Johnson Law Group - February 2021

Johnson Law Group - February 2021

JohnsonLGroup.com

720.452.2540

FEB 2021

MY FOCUS ISMY FAMILY WHAT I PUT MY HEART INTO

Y ou’ve probably heard, or maybe even used, the popular expression “Put your heart into it!” I think about this phrase a lot around Valentine’s Day because it’s a holiday that’s all about the heart. We often associate the heart with love, but “putting our heart” into something means we put our all into it. This means love and effort. When I think about what I put my heart into, my answer is unquestionably my family.

not to say this is always easy. At times, it’s hard because I have to practice a lot of patience, especially with my toddlers. But, even when it’s challenging, it’s also rewarding. Spending time with my kids, watching them learn something new, and seeing them be kind to one another is how I know that what I’ve done for them is right. A lot of this has to do with my focus. I’m able to keep my focus on my family because, more than anything, I’m grateful that they’re in my life. I want to ensure that I spend as much time with my wife and children as possible, and that can mean I have to shift my attention. When I come home from work, my focus shifts from the business to my family, and I even take some days off to spend solely with them. Pre- pandemic, I would take the kids to the zoo as soon as it opened so we could spend the day there together. I know that once they enter school, going to the zoo at 9 a.m. on a Tuesday won’t be an option anymore, so I want to have those adventures with them while I can. Though it can be difficult as a parent to admit, I’m very aware that I won’t have an eternity with my kids. Many people I know with teens say that once my kids get to that age, they won’t want to spend time with me and their mom anymore, but that’s not really something I worry too much about. I know that tomorrow is not guaranteed, and living through the uncertainty of 2020 reiterated this to me. We could not predict what each day would bring. Though there were a lot of scary moments last year, the scariest moment for me came in March when my son had a seizure, which was the second one he’d

“I’m able to keep my focus on my family

had. That was one of the most frightening days of my life, though it also reminded me of how important it is not to take my time with my family for granted. I take our days one at a time, which is another way I’m attuning my focus and living more in the present. Through this, I’ve noticed a difference in the way I perceive things. I used to be very worried about what may happen in the future. Now, focusing on the present, I’ve been able to enjoy everything more and spend ample time with my family, which is what really matters. I am very thankful for my family, and I feel blessed to have my wife and children to grow with me.

I want to uplift my marriage as much as possible and do my best to teach my kids what I think they should know about commitment in relationships. There’s nothing I enjoy more than doing all I can for my family, though that’s because, more than anything, I’m grateful that they’re in my life.”

–Myles Johnson

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A SIMPLE WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR DAY!

SPOTLIGHT ON DON PIEPER Helping and

Ever since he was in high school, Don Pieper knew he wanted to become an attorney. As a teen, he considered law a great career path to follow, though he didn’t find that path until later in life.

Growing up, Don didn’t have many options to further his education, so he began working full time for a few years until he joined the Marine Corps and, several years later, the National Guard. He went on to serve nearly eight years until he was medically

discharged in 2006. It was shortly afterward that he decided to go to the University of Houston, taking night courses as he worked a full-time job during the day. As he was completing his bachelor’s degree in political science, he started thinking about where he was going to go afterward.

The Calendar of ‘Things to Look Forward To’ Many families have faced disappointment in one way or another. Since early last year, countless activities and events have been canceled, and people have had to skip many family vacations and get-togethers. Though it's a new year, it’s still going to be a while before normal activities and events will be scheduled. Some may take this to mean there is not much to look forward to, but it does not have to be that way. A great way to improve your day — or week, month, or even year — is to write down things you’re excited about. In an article on Lifehacker.com, one mom talked about how she improved the overall mood of her family by creating a calendar of things to look forward to every week. In a post on Facebook, she wrote, “I wanted something for me and my kids to look forward to each day, so I posted a list to my fridge of the days of the week and one fun thing each day. (Like Taco Tuesday, Takeout Thursday, Dance Party Friday, Movie & Popcorn Sunday.)” It’s an idea anyone can easily implement. So, here are some ideas to get you started. Create themed days (like game night or park day) or a schedule of fun things you will try each week. Write down when the next show or movie you’re interested in will be available to stream. You can do the same for a new book or video game that may be coming out and apply the concept to virtually anything. The important thing is that you write it down on a calendar so you can see it. When you or your family glance at the calendar and see what’s coming up, it elevates your mood and boosts your day. The more things we can get excited about, the easier it is to live a life of gratefulness. Give it a try, and get everyone in the family involved. When you need a little extra joy in life (and we all do), this is one simple way to achieve it!

“I just went back to what I wanted to do a long time ago,” Don remembers. “I

thought to myself, ‘Well, why can’t I just go to law school?’ So, I did.”

After previously working as a

public defender, Don joined our

LONELY ON V Try These 3 Tric

If you feel like the “before” actor in a Match. com commercial right now, you’re not the only one. The saccharine culture of Valentine’s Day has the impact of making many people feel lonely, even those in relationships. What can we understand about this feeling, and how can we deal with it proactively? What is loneliness, really? Psychology Today defines loneliness as “the state of distress or discomfort that results when one perceives a gap between one’s desires for social connection and actual experiences of it.” That means you can get lonely any time you crave a deeper connection to someone, even if you’re married and have 500 Facebook friends. Work out your social muscles . If you don’t push yourself to connect with others regularly, it’s easy to fall into the trap of loneliness and depression. You have to commit to your social life just like you would to an exercise routine. To do this, try blocking off time in your calendar to call your friends or loved ones, or join an online group with regular Zoom meetings you’re committed to showing up for. How can you fight the feeling? •

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THE GOOD NEWS!

R, ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY d Protecting

firm as an associate attorney last October. Don chose law not only because it helped him fulfill a longtime dream, but also because being an attorney resonates with who he is as a person. “I’ve always viewed my path as one of protecting people. I did that during my time in the military, and I’m continuing to do it as a lawyer. It is just a continuation of protecting folks.”

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” –Lamentations 3:22-23

“Helping and protecting people has always been the core of who I am,” Don continues. “Often, the legal system is designed to make it challenging for people to advocate for themselves. When I was growing up, that was definitely

true, and it still is. I want to make the law more accessible, and in this role, I can continue helping and protecting people.” Outside of the office, Don spends most of his free time with his wife, two children, and dog. They enjoy biking (when the roads aren't icy), playing board games (especially

Strawberry Kissed Almond Butter Muffins

chess), and cooking together. When the weather is nicer, Don and his family enjoy spending their days outdoors, taking day trips, and camping.

Ingredients

VALENTINE'S DAY? cks to Improve Your Mindset

•

1 cup ripe bananas, mashed

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1 tsp vanilla extract

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3/4 cup natural creamy almond butter (can substitute creamy peanut butter)

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1 cup oat flour

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1 tsp baking powder

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1/4 tsp salt

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2 large eggs

• Add more art into your social life. Researcher Jeremy Nobel, the head of The UnLonely Project, says that getting creative with other people could help reverse loneliness. If you’re feeling disconnected, try collaborating with your sibling, roommate, friend, spouse, or child on something artistic. You can paint together, have a jam session, take photos, or write a poem. Whatever you choose, getting creative will bring you closer. • Find and fix your negative behaviors. Does scrolling through social media make you feel like you’re missing out on all the fun or leave you feeling like a zombie? If so, it’s probably time for a hiatus. As you go about your day or week, keep a notebook with you and write down what you’re doing when you feel loneliness creep in. By identifying those negative behaviors and exploring new ones to replace them, you can learn to take control of your feelings instead of being controlled by them. Loneliness is serious: It’s a predictor of premature death, and one leading researcher compared its health impacts to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. If you’re coping with loneliness, try the tips above, and if you continue to struggle, reach out to a counselor near you.

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1/4 cup strawberry fruit spread, divided (we recommend Bonne Maman INTENSE)

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1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)

Directions

1.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and spray with nonstick cooking spray. 3. In a large bowl, mix bananas, almond butter, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. 4. Stir in oat flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. 5. Evenly divide batter into liners. Add 1 tsp strawberry fruit spread to the top of each muffin. 6. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the spread into the batter. 7. Bake for 22–27 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. 8. Transfer muffins to wire rack to cool and enjoy!

Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com

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INSIDE

What I Put My Heart Into

Improve Your Day With This Simple Life Hack

Spotlight on Don Pieper

Kick Loneliness to the Curb This Valentine’s Day

The Good News!

Strawberry Kissed Almond Butter Muffins

Holidays to Celebrate in February

UNIQUE HOLIDAYS IN FEBRUARY TO ENJOY Looking Beyond Valentine’s Day

Here are a few interesting, but little-known, February holidays and suggestions on how to celebrate them!

RandomActs of Kindness Day Though Random Acts of Kindness Day is officially observed on February 17, we can and should spread kindness to people year-round. Take the first step by paying for someone’s coffee in a drive-thru, opening a door for someone, donating to a local charity or food bank, or cleaning the house without being asked. National Love Your Pet Day Our pets are there for us every day, and this holiday gives us a chance to give back to them. If you haven’t bought your pet a treat or new toy lately, February 20 is the day to do it! This would also be a great time to take your pet on a small adventure, such as hiking or going to a park. National Read Across America Day With so many ways to read these days, there’s no excuse not to participate in this bookish holiday. National Read Across America Day was created in 1998 to help children get excited about reading. Whether you like holding a physical book in your hand, prefer to read on a tablet, or love listening to stories through Audible, finding a new story to embark on has never been easier.

Get the most out of your February by celebrating these fun holidays!

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720.452.2540