Tag: #selfcare

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Importance of Grandparents

Nature is rejuvenating
Wishing you calm and happiness this season

In today’s fast-moving world, the wisdom and importance of grandparents can sometimes be overlooked. Yet, spending time with older adults offers countless benefits—for individuals, families, and society as a whole. These connections enrich our lives emotionally, mentally, and socially, offering valuable perspective, unconditional support, and a sense of continuity.

Wisdom, Life Lessons, and Perspective

Older adults carry with them a wealth of experience. Grandparents, for instance, have lived through decades of social, cultural, and technological changes. They’ve weathered challenges, celebrated triumphs, and developed a deep understanding of what really matters in life. When younger people take the time to listen, they gain access to stories, advice, and lessons. Many of which can’t be found in books or online.

Conversations with older generations often provide perspective in times of stress or confusion. Their insight can help reframe problems, offering calm, time-tested guidance. Learning about how they navigated hardship. Whether it was raising a family during economic difficulty or adapting to unexpected loss, can be a reminder of human resilience.

Emotional Support

For many, grandparents are a source of unconditional love. They offer a different kind of support than parents or peers—often more patient, forgiving, and reassuring. Their presence can be particularly grounding for children and teenagers, offering a stable emotional foundation.

Spending time with older adults also helps reduce loneliness for both sides. Many seniors face isolation, especially if they live alone or in care facilities. Regular interaction with younger people can boost their mood, mental alertness, and sense of purpose. In turn, young people gain emotional security and a stronger sense of identity by understanding their family and cultural roots.

Breaking Stereotypes

Socializing with seniors help break down age-related stereotypes. When younger generations see seniors as vibrant, active, and wise, they’re more likely to treat them with respect and compassion. This mutual understanding fosters empathy, combats ageism, and encourages more inclusive, connected communities.

Engaging with older people also helps younger individuals practice patience, better communication, and listening skills. It teaches them to value different perspectives and appreciate the pace and wisdom that often come with age.

Stronger Families and Communities

In families, grandparents often act as anchors—passing down traditions, sharing family history, and helping create lasting memories. In communities, older adults can serve as mentors, volunteers, or storytellers, contributing meaningfully to the lives of others.

Socializing with older generations is not just beneficial—it’s vital. Whether it’s a grandparent or a senior neighbor, these relationships offer connection, wisdom, and joy. In a world that often values speed and novelty, slowing down to listen to and learn from older voices is one of the most rewarding things we can do.

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Read Fiction

Graphic with the words Libraries are for Everyone

Fiction Is Good for Your Health

In a fast-paced world filled with stress, screens, and constant stimulation, reading fiction offers a powerful escape—and much more. Beyond entertainment, fiction has been shown to benefit mental, emotional, and even physical health in lasting ways. Picking up a novel might be one of the simplest, most enjoyable steps you can take for your well-being.

Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation

Reading fiction can quickly calm the mind. Studies show that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 60%, even more than listening to music or taking a walk. Immersing yourself in a story slows your breathing, lowers heart rate, and quiets anxious thoughts. The act of focusing on a narrative provides a break from daily worries and overthinking.

Strengthens Empathy

When you read fiction, especially character-driven stories, you step into someone else’s shoes. You experience their thoughts, struggles, and growth. This practice strengthens empathy and helps you understand others’ emotions and perspectives. Research has found that people who read literary fiction regularly score higher on tests measuring emotional intelligence and social awareness. These skills are essential for healthy relationships and emotional resilience.

Boosts Brain Function and Creativity

Fiction engages multiple parts of the brain—language processing, memory, imagination, and problem-solving. It also helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, and concentration. The mental imagery involved in following a plot or imagining a fictional world stimulates creativity. Unlike passive forms of entertainment, reading requires active mental participation, which helps keep the brain sharp and engaged over time.

Supports Mental Health

Fiction often explores universal human themes like love, loss, growth, and resilience. Reading about characters who face and overcome challenges can be comforting and inspiring, especially during tough times. Many people find that certain stories help them process their own emotions or see their experiences in a new light. Fiction can offer validation, hope, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Encourages Mindful Escape

Finally, reading fiction offers a healthy way to unplug. Unlike social media or television, reading requires your full attention, helping you stay present in the moment. This mindful escape can reduce burnout and provide much-needed balance in your daily routine.

Reading fiction is more than a hobby—it’s a wellness tool. From stress relief to emotional growth, a good book has the power to nourish your mind and spirit. So next time you need a break, pick up a novel—you’re doing your health a favor.

These stories provide comfort, warmth, and a gentle reminder of human kindness.

  1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
  2. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
  3. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  4. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
  5. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

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Outlander

Nature is rejuvenating
Wishing you calm and happiness this season

Outlander Speaks to Us All

Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series has captivated readers since the release of the first book in 1991. Combining elements of historical fiction, romance, and time travel, Gabaldon’s saga spans several centuries. The stories engage readers with its rich, well-researched historical detail and unique characters. The series follows Claire Randall, a former World War II nurse who finds herself mysteriously transported back to 1743 Scotland. There, she encounters the dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser, leading to a passionate love story that transcends time.

The Outlander novels are celebrated for their vivid characters and intricate plots. Gabaldon’s meticulous attention to historical accuracy takes readers into the turbulent political landscape of 18th-century Scotland. Themes of love, loyalty, and resilience are woven throughout the narrative, making the characters’ journeys both compelling and relatable. The series has grown to include nine books, with each installment exploring different periods and events. The books span the Jacobite uprisings to the American Revolutionary War.

In 2014, the Outlander books were adapted into a television series by Starz, bringing Gabaldon’s vivid world to life. The show has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its stunning cinematography, authentic period costumes, and exceptional performances. Caitriona Balfe portrays Claire Randall, delivering a powerful performance that captures Claire’s strength and vulnerability. Sam Heughan stars as Jamie Fraser,bringing charisma and depth to his role as the iconic Highlander.

The television adaptation stays true to the spirit of the books while introducing new elements to enhance the storytelling. The chemistry between Balfe and Heughan is intense. Their on-screen relationship has been a focal point of the series, resonating with fans around the world. The show’s ability to blend romance with historical drama has contributed to its widespread popularity.

Each season of the show corresponds to a book in the series, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the source material. The careful attention to detail in both the novels and the series has earned Outlander a place in the hearts of viewers and readers alike.

Beyond the romance and adventure, Outlander also explores significant historical events and the complexities of human relationships. The series encourages viewers to reflect on themes of identity, belonging, and the consequences of choices made across time.

Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series and its television adaptation have created a cultural phenomenon that continues to charm audiences. The combination of rich storytelling, historical depth, and passionate romance ensures that both the books and the show will remain beloved for years to come. Whether through the pages of the novels or the stunning visuals of the series, Outlander invites fans on an unforgettable journey through time.  Happy Reading!

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Kindness Equals Wellness

"Be wary of Negative People..."

In today’s fast-paced world, the concepts of wellness and kindness are often treated as luxuries, secondary to ambition or success. However, scientific research tells a different story: both wellness and kindness are essential for a fulfilling, healthy life. They are not just feel-good buzzwords. They are backed by scientific evidence showing their power to enhance mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

Physical Connection

Wellness is generally defined as a holistic combination of physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Research has revealed that practices like mindfulness, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep directly influence brain function and emotional regulation.

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce the activity of the brain’s stress center. This while strengthening connections which directs your rational thinking and emotional control. A 2011 Harvard study found that just eight weeks of mindfulness training increased gray matter in areas of the brain associated with memory, empathy, and stress regulation.

Similarly, physical exercise boosts endorphin levels, natural mood lifters. —increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein linked to improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety. Sleep, too, plays a vital role: studies show that chronic sleep deprivation impairs judgment, increases irritability, and weakens the immune system.

The Science of Kindness

Equally convincing is the research on kindness. Acts of kindness—whether helping a stranger, volunteering, or simply expressing gratitude—have profound effects on the brain and body. Engaging in kind behavior triggers the release of oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin reduces blood pressure, strengthens social bonds, and improves overall heart health.

An Oxford research study showed that people who performed acts of kindness for seven days experienced a significant boost in happiness. Even witnessing kindness, rather than directly participating in it, can elevate mood and foster a sense of connection.

Moreover, kindness is linked to lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Lower cortisol means less inflammation, better sleep, and improved immune function. In essence, kindness not only feels good—it literally does good.

Kindness and Wellness

What makes these findings especially powerful is how wellness and kindness reinforce each other. When people take care of their own well-being, they are more likely to be empathetic, patient, and kind. Conversely, engaging in kind behavior boosts self-esteem and emotional resilience, making it easier to maintain wellness practices.

This interplay creates a positive feedback loop: wellness promotes kindness, and kindness enhances wellness. It’s a virtuous cycle that benefits not only individuals but communities as well. Schools that use social-emotional learning programs, which emphasize empathy and mindfulness, report reduced bullying and better academic outcomes. Workplaces that encourage employee well-being and compassion see higher job satisfaction and lower turnover.

The message from science is clear: wellness and kindness are deeply connected and mutually reinforcing. They are not fringe ideals but essential elements of a healthy, thriving life. By taking small steps—meditating, exercising, sleeping well, or showing compassion—we harness the power of both wellness and kindness. These can transform not only ourselves but the world around us.

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Gardening

Red Gerber Daisy in the Garden
Gerbera Daisies naturally attract pollinators in your garden.

Gardening plays a vital role in promoting physical and mental well-being. Engaging in gardening activitiesprovides numerous health benefits, such as improved fitness and reduced stress. Digging, planting, and weeding are excellent forms of exercise, enhancing strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Mental Health

Beyond physical benefits, gardening can significantly improve mental health. Spending time outdoors in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. The act of nurturing plants fosters a sense of accomplishment and purpose, enhancing overall emotional well-being.

Healthy Eating

Photo by Chad Stembridge on Unsplash

Gardening also encourages healthy eating habits. Growing fruits and vegetables at home increases access to fresh produce, leading to improved nutrition. Homegrown food is often more flavorful, and free from harmful pesticides, making it a healthier choice.

Helps the Environment

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Moreover, gardening fosters environmental awareness. It teaches individuals about ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity. By cultivating a garden, people can contribute to local wildlife habitats and promote sustainability.

Additionally, gardening can strengthen community bonds. Community gardens bring neighbors together, fostering relationships and collaboration.

Gardening is a multifaceted activity that benefits your health, nutrition, the environment, and communities. Its importance extends far beyond the beauty of plants and flowers. Gardens make a valuable contribution to the health and well-being of individuals and our society.

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Caring for Aging Parents

Bright Orange Marigolds in my garden.
Bright orange and red marigolds in the garden.

Caring for aging parents is a journey that many of us take on expectedly. As our loved ones enter the later stages of their lives our own lives change.  While it is an opportunity to give back and express our gratitude, it is not without its share of challenges. As I navigate through caregiving, I have come to realize the emotional toll it takes.  I also discovered the profound rewards that come with caring for aging parents.

Life Balance

One of the most significant challenges I encountered is balancing my life and responsibilities with the needs of my parents. The demands of work, raising a family, and managing personal affairs can sometimes clash. With the time and energy required to ensure the well-being of my parents it’s hard to think of yourself.

It often feels like a juggling act, constantly trying to find a delicate balance. The give and take of caregiving and maintaining “normalcy” in my own life is tough. It is a delicate dance of making sacrifices, setting boundaries, and seeking support. Whether that support is from other family members or external resources to share the load, every bit helps. Even the everyday joys can help you get through the day.

Emotional Challenges

Emotionally, caring for aging parents can be a rollercoaster ride. Witnessing the physical and mental decline of the ones who once cared for you can be heart-wrenching. It is a reminder of their mortality and our own vulnerability. Feelings of guilt, frustration, and helplessness may come up.

As you grapple with the reality of their changing needs and our own limitations, you get sad. Yet, in the midst of these challenging emotions, there is also an opportunity for profound growth, empathy, and connection. It is a time to cherish the precious moments, celebrate small victories, and deepen your bonds with them every day.

Healthcare Frustrations

Navigating the healthcare system and ensuring the best possible care for your parents is yet another hurdle. The maze of medical appointments, medications, and complex decisions can be overwhelming. Advocating for their needs, understanding medical jargon, and coordinating with various healthcare professionals can feel like a full-time job. It requires patience, perseverance, and the willingness to become an informed advocate for your loved ones.

However, being an active participant in their healthcare journey allows us to be their voice. You must ensure their needs are met and advocate for the quality of life they deserve.  Because no one else will.

Rewards

Witnessing the small victories, the moments of joy, and the strength and resilience of people is amazing. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of love for family and friends. It’s very tough, but worth the rewards.

Caring for aging parents is a journey that tests our limits, challenges our emotions, and stretches our capacity for compassion. It is not an easy path. It is one filled with profound growth and moments of immeasurable grace. As I continue on this journey, I am reminded of this privilege of caring for them. It is a gift that I will cherish.

For more inspiration about families check my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Self Care During Stressful Times

Sunflower from my garden this spring.
A bright sunflower growing in my front yard garden.

In our fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable part of life. Whether due to work, personal relationships, or unexpected life changes, stressful situations can often feel overwhelming. While it’s impossible to avoid stress entirely, it is essential to manage it through relaxation and self-care. Prioritizing these practices during difficult times can significantly improve your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.

The Physical Impact of Stress

Stress has a tangible effect on the body. It can lead to various health issues such as headaches, muscle tension, digestive problems, and increased susceptibility to illness. Chronic stress can also raise the risk of more serious conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure. By incorporating regular relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, you can help to lower your stress levels and protect your physical health.

Relaxation helps to trigger the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” response. This system helps reduce the effects of stress by slowing down your heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and promoting a feeling of calm. Taking even a few minutes each day to focus on relaxation can make a significant difference in how your body copes with stress.

Mental Clarity and Focus

Stress also clouds your mental clarity, making it difficult to think clearly or make decisions. When your mind is overwhelmed, tasks that would normally be simple can feel insurmountable. Relaxation helps clear mental clutter, allowing you to regain focus and approach challenges with a calmer, more rational mindset.

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or journaling, are effective tools for regaining mental clarity. These practices encourage you to stay present and focus on the moment, helping to alleviate the constant mental chatter that accompanies stress. A more relaxed mind is also more creative and better equipped to find solutions to the problems causing stress.

Emotional Well-Being

During stressful times, it’s easy to neglect self-care in favor of pushing through responsibilities. However, prioritizing your emotional health through self-care practices is essential. Self-care is not selfish; it’s a necessary part of managing stress and maintaining overall well-being.

Activities such as spending time outdoors, engaging in hobbies, or simply resting can provide emotional nourishment. It’s important to set aside time to do things that bring you joy and comfort. By doing so, you create moments of peace that can help balance the chaos around you.

Self-care also includes setting boundaries and learning to say no when necessary. Taking on too much can exacerbate stress, while healthy boundaries allow you to manage your responsibilities more effectively. By protecting your energy, you can avoid burnout and remain more resilient in the face of stress.

Relaxation and self-care are essential for managing stress. By prioritizing these practices, you can improve your physical health, enhance mental clarity, and nurture emotional well-being. In times of stress, giving yourself permission to rest and recharge is not just helpful, but necessary for long-term health and balance.

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Relationships

Pink Coneflowers
Pink Coneflowers love a warmer climate.

As we age, the significance of relationships becomes increasingly apparent. While youth often comes with an abundance of social interactions and casual connections, getting older tends to bring a deeper appreciation for meaningful relationships.

These connections, whether with family, friends, or partners, play an essential role in maintaining emotional, mental, and even physical well-being.

Emotional Support and Resilience

One of the greatest benefits of maintaining relationships as you get older is the emotional support they provide. Life presents ongoing challenges—health issues, loss, and major life transitions can become more frequent.

Having a solid network of friends or loved ones to lean on during these times provides much-needed comfort and resilience. Emotional support helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can significantly impact mental health. A strong support system fosters a sense of belonging and helps you navigate difficult moments with greater ease.

Mental and Cognitive Health

Relationships also contribute to mental sharpness and cognitive health. As we age, staying socially active can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Regular interactions with friends and loved ones keep the mind engaged, offering stimulating conversations, new perspectives, and challenges.

Whether it’s catching up over coffee, playing a game, or discussing a book, social engagements help maintain brain health and prevent feelings of stagnation or boredom.

 Physical Health and Longevity

There is growing evidence that strong relationships are linked to better physical health. Studies have shown that individuals with close connections tend to live longer and experience better health outcomes than those who are isolated. Companionship encourages healthier behaviors, such as exercising, eating well, and attending medical checkups.

Friends and family members often provide gentle reminders to take care of ourselves, whether it’s a daily walk or a visit to the doctor.

The Value of Making New Connections

While maintaining existing relationships is crucial, making new connections as you get older is equally important. Life changes—such as retirement, moving, or the loss of loved ones—can reduce your social circle. Seeking new friendships or rekindling old ones can reinvigorate your social life. Joining clubs, engaging in community activities, or pursuing hobbies can introduce you to new people with shared interests.

As you age, relationships become one of the most important pillars of a happy, healthy life. Maintaining connections with friends and loved ones provides emotional support, improves cognitive function, and enhances overall well-being.

Whether nurturing existing bonds or building new ones, staying socially connected is key to thriving in later life.

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What I Learned

Graphic with the words Libraries are for Everyone

What I’ve learned over a 43-year career in education and public service is quite simple. And here’s my story to illustrate a few lessons from experience.

Rejection is Re-Direction

My very first interview was with Jack-in-the-Box, a fast food restaurant. I knew the Assistant Manager, a friend from high school, and thought I’d be great at the job. A job I needed to pay my way for a Student Council Conference in Nevada that summer. I didn’t get the job, despite my friend, Peter’s, recommendation.

Disappointment set in, until a week later the supervisor for our public library called me for an interview!  In two weeks, I would be shelving books, in the air-conditioned comfort of my local library.  Thank you, Mary!

Keep Growing

This first high school job, turned into a promotion, raises, and life experience managing people. Working at the library, with our team and leadership during this time was the best learning experience to set me on my career path.  I earned a degree, moved across country and worked for two food companies expanding my people skills into another industry.

I learned from other people different from me. I grew in my career (with more promotions) when young women were just starting to venture out independently in their careers. For example, I was one of the first women to wear pants in my company. I didn’t know I “shouldn’t” in the early 90’s, and I started a “trend” for the female staff.

Take a Break

Taking a break from your career is also a personal decision, my family made when I had children. There was no option to work remotely, and women were still the main caretakers during those years.

This “re-direction” worked out, because when my youngest was 5, I started working again at my public library. And this is the Universe providing the opportunity I needed, at the right time in my career.

I had the best boss, since the manager that hired me left two weeks into my tenure. But, he told me, “You’re ‘good people’ Kathy, and you’ll do well even after I’ve retired.”  After 25 years, that compliment and the break he provided me was the start of something even better.

Good Habits Equal Success

Back at the library, I learned every aspect of City government and managing large and smaller teams. My growth was due to volunteering for opportunities and always helping others which strengthen my people skills. Over time these work habits, plus self-awareness, and my solid reputation enabled me to reach my ultimate goal of Director.

The one thing I didn’t do, was applaud my own success. (Women tend not to “toot their own horn,” even today…. but we’re getting better!)

Over time with more rejection and redirection, I’ve discovered your career is not linear. Your career will take detours for many reasons. At times, you have no control over your path. But my innate character qualities, strong habits, and work ethic allowed me to succeed in other roles.

Roles that gave me more learning opportunities and success beyond my dreams.  I even returned to work for an organization that got me started early in my career. They knew me, my work, and my kind-heartedness. Match made in heaven!

For more career inspiration check out: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Experiencing Spain

Flying to my travel spot!
The window seat is the best view.

My recent trip to Spain this year was an eye-opening experience! Not just from a travel perspective, rather experiencing a foreign country gave me hope along with new stories to tell.

Future Advances

Visiting Spain allowed me to see the results of future advances in transportation, crowd management, and lifestyle.  The public transportation system in Spain, especially Barcelona, is easy to navigate and ADA-friendly. With elevators at most stops, recessed curbs, and clean stations locals use the tram, train, and subway (Metro) lines exclusively. Plus, there was a high percentage of electric vehicles, which meant less petrol (gas) stations, smog, and noise.

The tourist sites, while busy, were easily managed with online pre-ticketed sales. No ticket, no entry if the quota for the day was already met. On top of that, residents were very friendly and kind despite my 2 years of high school Spanish. Citizens were helpful and took pride in their city and professions.  You got a feeling of National pride from the Spanish people which resonated the entire trip.

History Revisited

The history dates back to Roman Times, 300 B.C. Spain’s rich history has held space for wars, communism, and the monarchy. Today, the future Queen of Spain is in her second year of military service to her country. The archives, architecture, and lessons learned have not been without growing pains or evolution. But the evolution is present and felt throughout your interactions with people.

The population is concentrated in the cities, but a vast agricultural community keeps the food prices reasonable and fresh. I’ve never tasted such sweet tomatoes or such rich creamy butter. Plus, eggs were $2.85 a dozen! There’s something to say for their proximity to other European resources, and it shows in the Spanish food.

Finally, I would say from a travel perspective it provided hope for me personally. To see a thriving country, with low food costs, a content nation, and smart innovations for their citizens. I can see why many foreigners flock to Spain to experience the lifestyle. And why taxes are levied to keep the cities clean and stabilized. Put Spain on your travel list this year, and you won’t regret it.