and depth, each with unique patterns. In the spirit of the New Year, we often set resolutions to become “better” (whatever that means) or to erase certain aspects of ourselves. But maybe this year, instead of looking for ways to fix what we perceive as flaws, we can embrace our unique patterns
and try to understand that every break or scar holds meaning. It’s not about fixing ourselves; it’s about recognizing the beauty in our resilience, respecting the lessons each crack has taught us, and appreciating how they’ve added to the masterpieces of our lives. As you step into January, take a moment to reflect on your own kintsugi moments. Rather than hide them away, ask yourself how these experiences have made you stronger. Imagine those parts of you filled with gold — your wisdom, your patience, your hard- earned insight — all visible, all valuable. The New Year often urges us to focus on the future, but kintsugi reminds us to value our past and to carry forward all the beauty that has emerged through life’s imperfections. In the year ahead, may you see yourself as a work of art, cracks and all, filled with the beauty of resilience and strengthened by every experience.
Happy New Year!
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WHY SMALL PLANS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE When life feels overwhelming, or you just aren’t feeling your best, it can be difficult to find hope or joy. Sometimes, the best medicine is a little self-care in the form of simple activities and treats that you enjoy most. One of the best ways to boost your mood is by planning something to look forward to. Whether it’s a favorite movie, a new painting class, or a tasty latte, prioritizing things that bring us happiness can empower us with hope. It’s like adding a bright spot in the future, making the tough days more manageable. What do you love? Your plan doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Start by identifying activities that make you happy or that interest you. Do you love comedy movies or enjoy going to concerts? You might sign up for an improv class or buy tickets to see a play. It can be anything that brings a smile to your face. Plan it. Once you know the activity, start planning. Our busy lives sometimes lack time for the little things that make us feel good. Treat your happiness like a necessary appointment and get it on your calendar. Spending time with your loved ones and friends also has a wealth of benefits for your mental health, so decide whether you want someone to join you. The Happiness Hack
By planning to do things that bring you joy, you’ll feel more hopeful, balanced, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
BOOSTING BONE HEALTH AS YOU AGE
The winter months can be challenging to our physical and mental well-being, particularly for seniors who can feel the season’s bitter cold in their bones. Fortunately, you can combat the season’s bite in several ways to better maintain bone health in winter and beyond. Here are three ways to help keep your frame from feeling fatigued. The Dynamics of Diet First and foremost, our bones benefit from what we eat. Diets high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D considerably impact our bodies’ durability and resilience. Regularly consuming fish, leafy greens, and dairy products can help prevent bones from becoming too brittle. In some cases, supplements — particularly those with calcium and vitamin D — are helpful for those with dietary restrictions. The Perks of Progressive Resistance Training Although getting outside and walking in the fresh air is always a great idea, health professionals caution we need more than that to maintain bone health throughout the year. Antonia Chen, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, recommends strength/resistance training — weightlifting or bodyweight exercises like push-ups — as an additional layer of protection. “When we put force on the bone, it stimulates our bone to mineralize and become stronger,” she explained in an article by United
Healthcare. However, she adds that seniors should tailor their strength training regimen based on their comfort level. “Some people say, ‘Push through the pain,’ but that’s a bad idea,” she warns. The Power of Physician Partnerships Naturally, frequent communication with your health care team is critical to bone longevity for people over 65. Routine check-ups help identify and monitor any substantial changes in bone strength and allow you to develop an exercise program that will help rather than harm. Always consult with your physician(s) before starting any new routines that may strain undiagnosed issues or exacerbate osteoporosis or other conditions.
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Winter travel is risky for drivers of any age, but it can be especially dangerous for seniors who hit the road without first protecting themselves from potential roadside woes. The reminders below will help keep your vehicle and its occupants safer when snowy roads present hidden dangers. Test your tires’ toughness. The added salt and gravel that accumulate on most roadways in winter put significant stress on your tires. To prevent them from failing at a critical moment, inspect them at least monthly and before embarking on a lengthy road trip. Always check the condition of your tires when they’re cold, ideally after they’ve been off the road for three hours or more. When it comes to how much air to keep in them, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual — not what it may say on the tire itself, which is not a requirement but rather the highest amount of air it can take. Following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations on how often Unfortunately, heavy snowfall could cause your vehicle to get stuck on the road or in a ditch. As it’s always better to prepare for a disaster before it happens, create an emergency kit in case your vehicle dies or becomes immobile for any reason (especially at night) and you end up alone inside for a while before help arrives. It’s always a good idea to keep plenty of extra food and water on hand, a flashlight, any necessary medications for an extended period, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, warm clothes and blankets, and spare cellphone batteries. When possible, travel with a companion or let others know the route you’ll be taking. If your travel time is suspiciously longer than slippery roads allow, they will know something is wrong and can check on your safety. to replace them is also essential. Be prepared for parking perils. Secrets to Snowy Road Travel Winter Driving Wisdom
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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’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!
MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
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What’s Inside? 1 2 The New Year Celebrates Beauty in Imperfection The Power of Planning Something to Look Forward To Master the Strength Game
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Seasonal Security on the Streets Helpful Resources Simple Lifestyle Tweaks to Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check
Essential Steps to Balance Blood Sugar as You Age
People tend to pay more attention to their overall health and fitness as they age. If you ignore your aches, pains, and injuries, they’re more likely to worsen, which is why so many of us go out of our way to track specific health measurements. One measurement you should track, especially if you’re showing symptoms of prediabetes, is your blood sugar. Maintaining low blood sugar helps prevent cognitive decline, kidney disease, nerve damage, and more. However, many don’t know how to lower their blood sugar if it’s starting to reach dangerous levels. Here are two lifestyle changes that can help keep blood sugar low while improving other aspects of your health. Exercise regularly. Exercise becomes increasingly important as we age, but this doesn’t mean you have to go all out every time you strap on your running shoes or go to the gym. Experts recommend that you get around 150 minutes of exercise every week, and it doesn’t have to be any more strenuous than a brisk walk. You’ll see much better results if you pick a routine that’s easy to maintain and follow.
Cut back on ultra-processed foods. When people try to keep their blood sugar balanced, they usually make an added effort to reduce their intake of sweets. However, nearly all processed carbs pose a risk. Even eating things like bread, pasta, noodles, and white rice can raise sugar levels. Pay attention to what you eat, and your body will thank you.
Offices: Howell | Clinton Township
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