Johnson Law Group - December 2020

Johnson Law Group - December 2020

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DEC 2020

SPENDING OUR DAYS WITH LOVED ONES

If someone asked us what we would do if we only had six months to live, most people would mention spending time with loved ones and creating quality memories. This year, the pandemic positioned many of us to do just that. Throughout this time, I have definitely felt stuck at home and wished my family and I could do the things we used to enjoy, such as traveling, going to a movie or show, or having a nice meal at a restaurant. But, when wondering how I would feel if I knew my time on Earth was coming to a close, I rapidly

realize this time with my family is a gift, and it needs to be viewed that way. How I perceive the most emotionally draining circumstances — such as, waking up exhausted on a Sunday at 5 a.m. to my 2-year-old daughter, Leila, belting “Twinkle Twinkle,” or watching my 4-year-old son, Graham, jump from the couch to the ottoman with his snow boots on — is a personal choice. Many times, I have to remind myself that it will not serve my day-to-day happiness (or that of my family) to always approach difficult situations negatively. This holiday season, in particular, is a great time to reflect on the value of family and unity, in this rare period that families are spending such ample time together. No matter what you celebrate or how, holidays can bring people together and help us appreciate how important connection is. Though I might not be able to celebrate with extended family this year, I still get that special time with my supportive wife and kids. Treasuring positive moments with family and friends is crucial. Personally, without my Heavenly Father and the family and friends he has entrusted to me, I would not be where I am today. I would not have been able to finish school, find the right person to marry, or have a semblance of an idea of how to raise my children without guidance from the Word of God and my support system. They have helped give my life meaning and encouraged me to help others going through difficult periods.

Life throws so much at us, and we have certainly seen that this year! Before we realize it, life’s challenges can distract us and pull us away from what is truly important. Through this pandemic, I have learned how essential it is to create concrete goals for my family and for my team to make the most of our time together. Reflecting on what is truly important is a way to humble ourselves and live with an attitude of gratitude. For 2021, my hope is that we can take a piece of what we have learned this year and apply it to the rest of our lives. If 2020 has taught me anything, it is that quality time with a loving and healthy support system is an effective way not only to develop deeper relationships, but also to create meaningful routines and traditions for future generations.

Reflecting on what is truly important is a way to humble

ourselves and live with an attitude of gratitude.

–Myles Johnson

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SNOW SHOVELING HACKS

SPOTLIGHT ON ERIN MULLEN, ASSOC A Passion for Serv the Public of Colo

One of our newest members and attorneys of the Johnson Law Group Team is Erin Mullen. Erin is dedicated to helping people, and though she is new to the Denver area, she has already taken significant steps to assist and support those in need. Erin moved to Colorado in early fall of this year, and it was certainly a difficult time to move with the pandemic. However, Erin shares, “I really wanted to get my family into the state of Colorado. I felt like it would be a wonderful place to live, and it is! I heard such good things about the people here, the legal community, and just how beautiful it is. Since moving here, we absolutely love it!” For Erin, this journey was not only a great experience, but it also strengthened her motivation for the work she does. “As a divorced person, I’ve been so lucky in my own personal experience that my ex-husband and I came to an agreement where I could move out here with my children. My wish, in doing the work that I do, is to help people come to similar choices and agreements. If someone can agree to something, I believe that’s

How to Spend Less Time Clearing Your Driveway Every Winter

Everyone loves the snow ... until it settles on the driveway and creates a barrier between your car and the road. Shoveling snow off your driveway and walkway can be so tedious that you might be tempted to just hope and pray that the sun melts it all before you have to shovel it, which, of course, almost never happens. However, there are a few tools and methods you can use to clear the snow away that are faster than shoveling for hours on end. Check them out below. Create a nonstick shovel. Wet, partially melted snow might work well for packing snowballs, but it’s a pain to shovel. It has a tendency to stick to the scoop and not let go — unless you spray it with some common household cooking spray. This will make it a lot easier for the snow to slide off your shovel. Just remember to wipe your shovel down afterward! Make your own salt alternative. Sometimes you start shoveling, only to find that the snow concealed a layer of ice that you can’t scoop up with your shovel. However, if you combine 1 teaspoon of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and 1/2 gallon of water in a bucket, you can spread the mixture over the ice and melt it away, much like the salt you see on major roadways. Be preemptive with some tarps . Did you see on the weather forecast that your area is about to get some major snowfall? Throw down some tarps on your walkways and driveway. Then, after the snow stops falling, lift the snow off to the side, and your walkways will be as clear as if it hadn’t snowed at all. Blow the snow away. If you’re lucky enough to be clearing your driveway while the snow is still powdery, rev up your leaf blower instead of breaking out your shovel. You’ll be able to clear your driveway in a fraction of the time it would take to shovel and dump it off to the sides of your driveway.

the most important thing. But, if you can’t agree, then you need a professional who can understand your situation and help you through it. That’s exactly what I do.”

HOW TO BECOME A

It’s not always easy to share feelings

interpersonal relationship expert at the University of California, Berkeley.

of frustration, anger, sadness, or other strong emotions. However, it’s healthy to share them. Venting gives us an opportunity to release our negative emotions to achieve greater peace and mental clarity. When someone comes to you with a heavy emotional burden, listening effectively can be just as challenging as sharing. How do we offer practical support without minimizing their feelings? What can we do to be the listeners they really need in that moment? It starts with your body language. Open yourself to their emotional needs by inviting the person to have a seat with you. This is a technique suggested by Gregorio Billikopf, an

Another thing you can do as a listener is position yourself below their eye line. This puts the person speaking in a more active storyteller position and you in a more effective listener position. While in this position, maintain eye contact. It’s okay to look down or away occasionally, but try to keep steady eye contact. Billikopf also notes that, as a listener, it’s important to avoid interjecting. Don’t immediately offer input suggestions or guidance to the person speaking until after they have had a significant opportunity to speak uninterrupted. “During this venting process, there is still too much pressure for a person to consider other perspectives,” Billikopf says.

With one (or a few) of these methods, you can enjoy the fun side of snowfall in no time!

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THE GOOD NEWS!

ving orado

CIATE ATTORNEY

Throughout her career, Erin has always served the public. At Johnson Law Group, she is committed to helping people who are going through a difficult

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflowwith hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

emotional time in their lives and to supporting them through the process and toward the best possible outcome. When Erin reached out to our firm, even before she moved to Colorado, she did so knowing she

could continue serving the public in this capacity. “Myles and Genet choose their attorneys very carefully,” Erin says. “So, I’m proud to be among them and work with such a great team and wonderful clients. Everyone here has helped and taught me so much.” When Erin finds herself with some free time, she loves to spend time with her teenage children and two dogs. “Something we’ve been very excited about since moving here is hiking up in the mountains.

–Romans 15:13

Festive Apple Cider

Unfortunately, with the pandemic, we haven’t been able to get out as much as we would have liked. We’re hoping that when things finally start to calm down, we’ll get out and explore this beautiful state we now call home!”

BETTER LISTENER

If you’re cutting back on calories, skip the eggnog and buttered rum this year, and fill up your mug with this delicious mulled cider!

While you don’t want to interject, you do want to be an active listener. This means engaging in reflective listening instead of being completely silent. While listening, use listening cues, such as "mm," "hm," and slow nods. Occasionally repeat the speaker’s words, but vary the words slightly to show you are truly listening and not just repeating their exact phrasing. When you are ready to provide feedback, start your observation with a non-confrontational statement such as, "I hear you saying that," and then reword in a sympathetic manner. If you notice a disconnect between their impressions and the overall situation, pose an open-ended question to encourage them to see things a different way. For example, ask, "Are you open to the possibility that," and then use compassionate words to identify the disconnect. Other options to start your response include: "Help me understand how/why ..." or "Are you aware of ..." or "How would you feel if I told you that ..." One last thing to keep in mind: You do not need to offer a solution to the person’s problem or concerns. They may just be venting to get their negative emotions out, not looking for answers or explanations. If they are looking for answers or guidance, wait for them to ask. In the meantime, listen compassionately, and let them know you are there for them.

Ingredients

•

1 lemon

•

2 tsp allspice berries

•

1 gallon pure apple cider

•

1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced

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1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise

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2 tbsp honey

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3 cinnamon sticks

•

2 tsp whole cloves

Directions

1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls, and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. 3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy!

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INSIDE

The Value of Relationships

Hate Shoveling Snow? Try These Hacks

Spotlight on Erin Mullen

How to Be a Better Listener for Someone in Need

The Good News!

Festive Apple Cider

Create Lasting Memories at Home!

Create Lasting Memories at Home!

3 Activities to Enjoy Indoors

Have a Dinner Date It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday to treat yourself and your family to a nice dinner. Schedule a fancy date night with your family and get ready to dress up and have a nice evening! Get together in your best attire, set the table with fancy dinnerware, and enjoy

Between the pandemic and the chilly winter weather, it might be feeling hard to get outside and be active. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to have fun, stay safe, and keep warm. Try these three activities from the comfort of home!

Craft a Snow Globe DIY snow globes make perfect Christmas decorations and are an easy and fun craft for

a quality meal. Afterward, create a dance party in the living room or set up a favorite family movie to watch to pull the whole evening together.

kids! All you’ll need to get started are a few plastic figurines, a glue gun, super glue, a jar, and some glitter. Make sure to use a jar with a sealing component, which will help prevent leaks. Your first step is to position,

Make a Movie It’s not surprising that many of our phones are filled with more pictures and videos than ever of our family members, pets, and day- to-day tasks. Take some time to organize these captured moments on your computer, then create a memorable movie for your family to enjoy this holiday season! Once the video is complete, you can burn your movie onto a DVD to keep a hard copy. With these activities and other traditions your family holds dear, your December will be filled with plenty of fun!

then glue your figures to the top of the lid. As the glue dries, fill the jar with cool tap water, but leave a few inches of headspace at the top. Add glitter to the water,then run the glue gun on the inside of the lid, then screw the lid on top of the jar and tighten it as much as you can. For inspiration and an easy-to- follow tutorial, visit Sea Lemon at YouTube.com.

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