Before Your Troubles Hit the Fan...

Graduations, July 4th Picnics, Lazy Days and exotic vacations are all what

make summertime a favorite season to many.

Likewise, additional downtime also makes this an ideal period to tackle

those long-time goals.

You know the ones. You dread doing these things, but as an adult, you

realize you must undertake: renovations on your house, making doctor

appointments, and, yes, Estate Planning.

Over the years, I have compiled a top 5 list of reasons that people provide

to not sign a Health Care Proxy “Living Will”, Durable Power of Attorney,

Revocable Trust or a Last Will & Testament:

1. I am superstitious and signing these documents will bring me bad

luck immediately.

My response: Sorry to skip ahead and tell you the ending of your Book of

Life, but it does not end well. Nothing you do will keep you from the inevitable.

However, creating your Estate documents provides you control in life and after

death that you will surrender if you do not address those issues now, while

capacitated.

2. What do I care what happens to me and my belongings when I die?

My response: A LOT!!! As the flight attendant always says at the

beginning of each trip, make sure to take care of yourself before attending to

others. Most elements of Estate Planning focus on YOU, ensuring your wants and

needs are met in YOUR lifetime. Remember, the flight attendant also says

sometimes how you better hold on tight because this trip might get bumpy? He is

referring to you, if you choose not to address Estate Planning issues properly.

3. Estate Planning costs too much money.

My response: In comparison to what? Guardianship? Probate? Obtaining

Court Orders for Declarative Actions? All of which will likely be needed if you do

not seek legal guidance. Pre-planning does not have to be expensive and the

money you will spend by doing it right will truly save you headaches, heartaches

and more money later.

4. I do not have enough assets over which to worry.

My response: YOU. You are your greatest asset. EVERY adult, including

your 19 year old son whose bills you still pay or your 21 year old daughter who is

still on your health care plan, should have a minimum of 4 Estate documents: a

Health Care Proxy (Living Will); Durable Power of Attorney; HIPAA; and Pre-Need Designation of Guardianship. Best Graduation present ever? A simple Estate package to ensure your granddaughter will always have the care she needs based on the documents she signed as a young adult.

5. I will worry about that if and when it is needed.

My response: Unless you hold a crystal ball, you just do not know when

that will be and by then it will be too late. The difference in legal rates is similar to

seeing a doctor for a wellness check-up and being rushed to that same doctor for

an emergency. The price difference is huge. Take the time to address these

issues now while you can still control the process, rather than having the process

control you.

If you DO have a crystal ball, we should talk. There is an investment that I

am considering….

So, Please, BEFORE Your Troubles Hit the Fan, Make Sure to Create

Your Estate Plan!!!

Get Up and Dance!

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of attending a Beatles Tribute concert, generously sponsored by Nostalgia Magazine, during which people of all ages and backgrounds jumped from their seats (including me!) and began to sway in the aisles, along with the tunes.

 I even noticed a judicial candidate, along with a former state senator, celebrating and appreciating the harmonies.

 What is it about music and dancing that remains so engaging to a wide variety of personalities?

Researchers have long advocated that a strong connection exists between good mental health, movement and musicality.

A recent study found that when you try to move in synchronicity with someone else, it also improves your self-esteem, which can reduce symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, while encouraging a feeling of well-being.

For many years, my law firm organized and sponsored, along with many other community and business leaders, a Luncheon to help raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s and Dementia. This time, we invited Ballroom Professionals to entertain us. At the end of the event, the performers then lead the entire crowd in a coordinated dance effort.

All the attendees giggled and laughed, really enjoying not only observing the professional routines, but especially delighting with participating in the group dance themselves.

Everyone left the event, smiling, displaying increased energy and connections with one another.

We know that our minds and bodies remain interdependent. The way we move clearly affects the way we think and feel. Could it be that one of the easiest ways to handle the issues of aging and life is simply to dance our way through it?!?

As the Beatles once sang, I don't need to hug or hold you tight, I just wanna dance with you all night, In this world there's nothing I would rather do, 'Cause I'm happy just to dance with you”!

The Solution, a Hug!

As a native born and raised Floridian, I highly appreciate the changing of

the 4 seasons that we find in our Southern State: mildly hot; hotter; hotter than

Hades, and, of course, Fuhgeddaboudit Hot.

The advent of the changing of seasons is precipitated by telltale signs,

especially notable during our “Mildly Hot” time of year.

As nature watchers report, beautiful creatures migrate here each year, to

enjoy our wonderful climate, known to even the most casual observer as the

much-coveted “snowbird”.

We know this by increased traffic, more populated restaurants and

shopping areas, as well as the addition of the music of this season: the dreaded

honking.

As I drive in my beloved convertible, I must decide each day whether to

enjoy the benefits of living in paradise and driving with my car top down or being

accosted by the cacophonous noise surrounding me.

Growing up in a tourist state means I was taught at a young age to

appreciate all that these visitors bring. Truly, I still do. However, the level of

impatience and stress on the roads definitely does begin to impact me.

I know I am not alone in this.

As my temperament is more of a “fixer”, not a complainer, I decided to

take action.

Researchers affirm that one in three adults is chronically lonely. Those

studies indicate that socially isolated individuals tend to report higher irritability,

poor health and psychological distress. Simply stated, as we age, the less we

feel connected and physical touch does a lot to alleviate that. The Solution? A

Hug!

Now I am not advocating stopping your vehicle and hugging someone

while driving on the Turnpike.

However, during interactions with others, perhaps we can decrease some

of the stress in our community simply by giving each other a hand to hold.

As the poet, John Keats, said, “Touch has a Memory”. So today, let’s

follow AT&T’s encouragement and, “Reach Out and Touch Someone”!