Category: Quotes Page 1 of 4
The New Year: Reflections on Growth, Gratitude, and Renewal
Each New Year, I like to pause and reflect—especially on the interview I did back in 2023 about New Year’s resolutions. Revisiting the chapters of my life has shown me that most things, even the difficult ones, carried purpose.
I’ve gained self-esteem that had far less to do with appearance than I once believed. My greatest achievements aren’t defined by accomplishments or accolades—they’re the people in my life: my husband, my children, my dad, and the closeness I share with my husband’s family. Over time, I’ve learned who my true friends are, even when that truth means relying more on them than on extended family.
Lessons from a Lifetime (So Far)
More than half a lifetime of learning has taught me the value of my career identity , forgiveness, impulse control, curiosity, and the courage to keep learning and asking new questions. And from my mom, I learned spirituality. Long before mindfulness became a trend, she lived it—believing in a higher power, a higher standard, and a higher level of thinking. She just didn’t always apply it to her own stress.
I see so much of her in me: her work ethic, her selflessness, her love for her career, and her advocacy.
From my father, I learned something unexpected. He always cared deeply about his patients, but I didn’t truly see the “social worker” in him until I worked alongside him during Covid. I watched him listen—really listen—to people having tough days. I saw the man who quietly supported struggling employees, who found joy in making others smile (which is poetic, given that he’s a dentist).
Those experiences helped shape my understanding of compassion, patience, and what it means to show up for others.
The Truth About Resolutions
I’ve come to believe that healthy, successful living isn’t about setting one big resolution for January 1st. Instead, it’s about creating fluid goals throughout the year. That’s how we grow happier, more fulfilled, more grounded.
If we wait for one single date, we end up fizzling out—just like those gym memberships that start strong in January and fade by February.
Of course, there is something powerful about January 1st. Maybe it’s the promise of renewal. Maybe it’s the hope of a fresh start. Or maybe it’s simply tradition—a day when we pause long enough to reassess where we’re headed. Whatever it is, it draws us in.
Embracing the Cycle of Life
Whether this past year brought grief or joy, illness or improved health, change or stability, it’s all part of the cycle of life. As we grow older, we inevitably gain wisdom and learn to take each day as it comes.
Be grateful for what you have… because it could always be less.
So as we move into a new year, celebrate what you’ve accomplished. Honor the people you love and the people you’ve lost. And remember that seeking support—whenever you choose—is an act of strength.
Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year! 🥂
Here’s to renewal, growth, and hope.
InspireAmind.net
Screenshot
Many people and their families begin to notice signs of Alzheimer’s long before the disease fully progresses. Neurologists can now detect indicators of brain deterioration that may begin 10-20 years prior to it becoming a major issue in someone’s life.
The problem with current diagnostic criteria —even if legislation eventually passes
— is that a person may live for several years after diagnosis with little visible change, only to then experience a rapid decline in mood, cognition, and functioning. Common symptoms include “sundowning,” anger toward family members who “just don’t get it,” depression, and anxiety. While many say, “Tomorrow is a new day,” those living through these realities know those “good” days can be few and far between.
Time feels heavier on our shoulders as we juggle work, caregiving, and personal responsibilities. This is especially true in colder climates or during long academic years, when many of us look forward to summer for renewal. Warmer weather often brings improved moods, more outdoor activity, and family time-reminding us how environment and balance affect mental health.
For those of us in the Northeast, “spring fever” is real. When the sun finally shines, it’s harder to stay focused indoors —we’d rather be outside. Students also reflect this seasonal shift: energy levels rise, attention wanes, and the end of the school year brings excitement and distraction. The longer days invite us all to slow down, reconnect socially, and find joy in simple experiences.
DEATH WITH DIGNITY AND THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE
As we continue to wait for legislation allowing the right to choose at the end of life, our emotions fluctuate between sadness and pain as we watch loved ones endure the agony of terminal illnesses. Many doctors, therapists, and families in states like New York-where no Death with Dignity Act currently exists-struggle with the lack of options for patients who wish to maintain autonomy over their lives and deaths.
Legislators often misunderstand how profoundly such laws could improve the quality of life for those facing irreversible decline.
Many individuals have long expressed their wishes to family members—whether or not their spouses are present—to ensure their preferences are honored if a serious illness occurs. I have always believed that no one should be forced to live in a state of severe cognitive, physical, or communicative impairment that strips away the independence and dignity they once had.
While documents such as a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order express one’s medical wishes, families or executors can sometimes override these decisions, especially when misinformation or guilt is involved. The result can be prolonged suffering, isolation in care facilities, and the loss of personal choice when it matters most.
In contrast, residents of several U.S. jurisdictions currently have access to medical aid in dying, which allows a terminally ill, mentally competent adult to receive a prescribed, lethal dose of medication from their physician. These include:
- California – End of Life Option Act (2015/2016)
- Colorado – End of Life Options Act (2016)
- District of Columbia – Death with Dignity Act (2016/2017)
- Hawaii – Our Care, Our Choice Act (2018/2019)
- Maine – Maine Death with Dignity Act (2019)
- New Jersey – Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act (2019)
- New Mexico – Elizabeth Whitefield End of Life Options Act (2021)
- Oregon – Death with Dignity Act (1994/1997)
- Vermont – Patient Choice and Control at the End of Life Act (2013)
- Washington – Death with Dignity Act (2008)
Montana has no formal statute but, since a 2009 state Supreme Court ruling, does not prohibit a physician from honoring a terminally ill, mentally competent patient’s request for aid in dying..DeathwithDignity.org, TriageCancer.org
The Right to Self-Actualization
I am of the opinion that the right to self-actualization-the ability to live and die according to one’s values, beliefs, and definition of dignity —is a fundamental human right. When a person faces terminal illness or irreversible decline, allowing them to make informed, autonomous decisions about their care is not an act of despair but of profound self-respect.
True compassion lies in honoring choice. It is about empowering individuals to define what quality of life means to them, to express their final wishes clearly, and to have those wishes respected without shame or legal barriers. As medical science advances, so too should our understanding of dignity-not only in how we live, but in how we choose to leave this world.
Marcy Abramsky, LCSW•2025
some of the greatest quotes ever said
Look for products that help us stay calm within… https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01K9QVQDW57MTDR93JFF375XZZ_0
Click link above
Mental Health Isn’t a Bonus – It’s a Basic Need
For 18+years, I’ve worked as a Clinical Social Worker in schools, nonprofits, crisis response, and private practice.
One truth has never changed: mental health is not optional.
Yet even in 2026, too many schools and companies treat mental health as an “extra” — nice to have if there’s a little budget left over, like a yoga class or free snacks. You can tell by reading or watching the news that …
That mindset isn’t just outdated — it’s dangerous.
We seem to invest in physical wellness everywhere: gyms, virtual reality, standing desks, wellness rooms. Why? Because healthy bodies = higher productivity, less absenteeism, more profit. Mental health works the same way.
In the same way, people that have access to consistent, quality mental health care, they’re more focused, more productive, and more motivated. Absent this essential wellness piece, the same or more burnout, absenteeism, conflict, and even violence — in schools, workplaces, and high–stakes industries like sports and entertainment have become common in the last 20 years.
Think about it: elite athletes and C-suite executives rely on their mental readiness to perform. They get therapy.
QUIETLY… Shhhhhh.
However, in many cases the professionals supporting them often earn a fraction of other critical roles, despite carrying heavy emotional responsibility.
Becoming a MSW Master Social Worker (MSW) costs over $160,000 in state education ( for an undergraduate degree) then a further two year graduate degree for MSW licensing – and yet at the start … salaries barely touch student loans.
For a License in Social Work $275.00 for LMSW
Example : graduate …
- 60 credits
- 900 total practicum hours (420-hour foundation practicum + 480-hour advanced year practicum)
- Offered full time (2 years) or part time (3 years)
Graduate costs fluctuate-
This is not sustainable in the future!
If we don’t advocate for change – the next generation of talented, passionate mental health professionals will look elsewhere.
The new generation
•inspired by us
•High-risk of burnout
•Risk of higher turnover rates
• In search of for less demanding
•looking for higher-paying work .
RESULT – The system suffers. People Suffer!
Here’s the bottom line:
- Mental health isn’t a luxury – it’s foundational.
- It belongs in every system, just like physical health.
- Professional’s doing this work deserve pay that reflects their impact — including help with student loans.
We must invest in care, not crisis.
People going to therapy shouldn’t be visible — it means it’s working. It means they’re safe and learning skills to thrive.
Mental health care is the bedrock of our society. Let’s value the professionals who provide it – because they matter.
YOU ARE WORTH IT!
#MentalHealthlsHealth #BuildUSUp #SupportTheSupporters
Therapy – Motivation
Change
Change
Each year, things change—from the newest trends in fashion and home decor to small and large changes in our jobs, at home, in some of our friendships, and on the greatest scale, societal or government regulation changes. Many of these things impact us differently. Since the most recent pandemic, war, national unrest, or even a recent tragedy your family may have gone through (such as illness, severe weather, violence), we tend to look at things differently on the other side.
The most important thing to remember is who we are, and if we didn’t know, we do now. What shapes us into who we are is our character, our hardships, and how we face those challenges and move forward. More than ever, reality TV is perpetuating PTSD with shows like the final Squid Games (June 2025) and others that seem voluntary but make people completely vulnerable and captive. Our society of violence already provides that (through movies, books, and our never-ending supply of real-life mass shootings). I don’t mean to say that people haven’t come together and formed united fronts on this, but the burden is heavy. When you think of fashion or the color of your decor as being too much, stop thinking and enjoy the moment.
Perspective
The majority of my practice today centers around anxiety and continuous thoughts of worry. People of all ages have begun to get out of their heads and realize it is okay to get help during or shortly after the pandemic. Our teens today will never have the same life experiences as those of us who never had our schools shut down during their time to learn social skills and lay the groundwork for their academic future. We must allow for these differences but not excuse them; we have to teach what was not taught. In between, as young adults struggling in this world with uncertainty, I remind you that nothing has changed: illness, war, shootings, and hardship have always been there. It is how you choose to educate yourself, rise above, and shine beyond the pale that matters. Learning to utilize support and continue on is a way of life! You’ve got this!
Do not give in to fear. Expect it, control it, and live your life.
Self-Talk
Self-Talk / Mindset
Practice positive self-talk; treat yourself as though you believe in yourself. Be someone you would want to stay friends with. Once you treat yourself with respect, you’ll find forgiving yourself for small things you typically question to be trivial. Practice treating others with care. We never know what has happened in someone else’s world. Not everyone brings their personal life into each conversation. Knowing this, we need to respect people’s boundaries, bad days, and tough moments. Look a little deeper this year while at the same time feeling a bit lighter! Perspective can create a whole new mindset
InspireAmind®️
Inspiring One Mind at A Time!
Welcome to 2025-2026
Marcy Abramsky, LCSW
InspireAmind.net
AbramskyInspireAmindcoach.com
Try these…
STRENGTH
Especially in our society today .. know the way to SELF CARE…don’t be afraid to take HELP and locate RESOURCES…face CHALLENGES down by using…STRATEGIES…find YOUR EMOTIONAL STRENGTH !
©2021 Not for reproduction or use without consent.
COMMUNICATION
What are the strengths we have that support the way we communicate?
They are unique to all of us.
©2021Not for reproduction or use without consent.
DAILY MINDSET
Engage in activities that remind us daily of things that inspire us, keep us grateful, and our mindset, positive ..
Schedule an Appointment Today 🔵
©2021Not for reproduction or use without consent.
https://www.flipsnack.com/7BBED9F569B/october-2023-buffalo-healthy-living/full-view.html
letter
from the publisher
My designer refers to each of our issues in num-bers, with October being 162. Looking back to our first issue in April 2010, with only 16 pages, we’ve come a long way. Initially, it took some convincing for advertisers to try something new, but we were so grateful to the ones who were immediately convinced of the magazine’s value and who have remained so throughout the years.
A woman recently contacted me to tell me how much she loves the magazine. An insur-
ance company vice president said something similar. Their feedback and the wonderful opportunities to share and learn are the source of my inspiration.
Buffalo Healthy Living has become a quality health and lifestyle resource that also includes a weekly half-hour prime-time television show, supported by strong digital and social media outlets. In fact, every one of the articles that appear in our magazine is now included on our website.
Most importantly, as the magazine has evolved, so have I. And like all lessons, some haven’t been easy. Marcy Abramsky, LCSW, in writing fo the magazine this month, says, “Forgiveness is vastly unique for eople at different stages, and requires understanding past events and actions so that we can change the course of our present and future.” I agree with her, and ask anyone I have ever inadvertently offended in e past to forgive me. After all, we are on a unique journey to become the best people we can.
Thank you for reading Buffalo Healthy Living and enjoy the beautiful scents and colors of October!
Annette Pinder
forgiveness
By Marcy Abramsky, LCSW
Forgiveness
for you, not for them.
Many people struggle with forgiveness – forgiving themselves and forgiving others. So, when a question on social media asked whether mental health professionals agree or disagree with the statement by Oprah Winfrey that, “For-giveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different.” it got me thinking.
At first, I thought, “No, I don’t agree with the 50% of people who b-lieve this. However, after greater reflection, I had mor thoughts.
- Th statement still contains a lot of emotion.
- Forgiveness can be vastly unique for people at different stages.
- Forgiveness requires the power to understand and accept events of the past.
- The very act of forgiving and acknowledging the past empowers us to change the course of our present and future.
- We no longer need to hold onto any anger or emotions attached to past events.
- Forgiveness is what propels us as we move forward.
So, here is my challenge to you to try at home.
Can you think of a time that the past felt as though it was getting in the way of your future?
- Think of the self-limiting beliefs that held you back due to a past experience.
- What impact did it have on you?
- Can you imagine letting go of the fear, anger, or emotion that is attached to the past?
- How do you feel?
Mary Abramsky, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who offers individual, family, and group counseling, as they explore their core issues to achieve a healthy, fulfilling life. Reach her at https:// www.inspireamind.net or 716-791-7848.