Turn Key Real Estate Phil's Home News The purpose of this uplifting newsletter is to provide you with a change of scenery through heartwarming stories, and insightful advice as well as give you a smile for a few minutes. I hope you enjoy it! If you know of any local families or organizations that are especially in need at this time, please give me a call or reply to this email. I will do my best to spread the word!
Moments Links You Can Use Now Summer Vacations As we enter the summer season, it’s probably high time you began making sunny plans! Whatever your vacation preferences, if a vacation is top on your agenda this year, perhaps we can help with a few ideas. First up, if you’re looking to go green and save on air miles, here are some of the best places in the US for a dream domestic vacation. https://tinyurl.com/uplift620241
Perhaps money, work, or other factors make going away difficult. Never fear. Here are some ideas for the perfect staycation right at home! https://tinyurl.com/uplift620242
In the same vein as the above, you might have little ones around who need entertaining at home. Here are some summer activities you can do with the kids. https://tinyurl.com/uplift620243
Lastly, if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, the ever-reliable Atlas Obscura is a traveler’s bible for finding some of the more unusual destinations around the world or right on your doorstep! https://tinyurl.com/uplift620244
Because we all need to be uplifted and enjoy a good laugh... Incredible children’s animal photos. Dive into the dual wonder of both the animal kingdom and young talent in this online photo book featuring the top entries in the RSPCA Young Photographer of the Year competition. From adorable pets to majestic wildlife and monstrous minibeasts, it’s a visual feast of stunning imagery all taken by children (some as young as eight years old!), including an incredible caterpillar macro shot that won the Small World commendation. See nature through the eyes of tomorrow's photographers! More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0624a
Microscopic masterpieces. Van Gogh’s paintings are true masterpieces but seemingly even more so when they’re of minuscule proportion. David A. Lindon delicately crafts reimaginings of the paintings and sculptures of Van Gogh and other masters, scaling them so tiny that they fit within the eye of a needle or the inner workings of a watch, defying the limits of imagination and precision. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0624b
Finding hope in starting from scratch. Damian Mosley once ran a successful Baltimore food business, but in one horrific instant, it was turned to ashes. His Blacksauce Kitchen was destroyed by a fire, but perhaps even worse than the physical destruction was the loss of his notebooks containing a lifetime of his popular recipes. In this poignant discussion, Mosley recounts his journey of resilience in the face of tragedy, sharing his approach to rebuilding amidst catastrophe. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0624c
How Beekeeping Is Changing Lives All Across Liberia In the heart of the lush forests of Nimba in the north of Liberia, a growing community of Liberian people are finding opportunities to transform their lives through the ancient art of beekeeping. Driven by the nonprofit organization Universal Outreach, thousands of Liberians have been trained in beekeeping since 2012. The group’s initiative offers rural communities a chance to supplement their income with honey production, providing an alternative amidst the widespread poverty that grips developing nations such as Liberia. With climate change affecting ecological conditions, land ownership issues, and the upheaval caused by the civil wars that tore through the nation not two decades ago, beekeeping offers a promising source of additional revenue in a country where agriculture sustains much of the population. For many of those involved, beekeeping has been life-changing. Having endured the hardships of the conflicts and the aftermath of the Ebola epidemic, previously poverty-stricken individuals are beginning to be able to fully support their families, build homes, and secure brighter futures through beekeeping. Their success stems from the simplicity and sustainability of their practices. Unlike many Western beekeepers who use frame hives, Liberian beekeepers use what are known as “top-bar” hives, which allow bees to build their nests naturally. This, coupled with minimal use of chemical insecticides and diverse floral resources, results in high-quality honey prized for its flavor and purity. Despite ever-present challenges such as pests and land ownership issues, the beekeeping industry in Liberia continues to thrive. Further initiatives from Universal Outreach, such as the Liberia Pure Honey enterprise, provide a stable market for beekeepers, fostering economic independence and growth within the community. As the industry expands, there is optimism for a future where beekeeping not only reduces poverty but also contributes to sustainable development in Liberia, with beekeepers aiming to eventually buy their land. Furthermore, with bees being renowned for their important role in holding together natural ecosystems, by cultivating and protecting bee colonies, the initiative also contributes to efforts to combat biodiversity loss. A sweet success. How to Set Boundaries Around Your Nonnegotiables When your values are nonnegotiable, setting those boundaries can be challenging. Your ability to uphold your core needs and beliefs can dictate your level of happiness, but doing so takes determination. Whether it is prioritizing family time, pursuing a passion project, or maintaining a healthy work-life balance, here are some tips on staying true to your non-negotiables. Identify what they are. What matters most to you? What are you unwilling to sacrifice? Consider the things from your own life that you feel make it worth living or bring you a sense of fulfillment that you know can’t be replaced by anything else. It could be as simple as making time for yourself or keeping to daily routines or something deeper, such as your inner morals or religious beliefs. Communicate these boundaries to the people in your life. Doing so will require careful and compassionate discussion, especially with loved ones whose opinions may influence your decisions or whose own boundaries might be affected. Being able to stick to them in challenging situations is essential for honoring your values. Set goals. Once you've identified and communicated your priorities, setting clear goals aligned with them can help to ensure you are making the effort to meet your own nonnegotiable needs just as much as you’ve requested others to. Perhaps that’s ensuring you spend a certain amount of time per month with loved ones or dedicating at least one evening a week to your passion project. Be flexible and open-minded. Life is unpredictable, other people have their nonnegotiables, and circumstances may arise that challenge your priorities or ability to stick to them. If this happens, reevaluating your non-negotiables can help you to adapt and make decisions that work both for you and the important people in your life.
This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The publisher makes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek professional advice and legal counsel for any matter discussed or published in this newsletter.
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