I saw the funniest sign, but it wasn’t funny for long because I started to think about it. Suddenly, the humor melted away. The sign read: “Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes the reason is you’re stupid and make bad decisions.”

Ouch! Those 15 words hit hard because I’ve made more than my share of bad money decisions in my life.

I’ve come a long way from that dark season of my life. I am determined to not go back but also to not live with regret for what might have been.

I have a personal question. It’s not intended to make you feel guilty (which is the mother of all useless emotions). It’s meant to tickle your neurons and invite thought.

What keeps you from exercising more?

You know you should. Exercise is the miracle cure for whatever ails you. Feeling tired? Depressed? Overcome with stress?

Get your body in motion. Regular, rhythmical exercise—over time—also helps prevent heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure and is your truest and best friend when it comes to living a healthier, happier lifestyle.

But you know all that. Shoulda, woulda, coulda...

So what’s the answer? What keeps you from exercising more?

There are many ways to get a fresh start in the New Year, but changing what you see in the mirror can have a huge impact! Freshen up your makeup and hair with tips from our resident experts!

New Year, New Hair, Or Is It?
By Amanda Kicklighter

It’s time for a fresh new look for 2022! A fresh twist to a throwback hairstyle is the hair trend for 2022. Y2K Chic brings on throwback hairstyles from the 90s and 2000s—the new rage! Hands down, or better yet, hair down, the medium-length bob will be the style of the year! Long bangs that are parted off center, or in the middle, and swept back will be popular, as well. Once again hairstylists across the nation will be asked for the “Rachel” haircut. You know, from Friends (1994-2004)?—fluffy hair bobs, stacked bobs with heavy lines, layered bobs on medium-length hair will all be in.

Have you ever tried walking meditation? It’s a gentle and giant step into the world of Zen. And in case you’ve just returned from planet Elsewhere, Zen is trending big here on Earth. There are Zen retreats, Zen smoothies, Zen comics, Zen methods of diapering and accounting and an actual book called “Zen and the Art of Casino Gaming.”

“Zazen” is the Japanese word for seated meditation, and kinhin is walking meditation. Both are proven methods for quieting the mind. Kinhin is a simple practice that gives you all the benefits of seated meditation—increased energy, equanimity, awareness—with zero risk of falling asleep.

Years ago, I was a guest on “The Maury Povich Show,” something I’ve never been that proud of. Back then, the show was kind of raunchy, and I just now realized that, some 20 years later, Maury is still at it.

I remember a few things about the show, like what I wore (What was I thinking?) and the nice production staff. Maury was very kind, too.

As a junior in high school, it was almost time to take midterm exams. I dreaded midterms, but my French teacher made us students an offer I couldn’t refuse: If you participated in the old folks Christmas food drive, she would add 10 points to your midterm score. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t have a clue what I was signing up for, but for 10 extra points, I would be there!

I arrived at our high school along with many others and saw hundreds of paper grocery bags lining the walls of the gym. With the bags all numbered and in perfectly straight lines, the organized chaos commenced. Apparently, if any student had overdue library fees in December, they were allowed to bring in two canned goods and all was forgiven. The high school also partnered with one of the local elementary schools that held a contest to see which class could collect the most canned goods. All the donated items were then divided and distributed evenly among the numbered bags.

The past two years have certainly been difficult ones. Many of us look around and see so much that needs to be done. It can be overwhelming. Something about the colder weather and longer nights of the winter season has us looking for the light every year. Our Holidays help us find that light. For many of us, we realize we can be the light for others. We might put some cash in a bucket or write a check to a worthy cause. We might even volunteer for a day or two. For the truly special among us, the dedication to be the light is a year-round endeavor. Over the next four pages, we introduce you to four such women. They bring a servant’s heart to every day. They have dedicated their lives to lifting others up. May we learn from their example and carry Christmas in our hearts all year.

Dear Carrie:
My husband and I are curious about long-term care insurance. It all seems so confusing. How can we decide if (and when) we should buy it, and if so, what kind?  —A Reader

Dear Reader:
Not only am I glad you’re investigating one of the biggest risks to retirement security. I’m also really happy you’re looking at this issue together. If either one of you ultimately needs long-term care, it will impact you both.

Long-term care (LTC) insurance comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all policies have some features in common. I’ve talked about some basics and the importance of LTC insurance before, but choosing a policy requires some extra thought. Here’s what you need to know.
There Are Two Types of Policies: Standalone and Hybrid

Most people believe the ability to touch your toes naturally disappears with age, but that’s not necessarily true. People who get more and more sedentary with age experience the shortening of their muscles, which inhibits the body to move freely like it did in its younger years. This is why staying flexible is so important, and how some 90-year-olds can easily touch their toes.

Did you know that flexibility has an effect on life expectancy? According to Prevention Magazine, “It’s all because your musculoskeletal fitness—your body flexibility, balance, muscle strength and coordination—is an important indicator of your overall health, and has a favorable influence on life expectancy.”

As a realtor of 18 years, I’ve noticed the culture of “more” shift to “less,” as homeowners pack up mementos due to life changes. Losing a spouse, divorce, kids leaving for college, or even the simple act of growing older has prompted the quest to find a smaller home that better suits shifting needs and lifestyle. Not only does a smaller home typically cost less, but it also takes less time and effort to maintain. I personally did this two years ago, and I have not looked back! However, no matter the reason for wanting to simplify, the process can seem overwhelming.

Here are five steps that can help guide you on what can be a delightful and empowering journey. Most of the time, people feel great about their decision to downsize and find that less is more—more comfort, more security and most importantly, more time and energy to spend on activities and the people they love.

More Americans than ever are hungry to transition to a less stressful, more meaningful way to celebrate this year's Thanksgiving holiday. If you're one of them, I have some ideas to share:
FIRST, A GUT CHECK. How do you know if Thanksgiving adds to your stress? Listen to your gut, seat of great wisdom. If thinking about Turkey Day makes you feel anxious instead of enthusiastic, something is wrong.

Maybe you feel the pressure to do everything perfectly. (I call that Martha Stewart syndrome.) Maybe you'd rather be a guest than a host. Sit calmly and meditate on where the stress is coming from. Write down your insights, without judging, without censoring.

Friendships are vital to our mental health, but one size does not fit all. As Hope explains in her book, quality and quantity of friendships are important. From acquaintances to closest friends, we need them all. “Humans need community,” Hope explained. It seems so obvious, but it’s important to remember. She explained the different types of friendships (a concept that Aristotle wrote about!) and how they are all important. They are Friendships of Utility (primarily acquaintances), Friendships of Pleasure (fun friends) and Friendships of the Good (soulmates or besties). Our happiness depends on all types, and some people will move between them as their relationships evolve.

According to the article from The Simple Dollar (thesimpledollar.com), “100 Ways to Save Money Fast,” finding the right bank can be a surprisingly effective way to cut your spending down. “Ideally, your bank should have no-fee checking, a wide ATM network and good online banking services,” writes Trent Hamm, founder and columnist. “If your bank regularly hits you with account maintenance fees or ATM fees, look for another bank.”

Sure, there are many ways to start saving money, from packing your lunch to packing less with a staycation, but a great place to start is picking the right bank. First, take a closer look at the checking accounts your bank offers. Imagine the monthly savings from no-fee accounts, or better yet, a checking account that pays you interest, or gives you cash back or other rewards every time you swipe. The best checking accounts refund out of network ATM fees and have robust digital banking apps that let you stay in touch with your money with a click and pay bills online.

Any body, at any age, can suffer a sports injury, but we baby boomers are famous for them. There’s actually a term for it—boomeritis—and it refers to the high number of sports-related injuries that happen to people born between 1946 and 1964—the first generation of Americans who grew up working out, with or without the Jane Fonda leg warmers. (I still have mine.)

We’re facing a classic good news/bad news scenario. On the upside, we have millions of boomers who share an enlightened view about the benefits of regular exercise—hiking, biking, Downward Dogging our way to stronger bodies and longer lives.

The sad news is we’re going about it like maniacs, and our hips, knees, thighs, shoulders, ankles and other important body parts are wearing out in record numbers.

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot circled over the Great Salt Lake, tipping the wings ever so slightly so we could witness the unusual reddish-purple color of the water—a phenomenon, he explained, that occurs when a particular species of algae meets up with a certain bacteria. It was quite fascinating.

Just as he was bringing the plane level so we could be on our way, CRACK! A loud kind of popping noise sent a chill up my spine. “I believe we’ve hit something, so we will be returning to the gate,” an audibly shaken pilot reported.

Dear Carrie:
I’m the mother of a very creative 12-year-old daughter who wants to take classes in art, drama and dance, but I have a limited income. While we live a comfortable life, paying for all these extras is a real stretch. I don’t want to disappoint her, but I’m struggling. How can I handle this on top of everything else?  —A Reader

Dear Reader:
This is a question I’m sure a lot of parents can relate to. From sports to music to dance to computer coding, the world of kids’ extracurricular activities keeps growing—and getting more expensive. According to a recent survey, 46% of parents spend more than $1,000 annually on their kids’ activities, and 27% spend more than $2,000. Not only that, 62% go into debt to do it, with credit cards being the most popular form of payment.

Even though I haven’t been in a classroom for years and years, I still have an inner alarm that plays in my brain when August ends and Labor Day reappears. The tune is so familiar, and so is the slight anxiety it creates.

It’s back-to-school time! Do I have my three-ring binder, my ruler, a pencil sharpener—three items that have no meaning whatsoever in classrooms today?  

And still, I find meaning in that back-to-school feeling, and I’ll bet plenty of you do, too. Summer is over. Your two weeks of vacation are a faint memory, though the smell of burgers and bug repellant lingers on. The kids are back to their routine, and I hope it includes some limits on small-screen media. It’s time to buckle down and get back to work.

There’s something warm and inviting about a well-placed, thriving houseplant. Experts call this “interior landscaping,” and it’s becoming increasingly popular, not only in homes but in offices and other commercial settings. I would have assumed that’s because houseplants can be quite inexpensive. But now, we’re learning that houseplants offer surprising physical and mental benefits as well.

NO. 1: CLEAN INDOOR AIR
A number of studies reported by NASA give conclusive evidence that plants are excellent at removing toxins from the air -- over 80% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every 24 hours. VOCs are chemical compounds often found in common household items such as carpets, toys, paint and more. These VOCs can evaporate and compromise air quality, posing health risks to inhabitants. One large plant—or two smaller plants—per 100 square feet is recommended for noticeably improved air quality.

Flying is back.

More people boarded commercial planes in the U.S. this past Thursday than the comparable same pre-pandemic day in 2019. The Transportation Security Administration reported that 2,147,090 travelers passed through its security checkpoints, a good indicator for what's to come over the next few months. If you plan to travel by air anytime soon, one thing is for certain: You won't be alone. The TSA estimated that this summer’s air travel is going to break records.

Are you hooked on your favorite sport?

Do you spend all your workout time either running, biking or swimming, believing that single-minded dedication is going to make you stronger and faster, better and better?

Sorry, dear reader. That’s not how it works. It’s time to learn about the benefits of cross-training, a fancy name for simply including a mix of activities in your exercise regimen.
Cross-training isn’t just for uber-exercisers or competitive triathletes. It’s for all the rest of us who want to live healthier, happier lives with more fun and fewer injuries.

We wouldn’t live in the South if we couldn’t handle a little heat, but how can you tell when it’s just too much? There’s no shame in admitting when you’ve reached the limit of your heat tolerance. Heat-related illnesses range from mild to severe and can affect even the toughest Southerner out there. As the summer heat peaks, it’s imperative to remember the importance of hot weather safety. Staying cool, hydrated and informed can make a big difference!

There are several types of heat-related illnesses, each with its own symptoms and treatments. Knowing which type you or a loved one may be suffering from can make a huge difference in deciding how to proceed. As you take advantage of all the fun summer activities available in the Lowcountry, be aware of the potential health hazards the sun, heat and humidity can bring on. Anyone can be susceptible to these effects of high temperatures, so familiarize yourself with the following facts before spending a significant amount of time outside. You could save a life, even your own!

Members of the Golden Isles Veterans’ Village Initiative, LLC (GIVVI), hope to have the first five tiny homes completed in the community in Downtown Brunswick by July 31, 2021. The site, located at G Street, between MLK and Amherst, will eventually be home to 30 tiny dwellings, along with a community center and a hydroponic gardening center, according to Margaret Jacobs, chair of the GIVVI.

While living in the Village, veterans will not only have a place to call home, but will also receive any medical and mental health services and any training for jobs or other skills, like cooking, that they need. “We formed our LLC in 2019, and everyone was unanimous in supporting building the village in Downtown Brunswick,” Margaret said. The project is modeled after the Cove at Dundee community in Savannah. “We have the advantage of having all of their information and knowing what worked and didn’t work for them.”

What causes a person to turn draperies into clothing? For Fraulein Maria in The Sound of Music, it was a matter of conservation. Those old nursery curtains would have been thrown away if she hadn’t turned them into play clothes for the children. For Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind, it was a matter of desperation. She was broke and just had to have something new to fool Rhett.

There’s no better way to spend a summer day than with your toes in the sand and your nose in a book. If you’ve read everything on your shelf, these five new novels should definitely be on your summer reading list!

I love the Fourth of July. Fat, juicy hot dogs, exploding firecrackers,
fried Oreo sandwiches with big scoops of strawberry ice cream on top.
These are a few of the things I avoid on this, our most John Philip Sousa of holidays.

So, what are your plans for July Fourth? Since this only-in-America holiday is first and
foremost a celebration of freedom, why not liberate yourself from old ways of
thinking and create some new traditions. I’ve got some ideas:

Dear Carrie:
I’m a single mom with a decent income, but I’m always living paycheck to paycheck. How can I break that cycle and start to save, not only for an emergency but also for my bigger goals like retirement and maybe even a home? -A Reader

Dear Reader:
Living paycheck to paycheck isn’t uncommon these days. Recent studies suggest many Americans are doing just that, which makes it next to impossible to save and invest. Overspending can be part of the problem, but even more often, people get squeezed through no fault of their own—low wages, unpredictable income and high costs for essentials like childcare, health care, housing and college. On the other hand, even people with high incomes can find themselves caught in a seemingly never-ending cycle.

It’s summer. Yippee. Run to the hammock and let’s play a game. I want you to lie back and relax into thinking about something you want to accomplish this summer. Here’s the sentence.

Fill in the blank:
“This is the summer I want to ...”

What? Name your heart’s desire. Keep it clean. Think about your own well-being.

Want to run a 10k? (Great for the body.)

Learn to play guitar? (Good for the brain.)

Meditate for 15 minutes a day? (Marvelous for equanimity and everything else.)

You know my theory: When the seasons change, so can we. In summer especially, we tend to take more time for ourselves, play more and have more fun. If you’re ready this summer, you can create new habits and attitudes that make your life richer and riper.

It’s 3:58 AM. Apart from the rural sounds of roosters crowing and the occasional rumble and whistle-blast of a passing train, all is peacefully silent. Then a gong rings, its long resonance drawing out in the dark. This is a wakeup call for the 4:30-6:30 meditation session.

Now it’s 6:40 AM. All is still silent but for the clinking of spoons in cereal bowls, the pop of the toaster and hot water steaming into tea mugs. No one is catching up on the morning news; no one is sharing their dreams from last night; no one is making to-do lists. The agenda here is very simple: meditate. Whether ambling silently around the walking paths, sitting cross-legged in the meditation hall, or laying quietly on their bed in their room, everyone is meditating.