Lake Norman Woman Magazine August 2022

LKN GIRLS

on the

GO!

amazing pg. 36

including

GRACE HALL, & 20 MORE AMAZING LKN GIRLS!

Raising

EMPOWERED Daughters pg. 23

& other STRESS BLOCKERS for teens

girls pg. 46

of lkn

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BEGINNING OUR 16 TH YEAR! THANK YOU LKN!

crowns, or seeing how many lightening bugs I could catch before bedtime. But the powers of my magic tree extended beyond its canopy to inside my grandparents’ homes, and with them, I contentedly and unabashedly embraced my kid-ness.

THIS IS OUR LKN GIRLS ISSUE, and working on it

always compels me to reflect on my own childhood. This year those thoughts were magnified when I found myself staring at the former homes of my grandparents while out on a Sunday drive with my love. My parents grew up across the street from one another, so when I visited as a child, I could bounce back and forth between their houses for that special love and affection that only grandparents can bestow.

As a youngster barreling at lightning speed toward adolescence, within the branches of my grandma’s magnolia tree had been one of my favorite places on earth. Troubled by the types of things that typically trouble young girls, such as waging war against my brother and figuring out ways to get my dog to eat the broccoli on my plate, I would climb up that tree and disappear. The tree’s leaves provided cover from not only my enemy/sibling but from what seemed like the entire world. Sometimes I’d take a book; sometimes I’d take one of my grandmom’s old photo albums; and sometimes I just took my thoughts, but in that canopied haven, an archrival of a brother and a pup who didn’t like broccoli either—along with all my other “troubles”—melted away.

The branches of that tree provided me with more than just a hiding place, though. They also afforded me an arena in which I could just be a little girl. Even then there were all kinds of influences that pushed us toward adulthood way before we were ready. When at home, I yielded to the pressures, proclaiming myself much too old for such dillydallying as playing “Mother May I” or fashioning flower

My grandparents moved from those homes long ago, and much to my dismay, the magnolia is no longer there. But sometimes I wish I had a magic tree in my yard now. My girl-self thought adults didn’t need magic trees…that they had it all figured out. After all, I had never seen my grandma shimmy up the magnolia. But thankfully, I’ve come to learn that there are all kinds of “trees.” For adult me, my “tree” is a bookstore. I can get lost for hours in the endless shelves of stories and characters that offer as many possibilities as there are pages. And, as I’m certain that adult-me would need the rescue squad to get me out of a tree, I’m very grateful for the bookstore option.

Life is complex, bewildering, and at times downright ugly. Life is beautiful. Sometimes it’s all at once. There’s no set of directions, no road map, and no magic wand. But there are magic “trees” that can provide some respite as we wade our way through the muck. It’s my hope that the girls within these pages will discover their “tree,” a special place of their own to help them find and keep that youthful peacefulness, no matter what kind of mess life might bring. w

DANA JORDAN PUBLISHER

WOMEN power

DANA JORDAN

august

CONTRIBUTORS

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Lindsay Martell; Dr. Wissam Nadra; Sydney Trexler; Dr. Lenore Wilkinson

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C E L E B R A T I N G

T H E

S U C C E S S

O F

W O M E N

contents A U G U S T

2 0 2 2

O U R

8 GREAT ENTREPRENEUR IDEAS FOR TEENS

A N N U A L

10

pg

lkn

girls 36 girls 12 pg

made it!

pg

I S S U E

26

pg

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27

GRACE HALL

31

JAYLA JACOBS

28

ANNIKA GSCHNELL

32

SADIE INTIHAR

29

REESE GRANDELLI

33

SOPHIA REESE

lakenormanw oman.com

on the

go

18

pg

12

BREAKING THE STIGMA OF EATING DISORDERS

pg

LAKE NORMAN TEEN ENTREPRENEURS

community 38 Girls On The Run Of The

Greater Piedmont Hosts 5th Annual Sneaker Soiree

health

self

18

Breaking The Stigma Of Eating Disorders

10 8 THINGS: 8 Great

20

Anxiety And Depression In Teenage Girls

40 TIPS, TRICKS, & HACKS:

Autism Spectrum Disorder Signs And Symptoms

46 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT:

22

Entrepreneur Ideas For Teens

Back-To-School Edition

Just Keep Swimming ...

It's Going To Be OK!

ON THE COVER: AMAZING LKN GIRL, GRACE HALL P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y: TERRY PARDEW PHOTOGRAPHY D I G I TA L A R T B Y: CHELSEA BREN

in every issue 44

WORDS MATTER

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SELF

8 THINGS

MARKETING/DESIGN: graphic design, web design, logos, social media marketing.

LESSONS: art, music, tutoring, techno skills.

RECYCLING BUSINESS: electronics and construction materials are often overlooked and can bring hefty returns.

HOME SERVICES: lawn, car washing, windows/deck cleaning, house sitting, etc.

8 Great

CRAFTS, ART, GREETING CARDS: if you’ve got a creative side, sell locally and create your own website or Etsy shop.

Entrepreneur

Ideas

for teens

PET SERVICES: dog walking, grooming, photography, pet sitting.

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ONLINE RESELLER: think clothes, toys, collectibles, and antiques.

ERRAND RUNNING: or delivery service or both!

KIDS THESE DAYS … how DO they do it all? School, sports, honor societies, clubs, extracurricular activities,

made it! lake norman Teen Entrepreneurs

church, volunteering in their communities, tutoring, music, art, and more! There are so many talented, inspiring, hard-working, creative young women in our area it was difficult to narrow down to these brilliant entrepreneurs who are juggling it all AND running a business.

Emmalene McMahon has an Etsy store called Caricheal where she sells earrings, necklaces, bracelets, resin art, DIY-ed clothes, goodie bags, and stickers. “I also have a Depop store where I sell gently used clothes.

Additionally, I am in a lead group with Love Progress Park; I play music with the School of Rock in Cornelius; I am president of my school’s LGBTQ+ Club; I was inducted into the National Honor Society, and I volunteer at FeedNC with my family. Although I’m not sure where I want to go to college yet, I would like to do something in graphic design and marketing.

Connect with Emmalene: @Caricheal @caricheal.esty

Isabella (Bella) Lantz used her skills as an artist to create her business, Chalktastic, where she creates chalk drawings on paved surfaces celebrating people’s birthdays, achievements, or special occasions in the Lake Norman area. “I created this business during Covid. My 16th birthday landed a week after shutdown, which caused me to cancel all my plans. I picked up chalk as a hobby while at home and soon found myself drawing more and more intricate designs. I decided to start my business so people could still enjoy and celebrate, without having to put themselves at risk.”

Connect with Bella: chalktastic4you@gmail.com

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@chalktastic4you

Simi Johnson started training horses when she bought her first one at age 11. The horse was untrained and somewhat wild, but Simi had it fully trained within just one year. Having trained and sold several horses since, Simi will be attending Asbury University in Kentucky in the fall to obtain an equine studies degree with a concentration in equine training. “I teach horseback riding lessons and buy/sell project horses, but school always comes first, and I worked hard to keep a 4.0.”

Simi has also accumulated 115 volunteer service hours through various organizations.

Connect with Simi: annacjohnson04@gmail.com @simihorsegirl

Reagan Goethals, 12, is not only an elite flyer and tumbler on her all-star cheer team at Rockstar Cheer Lake Norman (that just placed 5th in the country at The Summit at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Florida in May), but she was on The Ellen DeGeneres Show for her invention SunMuffs, earmuffs that slide on to your glasses. She has also been on multiple runways during New York Fashion Week and walked for multiple designers. She has a hidden talent where she designs houses on the computer for herself and for others.

Taylor Gettings and Jasmine Gill officially launched JT Treasure Shop on July 1st. They specialize in creating beautiful energy-filled jewelry such as gemstone bracelets, crystal rings, and waist beads. JT Treasure Shop was created by lifelong friends who wanted to express their creativity by making jewelry that speaks to everyone. “We both have different skill sets,” Taylor says, “and we bring two different audiences to the business which in the long run will help to grow our business."

Connect with Taylor and Jasmine: jttreasureshop@gmail.com

Connect with Reagan: @sunmuffs @reagan_goethals

J.t_treasure.shop

J.t_treasure.shop

Courtney Phelps has a passion for baking and started her business, Theresa’s, to sell her home-baked items at school. “My senior year, I signed up to have an independent study as one of my courses and, during that time, built a rolling food cart that I could sell food from. I have learned all about finance, pricing, and what it takes to run a bakery. My profits went to a different charity each time I sold, which was once a week.” Courtney will be attending the University of Utah in the fall with a business and entrepreneurship major and plans on owning her own bakery/restaurant.

Connect with Courtney:

cortphelps@gmail.com

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Happy SPONSORED CONTENT

BORROW MOORESVILLE RESIDENT AMY MAHAR, co-founder of By Design Lending, knows homeownership is the beating heart of the American Dream. A recent study found that 74% of Americans think of homeownership as the highest gauge of prosperity and generational wealth. In other words, you know you've made it when you own your home.

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outdated, leadership was entrenched in old ways. "Borrowers were encountering friction at every step," Amy recalls.

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"The most successful profession I could imagine having at the time was a bank branch manager," Amy recalls. "In smalltown Michigan, that seemed like the epitome of success. So I set my sights on banking." As a management trainee, she was supposed to rotate through each of the bank's departments.

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H E A LT H

eating disorders

BREAKING THE STIGMA OF

to describe the physical appearance of a person with an eating disorder, you would most likely receive very similar responses: “an excessively thin, frail, teenage girl.” While this representation could be true for some, this illness does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, genders, races, and sizes, and is oftentimes not recognizable purely by appearance. The common physical perception of those with eating disorders contributes to the stigma of the illness. The National Eating Disorders Association defines this stigma as the wall between the individual and the help they need.

I F YO U W E R E T O A S K S E V E R A L P E O P L E

What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are mental illnesses that deal with a person’s unhealthy relationship with food and body image. The harmful behaviors from eating disorders can take control of a person’s life. When it comes to eating disorders, it’s important to understand that people do not choose to have this illness.

What causes an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are becoming more and more prevalent with unrealistic body expectations represented in the media. Along with the cultural glorification of thinness, other factors that can contribute to the development of eating disorders are low self-esteem and troubled family relationships. Typically, people with eating disorders use the control of food as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings or situations.

What are the signs of an eating disorder?

The most common eating

disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating.

Anorexia nervosa is marked by self-starvation and drastic weight loss, while bulimia nervosa involves a secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging.

Binge eating involves periods of excessive eating but not purging.

Purging means doing something to compensate for or undo the effects of eating. This can include self-induced vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercising.

Are eating disorders treatable?

Sadly, if not treated, eating disorders can result in serious medical problems that may even lead to death, commonly from heart and kidney complications. An estimated 4-5 percent of people with a serious eating disorder do not survive. Luckily, eating disorders are treatable as long as the individual is open to treatment.

How can I help someone with an eating disorder?

Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network, and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.

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When you notice the signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, it can feel scary and intimidating. It’s hard to know the best way to approach this conversation. The first thing you can do is become knowledgeable of eating disorders. You must understand that you, yourself, cannot solve the problem single-handedly. It requires help and assistance from medical and mental health professionals. Be compassionate and express your concern rather than accusing the person of a problem. Be empathetic and encourage them to seek help. Eating disorders are a sensitive topic, but by becoming knowledgeable and removing the stigma, we can facilitate conversation and let people know they are not alone. w WRITER

Sydney Trexler, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator

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H E A LT H

Anxiety Depression and

IR L S IN T E E N A G E G

I wrote an article for Lake Norman Woman Magazine (March 2022 ed., pg. 28) that touched on how to address anxiety and depression in our teenagers. What I didn’t do though is expand on recognizing the tell-tale signs specifically noted in teenage girls. So here goes …

A F E W M O N T H S A G O,

A lot of times we tend to view mood swings in our young women as “hormonal” and attribute these emotions to the teenager as “feeling down due to her monthly cycle.” While this is partially true and applies to certain days within her monthly cycles, it is in fact inaccurate. In most cases anxiety and/ or depression manifest slowly with an insidious onset. Symptoms may manifest initially as occasional sadness or “just not feeling right.”

LKN EXPERT

Wissam E. Nadra, MD, MHA, FAAP, AIHM, is the president and clinical director at Lakeshore Pediatric Center in Denver. He is a boardcertified pediatrician and is also certified in integrative medicine.

For more information, visit www.lakeshorepediatric.com or call 704.489.8401.

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''

This progresses to the teen having continued feelings of sadness, frustration, or anger over small matters; feelings of hopelessness or emptiness; irritability and an annoyed mood. Eventually there’s a loss of interest in family and friends with a sense of anhedonia (where things they used to enjoy are no longer pleasurable), setting the stage for a global sense of low self-esteem.

lakenormanw oman.com

While such a laundry list of symptoms seems obvious that something is amiss, in reality we fail to recognize the stealthy manifestations of such feelings … with many cases being missed by parents and, in some cases, missed by the medical practitioner taking care of the teen. At times, even when recognized by the child, she usually is conflicted about her own feelings—especially when people around her dismiss her emotions as “just a phase” she’ll grow out of.

Our job as parents is to observe, listen, and then act to help our young people.

In summary, and especially since COVID, a lot of cases of anxiety and depression have been missed. Our job as parents is to observe, listen, and then act to help our young people. As Frank D. Roosevelt once said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” w

WRITER

Dr. Wissam E. Nadra

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H E A LT H

ism S t u A

pectrum Disor der

Signs & Solutions THE DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

has in the past five years emerged from the shadows as more parents have become proactive in seeking help for their children. Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of a number of complex neurodevelopmental disorders that is typically diagnosed in childhood and is often characterized by social communication and social interaction limitations as well as repetitive behaviors that interfere with meeting developmental milestones. ASD can affect a person’s capability to understand themselves, interpersonal relationships, or live independently as an adult. These issues typically emerge during the first two years of life but may not be diagnosed until adulthood.

Several years ago, the concept of “spectrum” was added, and the term Asperger’s Syndrome was eliminated as the medical and psychological field’s understanding of these complex compilation of symptoms evolved. Use of the word spectrum has helped parents to understand that each person who has been diagnosed with autism is unique in the way that symptoms affect them.

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For children under the age of 2, signs that would warrant a talk with your pediatrician are: • No smiles and poor eye contact • Doesn’t imitate sounds and gestures • Not responding to their name • Not babbling or little interactive babbling • No gestures such as waving or pointing to get your attention • No meaningful single words or words used to obtain what they want • Limited wanting to get your attention for fun • Not showing you pretend-play or imitating what you are doing • Irritability or inconsolable if things in their environment are changed • Little exploration of toys, or excessive exploration of one aspect of toys • Loss of skills • Spending a long time or repeatedly doing an action that is not for fun and having difficulty varying that behavior • Over time less interest in interacting with others and with their environment • Sleep that is restless or excessive

lakenormanw oman.com

These are just some of the early signs and are not a diagnosis of autism because some of the same symptoms also point to other neurodevelopmental disorders. The signs are a way to start conversations with your medical professional about your concerns and to ask about having a follow-up formal evaluation.

Early intervention services will help you learn about autism; help your child increase social and communication skills; better cope with emotions and behaviors; and because very young brains are still developing, early intervention treatments offer the best opportunity to equip children with the necessary life skills to help them reach their full potential. Your child may be recommended for speech, occupational, and/or physical therapies as part of a package of early intervention services. As you journey down this road with your child, make sure that you surround yourself with supportive family and friends who will celebrate the victories and encourage you during the challenging times. w LKN EXPERT

Dr. Lenore Wilkinson received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Yale University in 1988.

Her career has focused on helping neurologically impaired, medically involved, and developmentally disabled children and their families deal with psychological challenges. She is in private practice and currently serves as a clinical consultant with several agencies, such as CompleatKidz, that support the healthy growth and development of children with ASD.

WRITER

Dr. Lenore Wilkinson

SPONSORED CONTENT

Co-Parenting Tips for Raising

EMPOWERED DAUGHTERS Written by Robin M. Mermans, Esq., Owner of ROAD to RESOLUTION A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTS is the

ultimate example for children and a template for their future relationships.

Even in cases of separation or divorce, a positive and healthy co-parenting partnership will help to shape how children adapt to their own relationships and friendships. This is especially true when it comes to raising empowered daughters. One of the greatest joys in my life has been the relationship that I have with my daughter, who is now in her 20s.

To be honest, when her father and I separated and divorced years ago, I was worried how she would perceive future relationships. Fortunately, her father and I maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship that continued even when I re-married.

As a divorce mediation, Collaborative family law attorney, and co-parenting coach, I encourage families to create these types of positive co-parenting dynamics with their parenting partners. Co-parenting will always have its challenges; however, there are moments of reward too. For me, one of those gratifying moments was when I realized the co-parenting relationship that my husband and I formed with my daughter’s father provided a positive example for her and our other children. A strong and balanced co-parenting relationship can offer valuable lessons when it comes to raising empowered daughters by demonstrating aspects of communication, kindness, respect, and negotiation.

COMMUNICATION Children initially learn communication styles from their parents. If you and your co-parent use nonviolent communication (NVC) tactics, this will teach your daughter to speak with empathy, respect, and understanding – even during difficult conversations.

NVC is designed for communicators to listen as often as they speak, while sharing feelings, needs, and requests in a safe space without judgment.

KINDNESS “Treat others the way you want to be treated” has been a phrase I’ve repeated over the years in my household and in my law practice. Expressing kindness toward not only your parenting partner, but everyone around you, will show your daughter that no matter the situation – even in times of conflict or disagreement – it’s imperative to be kind.

RESPECT Being respectful toward others is just as important as being respectful toward yourself. When parents pursue divorce, they often feel a sense of guilt. It’s a feeling that I can personally relate with too. However, parents ending a relationship because it wasn’t working, wasn’t healthy, or wasn’t bringing happiness, love, or joy is a sign of self-respect. Daughters need to know that they will sometimes have to make hard decisions – and having respect for themselves during the process is essential.

NEGOTIATION When choosing a Collaborative divorce with a collaboratively trained divorce attorney, negotiation techniques are present throughout the process. While your daughter won’t be involved in these roundtable discussions, she will see the result of a well-negotiated resolution. Clients often say that the skills they learned during the collaborative process has benefited them at home and at work. Some have become experts in negotiating requests from their children while also becoming skilled at negotiating a raise or time off at work. These are instrumental abilities that your daughter will pick up on and use in her own relationships and professional career.

Robin M. Mermans is a Collaborative attorney, certified mediator, and co-parenting coach. She owns ROAD to RESOLUTION, a divorce mediation and collaborative family law firm, in Charlotte.

With her unique perspective as an attorney, mother, and stepmother, she is an expert in shared parenting solutions and co-parenting guidance.

She is committed to using her personal story and passion to help her clients save time and money, while avoiding unnecessary emotional turmoil during their divorce journey and on their road to resolution.

We’re Here to Help ROAD to RESOLUTION can help you effectively navigate your coparenting journey. Our legal team can provide co-parenting guidance before, during, and after divorce. Please give us a call at (980) 2601600 and we can discuss your legal options through divorce mediation and collaborative family law. Our Charlotte-based team is here to help you and your family in the Lake Norman area and beyond.

980.260.1600

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ROADtoRESOLUTION.com

Note: This article is intended to be informational only and shall not be construed as legal advice.

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EACH YEAR WHEN LAKE NORMAN WOMAN MAGAZINE BEGINS OUR SEARCH

for Amazing Girls, it becomes apparent our future is in good hands. With

undaunted courage and enthusiasm, these young women endure, adapt, and innovate—they dig a little deeper and climb a little higher, showing us all what

success looks like. We had an impressive (and lengthy!) list of entries this year but could only highlight a few. We hope you enjoy our 2022 Amazing Girls Edition.

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hall Setting the Bar

I am proud to say I have a 4.25 GPA in high school and a 4.0 GPA at Rowan Cabarrus Community College where I am dual enrolled. I am a member of the National Honor Society, the National Science Honor Society, and Phi Theta Kappa. I also do a lot of volunteer work through the National Honor Society and for local nonprofits, including Gabe’s Heart Foundation, which is a charity established in memory of a family friend. Time management is my biggest friend. I like to use my notes app on my phone and update my to-do list weekly with the assignments and tasks I have to complete. This keeps me on time and organized.

… And Then Jumping Over It I started as a competitive gymnast at age 7 and did well, becoming a state champion and making America’s Top 100 Gymnasts three times. However, I suffered numerous injuries that kept me from competing and ultimately I had to retire from the sport … but soon I found lacrosse and am currently a member of the varsity lacrosse team. A few goals for myself this year are to earn a few lacrosse scholarships and to finish high school with a 4.3 GPA or higher. I would like to become an emergency medicine physician.

A senior at

Mooresville High School, 17-yearold Grace Hall lives with her mom and dad, three sisters, and a dog named Misty. She looks forward to playing lacrosse on the collegiate level while majoring in exercise science or kinesiology. She plans on interning with a medical office her final year of high school to get a feel for a career in medicine.

My Mom , My Hero

My mom has inspired me the most. She is so hardworking, kind, and ambitious regardless of the circumstances she faces. She always puts others before herself, and this selflessness is something I admire most about her.

WRITER

Leslie Ogle

PHOTOGRAPHER

Perseverance and a Can -Do Attitude

An obstacle that I have faced and continue to face is injuries in playing lacrosse. I constantly find myself getting injured and this sometimes causes me to sit for the remainder of my season. I overcome this by keeping a positive attitude and doing the things I need to do to stay healthy, happy, and present. I learned that you should never give up … If you have a goal or dream, go after it regardless of who tells you differently. Face your fears and do it anyway! w

Terry Pardew Photography

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Annika Grace Gschnell, 15,

is a 10th grader at Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy. She lives in Mooresville and has two brothers, Alex and Andersen, and a dog named Hunter.

gschnell Finding Strength

When I was in 7th grade we moved to Mooresville from Columbus, Ohio. The following year, I moved schools again and went to Liberty Prep for 8th grade. That summer, my parents got a divorce. During all of these changes it was difficult to stay positive and always maintain good grades. Despite all the things that were occurring, I continued to push through the struggles, and I really dedicated my time to school and cross country. Since I struggle with depression, these events were even harder to deal with and I self-harmed. I started to attend therapy to get the help I needed.

Throughout all the change and adversity, I focused a lot of my time and effort on school, cross country, singing, and art to overcome all of these obstacles.

Tackling Challenges

Shaping Minds

As for college, I would like to explore different options within the state of North Carolina; however, Appalachian State and UNC-Chapel Hill are currently at the top of my list. I would love to be a kindergarten teacher … I babysit a lot and believe that elementary school is a fundamental time in children’s lives.

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With guidance from my family, professional counseling, and my savior Jesus Christ, I have worked through depression and anxiety. I’ve learned better coping strategies during times of stress — such as final exams and juggling cross country season with the demands of school and other extracurriculars.

This summer, I’m working on a plan for a program I hope to start in the fall, where I go to middle schools in the area and talk about suicide and selfharm prevention.

lakenormanw oman.com

Savoring Life Lessons

I learned that although there are many challenges in life there is a positive in every situation and that I am more capable than I believe.

Worldly Inspirations

I’ve traveled to the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Florida, South Carolina, and Colorado. I would love to travel to France and Italy to witness the old churches and architecture.

Peace Through Perseverance

There will be difficult times in your life where giving up seems like the right answer, but in those times remember that you can do hard things, and that this is just temporary in your life. Jesus loves you and is always there to help aid you! I would like all girls to remember that you are strong, beautiful, capable, and worthy. Be kind to others even when they are not kind to you, and always remember that you are loved. w

WRITER

Lindsay Martell

grandelli Fueling Kindness The Perfect Balancing Act

I love to play lacrosse and dance! I play lacrosse for the Carolina Miners, and I go to Dance Davidson where I study hip hop. I do my homework as soon as I get home so that I am ready for my evening of activities. I also remember which days are busier than others and accommodate things accordingly.

Motherly Inspiration

My mom has inspired me. She has taught me it is always good to help others. It is important to understand the need in the community — sometimes all people need is your time. She works really hard and makes sure that I can do sports and help others. She always makes time for me.

A Lesson In Blessings I have learned that I am fortunate and that you should always be kind, giving, and count your blessings daily. My mom says we can do hard things and by doing so, it shows others that it can be done. It doesn’t matter how young you are, you can always help … it might be by making cards or just hearing what people say, but you CAN make a difference.

WRITER

Lindsay Martell

I really enjoy helping FeedNC. Four years ago, we were driving to see our grandma and grandpa and we passed a tent city. I thought they were camping, but my mom explained that the people we saw living in tents needed a home. A few days later, she took me to FeedNC and introduced me to everyone. I started helping them and then it grew bigger and bigger so now every year I do a turkey drive for FeedNC’s Thanksgiving project. The people who work at the organization are very kind and let me give them crazy ideas to help others.

Reese Grandelli, 10,

is a 6th grader at Mooresville Intermediate School. She lives in Mooresville with her parents, two younger brothers, and a boxer puppy.

Oh, the Places You’ll You Go

I have traveled many places, but my favorites are Paris, Italy, Disney, and Pawleys Island. I also love the Georgia Aquarium! My family did a big camping trip out West and I was very lucky to see the Redwoods. I would love to go to New York … for college, I’d like to attend Florida University, Duke, or NC State and become a marine biologist. w

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jacobs Busy and Determined

What Makes Me Smile

I not only have to manage school, work (I just got my first job at Chick-fil-A), soccer, and my animation (I am a selftaught animator with my own YouTube channel called WonderBeast), but I also have to schedule my breathing and other treatments because of my cystic fibrosis. I am writing a fantasy science fiction novel and so far I have completed 17 chapters.

My goal is to have 30 chapters total by Christmas. Another passion of mine is gardening. I grew tomatoes, corn, blueberries, watermelon, spinach, onions, squash, and blackberries this year. I enjoy growing my own food and sharing it with others. I Jayla Jacobs, 14, is also tutor a young student in the homeschooled through the Guardian 3rd grade.

Gabe Academy and in the 9th grade.

She lives in Huntersville with her mom, a Sheepadoodle dog named Hero, and her four brothers: Frank Jr., 24; Ivan, 21; Jeremiah, 17; and Gabriel, who passed away when he was 12 from a rare heart condition.

I love helping others and taking care of myself. I love working on my animation, my book, or in my garden …

I like pan-fried dumplings and making new friends … and long car rides with my mom in the rain.

My Guardian Angel

I am a youth ambassador for Gabe’s Heart Foundation (www.Gabesheartfoundation.org), which is a nonprofit organization that was started in honor of my brother, Gabriel, who passed away when he was 12. Gabe was my guardian angel, and he always took care of me when I was sick, which happened a lot because of my illness. I like helping people by participating in Doing It Gabe’s Way Random Acts of Kindness. This is when we go into the community and offer free gas, groceries, and other random acts of kindness. I am also an ambassador for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and was one of the keynote speakers (along with my two brothers who also have cystic fibrosis) earlier this year at the Guys and Dolls Formal event. We helped raise over $150,000 towards research, and I also spoke before Congress in June for Teen Advocacy Day regarding living with cystic fibrosis.

WRITER

Leslie Ogle

All In the Family

My brothers Ivan and Jeremiah inspire me to work out more and take care of my body; we go on walks and to the gym together. Frankie teaches me by example how to be a hard worker, and Gabe taught me all about being kind to others. Gabriel was the anti-bullying mediator at his school and when he passed away, a lot of kids said he was their best friend. He made everybody feel special! Mom and dad taught me that if I keep working towards a goal it will eventually come true, and I have two amazing grandmothers! My Grandma Nu Nu (Ella Spratley) taught me that no matter how bad a situation you are in there is always a way out; and my Grandma Jacobs was my babysitter for my younger years, and I am grateful to her for so many things! w lakenormanw oman.com

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intihar An A+ for Advocacy

I help with the Well-Equipped drive every year. We partner with ten local non-profits to supply period products to those in our area who would otherwise have to go without. This year, I managed our social media for the first time, and we collected over 37,000 products for our neighbors in need.

Embracing the perfection of imperfection

Sadie Intihar, 15,

PLIÉS, PLEASE

is a sophomore at Mooresville High School. She lives in Mooresville with her parents and her brothers — Miles, 9, and Grant, 3, and a rescue Basset Hound-Labrador mix named Arlo.

I would say always be yourself. Never doubt who you are. It isn’t worth your time to try to fit in with the crowd.

Just be yourself, people are going to judge you, some people might not even like you, but if you are true to yourself none of that matters. Be smart, be quirky, be funny, be optimistic.

I’m a dancer so it’s difficult to balance schoolwork with my dance schedule.

I dance five days a week after school and then throughout the day on Saturday. I usually finish my homework in school after I finish classwork, during my breaks at dance, or late at night when I get home from dance.

Take a Bow

I am most proud of my time-management skills and grades. Having good time management skills helps me with my busy schedule, and I take pride in my grades and in the self-discipline it takes to achieve them.

For the Love of Fur Babies

I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian for almost my whole life. I love animals and I love people. A lot of people depend on their animals, so the thought of being able to help others by helping animals sounds amazing to me! I think I’d like to open a veterinary practice in North Carolina and focus on smaller animals.

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A Helping Hand

My mom is my biggest inspiration, she is everything I want to be as a woman. She is smart, kind, funny, and builds people up. My mom has inspired me to put my extra time into helping others and always being kind even when it’s hard. She has also helped me learn to slow down and take breaks when I need them.

Leaping over Obstacles

When I was younger, our family moved around a lot, so it was really hard making friends and having to move again and again. Now, living in Mooresville, I have met amazing friends that I know I’ll have my whole life. I love my two best friends, Camryn and Ember. They have helped me with the Well-Equipped Period drive, and they support me through everything. w

WRITER

Lindsay Martell

Sophia Reese, 17,

is a freshman at The Honors College at University of North Carolina — Wilmington. She grew up in Huntersville, with her parents, older brother, and a gaggle of fur babies — a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd named Ozzie, and two calico cats, Zoe and Cali. She is a 2022 graduate of Hopewell High School.

reese Sports, Discipline, Academics…Oh My! I have been fortunate enough to be a competitive athlete my entire life, so I learned early on the importance of discipline and time management. I have gotten a lot better at not procrastinating and making sure to get things like schoolwork done towards the beginning of the day. That way, I have more time for clubs, sports, and spending time with my friends.

Making Huge Strides Towards Health

I am most proud of my personal growth — in particular, my recovery from anorexia. In my 3-month outpatient treatment, I not only learned how to release harmful beliefs and behaviors, but I chose to make the most out of my recovery and opened myself to learning and changing my way of living and thinking. I have always had perfectionist tendencies, but recovery taught me that it was OK to allow myself breaks and time to essentially recharge my mind, body, and soul. I proved to myself that I could overcome challenges and was capable of taking care of my holistic well-being while also working towards other goals.

Feeling the Pull to Give Back

While I’ve participated in a number of volunteer services through clubs such as Key Club and National Honors Society, I have shown a committed involvement in The Salvation Army in particular. Every year since around middle school, I take part in Operation Christmas Child and their Angel Tree program, in which I have helped with both shopping for and creating gift packages for my assigned angel, as well as assisted in distributing the gifts to families.

WRITER

Lindsay Martell

Writing it Down and Reaching Out

Soon after my treatment, I started a blog that focuses on topics such as mental health, fashion, and self-care. I was shocked by the feedback I had received!

Girls and even boys reached out to me letting me know that they can relate to my experiences and that my words had truly meant a lot to them. I was so proud of myself. I not only recognized how far I had come personally, but I saw that my work, my writing, and my insights were capable of having an influence on others.

Today, I continue to be proud of myself for sticking to a balanced lifestyle, continuing to work on my blog, and evolving into the truest version of myself. w lakenormanw oman.com

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girls go on the

Erica Mitchell , 18, was the secretary of

Hopewell High School’s National English Honors Society and is a member of the Charlotte Writer’s Club. She and her classmates have donated over 230 books to their community and various other organizations. Erica helps tutor first-graders at Torrence Creek Elementary School every first and third Tuesday of the month. Occasionally assisting the Hopewell Headliners, the school’s theatre department, with technical and practical work, Erica will be majoring in film studies (cinematography, directing, producing, screenwriting) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington this fall.

A S W E PAY O U R A N N U A L T R I B U T E TO T E E N G I R L S ,

we are once again blown away by all the nominees and beyond impressed with the talents, skills, intellect, maturity, philanthropy, and personal insights the girls exemplify. We are sorry we could only choose a few from the remarkable pool of nominations we received. A heartfelt thank you to everyone… we celebrate you ALL!

Sela Werner , 17, is one of the

captains of the varsity women’s basketball team at her school and has been voted an All-Conference player multiple times. She is a member of the National Honors Society, Thespians Society, and is a representative of the Student Ambassadors program at her school. Many Sunday mornings Sela can be found volunteering in the children’s ministry at Newsong Church. She is looking forward to studying nutritional/exercise science or kinesiology in college and to continue the Bible study group she started last year.

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A rising senior at Challenger Early College High School, Katie Grace DeHart , 17, will graduate with her full associate degree and high school diploma simultaneously.

Currently a part of the debate club, the school newspaper, student government, Beta Club, and drama, she also takes dance and voice lessons and has been a part of numerous productions. Also a violin and guitar player, she has performed at several open-mic nights through Blumenthal Performing Arts. Having been a Girl Scout since she was in kindergarten, Katie is working towards her Gold Award. She would like to attend the Airforce Academy and become a diplomat for the United States.

McKenzie Hill , 18, recently

graduated from Hopewell High School with honors where she was involved in the National Beta Club and was a member of the AVID Ambassador program. An incoming freshman at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University this fall, McKenzie plans on studying international business. Having had a rough couple of years struggling with her mental health and anxiety, she is ready to attend her dream college, focus on her education, and maintain a clear, positive outlook for her future.

Having joined ROTC her freshman year in high school, 18-year-old Hailey Ignasiak has distinguished herself as a leader and as a scholar.

She played four years on the varsity soccer team and five years on a club soccer team as goalkeeper. Hailey’s hobbies include playing drums and guitar, and she is interested in a military career and has enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

At the end of the summer, she will be heading to Navy Boot Camp in the Great Lakes. After boot camp graduation, she will be stationed in Charleston and will study to be a nuclear engineer.

Addison Graham , 18, applied to seven universities

and got in all of them, but UNC-Chapel Hill is her college of choice where she plans on pursuing healthcare— perhaps physical therapy. Addison has been busy with memberships/participation in: the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Crosby Scholars, Love Progress Park, Girl Scouts, and Teen Court. A self-described timid and quiet person, Addison has worked hard to overcome her anxiety and although she knows it will always be a part of her life, she has found her confidence and is eager to head to college this fall.

Lucy Caudill , 11, was elected as

Student Council President and is a member of the fifth-grade chorus. She recently won first place at her school for her math fair project in which she compared prices at local grocery stores and the time it took to shop for the items. She chose this topic so that she could donate the food items purchased to a local food pantry.

She recently competed in the district Battle of the Books competition with her school team. Lucy also plays the piano and the violin, tennis, basketball, and has acted in several stage performances.

On the weekends, especially during soccer season, you will find Corinne Peterman , 18, at the restaurant Fresh Chef where she works. In high school she was involved in multiple clubs and organizations, including: the National Honors Society, National Beta Club, National Honors English Society, and Key club. Also donating her time to volunteering, she helps deliver food to homeless people and visits a nursing home a few times a week to play games and sing songs with the residents.

She is attending North Carolina State University in the fall.

Ashlyn Duffy , 18, will be

attending Elon University in the fall with a major in exercise science and a double minor in leadership/entrepreneurship. A competitive and driven young woman, Ashlyn was a member of countless organizations in high school, including but not limited to: Young Life, Youth Commission International (YCI), Beta Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, the Varsity Volleyball Team, Girl Talk, and the Principals Council. She has also been chosen to participate in the Elon Accelerated Physical Therapy Pathway; Ashlyn would like to pursue physical therapy with a specialty in pediatrics— particularly children with a disability or who come from a lower income bracket. w lakenormanw oman.com

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Tickets on sale now at https://SneakerSoiree22. givesmart.com

COMMUNITY

Girls on the Run of the Greater Piedmont Hosts 5th Annual

Soiree

SNEAKER

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D U S T O F F YO U R C O C K TA I L AT T I R E , grab

your favorite comfy dancing sneakers, and walk down the pink carpet at the Girls on the Run of the Greater Piedmont 2022 Sneaker Soiree. The 5th annual event will be held October 7 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Venues at Langtree in Mooresville.

This festive and entertaining evening will raise funds to support program advancement and scholarship funds to increase inclusion, so every girl can experience the transformative social and emotional impact of Girls on the Run, regardless of financial barriers.

lakenormanw oman.com

Sponsorships available for businesses – the perfect networking opportunity and night out for coworkers, family, or with friends!

GOTR Sneaker Soiree guests will enjoy an inspiring night, including dinner, drinks, and dancing. Event offerings feature silent and live auction items, wine pull, shopping with Kendra Scott, and crowd games to win amazing prizes. w Special thanks to event sponsors: Novant Health, EnergyUnited, Lake Norman Woman Magazine, as well as station sponsors, Kendra Scott, The Kilted Buffalo, Summit Seltzer, The Posh Balloon, AlphaLit Charlotte, and David Edward Photography & Video

Funds raised support scholarships to promote GOTR program equity and inclusion.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) provides a safe space for girls in 3rd-8th grade to learn life skills, helping them navigate life’s social, emotional, and physical challenges.

Donations and funds raised at the Sneaker Soiree will allow GOTR to continue providing scholarships to 40 percent of program participants, removing financial barriers so all girls have an equal opportunity to participate. Girls on the Run is a 501(c) (3). Donations are tax deductible.

Sneaker Soiree Event Volunteers Needed Girls on the Run welcomes enthusiastic, dedicated, and positive volunteers committed to empowering girls with valuable life lessons. Volunteers are community members who are passionate about developing and celebrating the health of our local girls and families.

AB O UT G I RLS ON T H E R U N

Founded in 1996 with only 13 girls, Girls on the Run is now an international nonprofit organization that has served more than two million girls. Girls on the Run hosts more than 330 5Ks per year, making it the largest 5K series, by number of events, in the world. Girls on the Run is included as a top researchbased program in a Social-Emotional Learning Guide developed by researchers at Harvard University and has been recognized by the National Afterschool Association (NAA) as one of the most influential afterschool programs in the country. For more information about how to get involved in your community, visit www.girlsontherun.org.

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We know how busy life can get—kids, work, family, friends … sometimes just getting dinner on

SELF

the table is a Herculean feat! So in an effort to save our readers some time, effort, and money here are a few tips, tricks, and hacks that might come in handy in your busy world!

Staying On Top of Things Try these handy apps: myHomework Student Planner is a favorite among students and lets you track upcoming assignments, grades, projects, etc.

Similarly, My Study Life app enables you to keep track of all your classes, tasks, assignments, and exams.

Remember the Milk is a cool app that lets you organize your todo lists any way you want with colorful tags and other organizational features.

Back-to-School Breakfasts Try avocado or Nutella toast; perk up oatmeal by drizzling with melted peanut butter and honey; wrap ham and Swiss cheese in tortilla and zap in microwave for 30 seconds.

TIPS, & HACKS

N BA CK -T O -S CH O O L ED IT IO Lunchtime Freeze a clean, wet sponge inside a resealable bag to use as an ice pack before lunch and refreshing face cleaner after. Make a week’s worth of sandwiches and freeze them in Ziploc bags— straight from freezer to lunchbox and they’re ready to eat by lunchtime.

Oh, Snap!

Take a photo of your schedule and make it your lock screen.

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Getting Crafty Repurpose an empty Starbucks cup for a handy no-spill paint cup; soak old or dried-out markers in water, then use the new paint for watercolors or even a fun spray paint for kids. w

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w w w. g r i f f i n . i n s u re

PRODUCTS

An agency built on relationships

Auto Insurance Home Insurance Commercial Insurance Boat/Watercraft Insurance Classic Car Insurance Condo Insurance Flood Insurance Life Insurance Motorcycle Insurance Renters Insurance RV Insurance Umbrella Insurance

We work to develop lasting client relationships & a small town feel while using national resources, experience, problem-solving skills, and key insurance companies & underwriting relationships.

OUR WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

JACKIE SIPE Senior VP Operations

JES NABORS Agency Management Administrator

APRIL HELGESON Personal Lines Office Manager

BARBI DELLINGER Personal Lines Office Manager

LEYDA MARTINEZ Hispanic Market Specialist

MOORESVILLE

MOORESVILLE

STATESVILLE

LINCOLNTON

DENVER

PARTNER CARRIERS

MOORESVILLE 107 KILSON DR 704-664-9111

STATESVILLE 139 EAST BROAD ST 704-871-8002

DENVER 7505 NC-73 704-820-3904

LINCOLNTON 2740 E HWY 27 704-735-6974

GET BACK ON TRACK WITH

Hot Summer Savings!

20 OFF %

NEW PATIENT PACKAGE

1 PROVIDER VISIT, PROBIOTIC BUNDLE, 12-PACK OF LIPO PLUS INJECTIONS, MEDICATION WEEKLY WEIGH-INS, NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING Book online using promo code HOTSUMMER. Get started today and you could lose up to 5 pounds by next week!

Have you been thinking about getting back on track with your weight loss but everything else gets in the way? Slim down and start fresh this August with our Hot Summer Savings. Take a vacation from over drinking and eating with Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Wellness discounted comprehensive weight loss bundle at a 20% savings.

Call 704.987.THIN for more information or email kim.freel@physiciansplan.com

*Offer expires 9/1/22. New patients only.

PHYSICIANSPLAN.COM | 704-987-THIN | 9601 HOLLY POINT DR | HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078

S D R O W matter

Words are magic. They actually change our brain chemistry! As wordsmiths here at LKNW, we are especially fond of words that will resonate with our readers, in hopes they will help guide & inspire you.

LET US REMEMBER:

ONE BOOK, ONE PEN, ONE CHILD, AND ONE TEACHER

can change the world .

–MALALA YOUSAFZAI

You’ll never be bored when you try something new.

A brilliant idea doesn’t guarantee a successful invention.

Real magic comes from a brilliant idea combined with willpower, tenacity, and a willingness to make mistakes.

–LORI GREINER

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"

Articulation | Language | Fluency | Dyslexia Voice Disorders | Auditory Processing

Conquer Barriers To Clear Communication.

I’VE LEARNED THAT PEOPLE WILL FORGET

WHAT YOU SAID, PEOPLE WILL FORGET WHAT YOU DID, BUT PEOPLE WILL

NEVER FORGET HOW YOU MADE THEM

"

FEEL –MAYA ANGELOU

There’s really no limit to what you can do!

A

t LKN Speech-Language Pathology, our team of exceptional therapists has over a century of combined experience helping children and adults of all ages overcome speech and language disorders so they can lead more empowered lives.

Call 704-641-0338 today to schedule a consultation.

–DR. SEUSS

Marianne Umphlett

She knew she could,

MSP, CCC-SLP Owner

Diane Drakulic MA, CCC-SLP

MA, CCC-SLP

Marissa Deddens Larkin

Kaitlyn Kimrey Miller

Jennifer Patel

MS, CCC-SLP

so she did.

–UNKNOWN

Amy Elder

MS, CCC-SLP

MS, CCC-SLP

Above Main Street Books | lkn-slp.com 126 S. Main Street, Suite 2A, Davidson, NC 28036 lakenormanw oman.com

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BETTER ME … BETTER YOU … BETTER WORLD

MIND body spirit By mixing the ingredients of attitude and action, we can change the flavor of our own lives. Learn to nurture your body and soul to lead a more balanced life.

JUST KEEP SWIMMING …

IT'S GOING TO BE OK! (It’s Going to Be OK). Anytime you feel stressed, do some breathing exercises, and say “IGBOK” … you’ll feel better right away!

S AY I T W I T H M E , “ I G B O K ”

According to www.nimh.nih.gov, nearly 32 percent of teen girls between the ages of 12-18 report experiencing some sort of anxiety or depression to the point that it interferes with their daily life and schoolwork. And since the dreaded “C” word (covid) that number has been on the rise! Additionally, 50 percent of girls ages 10-13 report having experienced some sort of bullying—including name calling, exclusion, and negative social media interactions.

Girls in particular can suffer in silence as they try to “fake” being ok. If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, sad, or just preoccupied, overwhelmed, and worried, just keep swimming … your mind, body, and spirit will respond in kind—

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Take a shower. Not a bath, a shower, because it gets your blood moving and makes you more energetic. And moisturize with lotions or sprays that provide some aroma therapy … lavender, wildflowers, citrus, or coconut … whatever “flavors” that induce pleasure and calm for you.

Put on clean, comfortable clothes. Wear outfits that make you feel good about yourself.

Blast music.

Music is good for mind, body, and soul … dance like no one’s watching!

Cuddle your pets. Take pictures of them. Talk to them. Tell them how you feel.

Create.

Write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, write in a journal, grow a small garden.

Self-expression is important for good mental health.

Clean and organize something. It doesn’t have to be anything big— organize a desk drawer, clean the kitchen, do a load of laundry.

Cook something.

Or better yet, cook something for someone else. Maybe bake a pie for the neighbors or a batch of cookies for your teacher.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is so good for you and your skin! Add lemon and fresh mint leaves to a glass of ice water for a nice twist.

Get some sunshine in nature. Take a walk. Sit in the grass. Look at the clouds.

Smell the flowers. Put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.

Express gratitude and self-love! It is vital that we all show gratitude every day in everything we do. A large part of this is selflove—be grateful for your SELF, your life, your journey, your world. w

COMPILED BY

Leslie Ogle

Licensed Massage Therapist, LMT # 3040 Medical Massage Practitioner Specializing in Medical & Sports Massage 20 Years Experience

BOB WEIR LMT, MMP, CKTP

Therapeutic Massage that restores and activates your healing potential!

. . .

Deep Tissue Massage Injury Recovery Massage Mobility Restoration

(704) 756-0909

LKNMassage.com

HERO'S 20% DISCOUNT

All First Responders, (Police, Fire & Medic), get a 20% Discount!

Now located at Exit 35, Mooresville. 149 Sunfish Dr.

All items are proudly cut by hand by the artist Bob Weir, right here in Lake Norman.

SHOP LOCAL

Beautiful Hand-Crafted Scroll Saw Art

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CREATE YOUR

Poly furniture

happy place

sunbrella cushions

THE BIGGEST INVENTORY OF QUALITY PIECES FOR YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING & GAME ROOMS IN LKN!

...and more!

pool tables THE HAMILTON BY PRESIDENTIAL BILLIARDS

LAKE NORMAN PATIO & GAME ROOMS

. LKNPATIO.COM

Next to Swim Landscaping

.

704-660-0527

Serving the Lake Norman Community With Trusted, Gentle Dentistry

Locally Owned & Operated New Patients & Families Welcome!

All Services in One State-of-the-Art Office FREE Cleanings!

For insured patients. Call for details.

Appointments 7am–7pm & on Saturdays!

175 Cross Center Road, Denver, NC 28037 704-951-8300 Easy Online Booking Available!

WatersideDentalCare.com