Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

Hello, Our Town Community. Can you believe we are in November? Wow, it seems not long ago that I was writing about the beginning of a new year in 2023. Time flies, and we must be grateful for each moment. November is a great time to reflect upon our journey, express gratitude for the blessings surrounding us, and draw inspiration from the unwavering spirit of our community.

In this season of change, I encourage us to take a moment to count our blessings, no matter how small they may seem. Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform our lives. When we focus on the positive aspects of our existence, we build resilience and find strength in the face of challenges.

Our community has shown remarkable resilience over the past few years, which we should all be proud of. We have faced unprecedented times with courage and determination, supporting one another through thick and thin. Let us carry this spirit forward into the coming months, standing together, shoulder to shoulder, as we continue to grow and thrive.

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop lower, remember that each day is an opportunity for growth and positive change. This is the time of year to set new goals and aspirations, whether big or small. It’s the perfect moment to take that step you’ve been putting

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Holiday Matters: Make Your Holidays Stress-Free

By Tana Poncsak

As soon as the kids roam the neighborhood for candy on Halloween, many of us start thinking (and maybe obsessing) about the upcoming holidays. After all, there’s cooking to be done, presents to buy, and plans to be made all while still working and going about our daily lives. And while the holidays are supposed to be meaningful and fun, often they turn out to be tiring, disappointing, and stressful.

According to a December 2017 article in Medical News Today, some people can feel overwhelmed by the excess, expectations, and exchange and can become depressed during the holidays. The article goes on to say that a lack of time and money, credit card debt, and the pressure of gift giving can often contribute to stress during the holiday season. As mentioned in this article and cited by many others as well, one of the main causes for holiday stress can be linked to our expectations. We watch the holiday movies and see images of the picture-perfect holidays, and that becomes what we strive for. Anything less misses the mark.

The answer can be as easy as keeping things simple and don’t over plan. But we all know that’s easier said than done. Here are a few things you can do to lower your expectations and keep things simple.

• Make a realistic list of the things you need to accomplish to make your holiday special and meaningful. This shouldn’t be a long list. Try to keep this list at three to six things. Then make a second list of the things you would like to accomplish but aren’t necessary to make your holiday complete.

• Try to simplify or delegate the things that need to be done to make the best use of your time. For example, you want to read the latest holiday novel, but you have no time. Try listening to the audio version while

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