AMTIFY™

  Thanksgiving: Gratitude, Chaos, and That One Project I Swore I’d Finish So here we are, Thanksgiving—my favorite holiday of the year. It has always struck me as uniquely pure. A holiday designed, quite literally, to distract us from our problems so we can focus on gratitude and give people a reason to come together. That’s it. No ulterior motive. No cards to buy, no gifts to exchange. Just a day meant for gathering. It’s beautifully simple. Maybe that’s why it works. A 250-page book of handwritten grateful messages collected from strangers around the country Thanksgiving really does go back to a Pilgrim - Native American feast in the 1600s. And yes, I could give you the whole history, but I’m limited on words here and I assume you know how to search. What’s more interesting is that Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday during the Civil War. Why? Because even he realized this country needed a timeout. One day for everyone to sit down, breathe, and say, “Okay, things are awful...

  ∞ 5 REASONS YOU SHOULD HAVE INDOOR PLANTS ∞   (Yes, YouTube Made Me Say That)   ∞   For openers, I have to confess: this headline is exactly what they told me to do on YouTube. Evidently, you’re more likely to read this blog if I shout “ 5 REASONS YOU SHOULD …” instead of simply suggesting you think about indoor plants. I apologize. I also feel better having gotten that off my chest. Now that the weather is cooling, outdoor cleanup is wrapping up, and those of us in the cooler and colder regions are retreating indoors, it’s the perfect time to shift to the simplified version of gardening— bringing the green inside . There’s still something deeply satisfying about getting your hands in the soil, tending to living things, and enjoying the reward of what grows. Cold weather doesn’t mean you have to lose that feel-good connection. Indoor gardening gives you color, texture, flowers, and even edible plants—herbs, microgreens, and real food grown right from your own d...

  Got Time? Want to Feel Good? Volunteer for a Non-Profit.  Someone Needs You. ∞   It’s a win-win kind of thing—actually, a trifecta. Keep reading, you’ll see why. In an earlier blog, we talked about Autumn’s beauty,  changing leaves, crisp air, and beautiful walks in the woods. But as one reader pointed out, this season can also bring shorter days, cooler weather, and a dip in mood or energy. The transition can affect both our physical and mental well-being. We did some research (not hard to do today…) about the why and what of that and we came up with three basic things. First, it’s real, second it affects a fair number of people, third there are things that can be done to help yourself, and others, manage it. There are some great, free support organizations across the Country, both national and local. Just do a search and you’ll find the right one for you. Don’t be shy about reaching out, you’re not alone. As part of the new AMTIFY™ direction is “doin...

Fishing – A Great Hobby For Mind and Body. (Contributed by Jake Fratt). If you’re like me, you love being outdoors and connecting with nature. There’s something special about breathing in fresh air, hearing birds calling from the trees, and watching wildlife go about their day. Fishing gives me all of that and so much more. In a world filled with technology, deadlines, and constant noise, putting my phone down, getting outside and spending time near the water offers me a mind break I can’t get anywhere else. When I pick up a fishing rod, I’m not just catching fish, I’m catching a moment to breathe. Sometimes I don’t even put a hook on my line, just a float and a sinker… One of the things I love most about fishing is that anyone can enjoy it. Beginners, pros, kids, grandparents can do it alone or all together. Then there’s the discovery. Always a new place to go and experience, always a new technique to learn, or a new kind of fish to chase. Whether you’re out on a boat or castin...