Hickory Living December 2023 by Oasis Publishing, Inc.

Complimentary December 2023

Congratulating The 2023 Winners!

On the Cover

page 25

Shop Local for the holidays

pages 20–24

Offering The Latest In Treatments Administered By Experienced Providers page 10 HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

contents

DECEMBER 2023 FEATURES

MacAdam Smith

10 • COVER STORY Vitality Antiaging Center Offering The Latest In Treatments Administered By Experienced Providers

Publisher mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445

SHOP LOCAL PAGES

21 • Things To Do In December 22 • Advantages Of Shopping Local

IN THIS ISSUE 6 • Welcome To The December Issue 16 • What’s Cooking?! Slow Cooker Asian Beef Short Ribs 25 • Hickory Living’s 2023 Best Of The Foothills Readers’ Choice Winners 28 • Keeping Your Pets Healthy And Happy This Winter 32 • Before Setting Goals For 2024, Dare To Dream!

Kathy Wheeler Design & Advertising Sales kathylivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 238-3224

Sharon Simpson

32 Hickory

LIVING 10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Unit A Huntersville, NC 28078 (484) 769-7445 HickoryLiving@gmail.com

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Congratulations to the 2023 Best of the Foothills Winners! See Page 25. Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Casil • Kathy Wheeler Kathy Dicken

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY By Shane Greene Photography ©iStockphoto.com | ElenaMedvedeva

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Welcome to the

December Issue!

he holiday season is in full swing! I hope you take the time to enjoy all the lights, decorations, and sounds of Christmas. Try not to get so caught up in your to-do-list that you miss the best parts of the holiday. It truly is the most wonderful and magical time of the year. Be mindful this year to shop local. You will find more unique gifts and better customer service while supporting our local economy. It’s a win win. Speaking of local businesses, we are pleased to announce Hickory Living’s Best of the Foothills Readers’ Choice Award winners. You will find the list of winners on page 25. Thank you to all of the businesses who participated and to our readers who voted for their favorites. When you are out and about shopping this season, be sure to congratulate our winners! 6

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

©iStockphoto.com | Mikhail Konoplev

By Kathy Wheeler

If you are looking for some fun things to do this month with friends and family, check out page 21. There are lots of holiday-themed theatre performances in our area and day trips on our list to get you in the spirit of the season! 2024 is fast approaching and it’s time to think about the changes you want to make and the direction you want to go in the New Year. Before you set your resolutions or make your list of changes, read the article on page 32 and dream a little...or a lot! Our cover story this month features Vitality Antiaging Center. This business is always growing with new treatments and experienced staff members to help you look better and feel amazing! From non-surgical aesthetic treatments and products to weight loss and hydration therapy, they offer some of the latest treatments and technology in the indus-

try. Your can read their article beginning on page 10. December is a month for giving. Look for ways to help those who are less fortunate and the non-profits that support the needs in our community. Donations and volunteers are what keep non-profits able to serve those needs. Don’t forget the arts! Join the e-mail list for United Arts Council of Catawba County at artscatawba.org. You can view the latest ArtBeat newsletter with events you can attend and affiliates you can support. We want to thank our advertisers and readers for another successful year at Hickory Living Magazine. We couldn’t do it without you! Our staff wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous, happy and healthy New Year!

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

on the cover

Offering The Latest In Treatments Administered By Experienced Providers By Amy Casil | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Health and beauty are equal partners in antiaging at Vitality Antiaging Center. The practice completes its 17th successful year in 2023 and looks forward to helping patients continue to feel well, look well, and be well in 2024. Vitality refers to “life force” and it represents strength, power, energy, and enthusiasm. Speaking with Grace McLaurin, I realized how health, wellness, and beauty all combine to produce genuine vitality, confidence and positive experiences in life. Grace founded the Center in 2006 because she believed that a more integrated approach to wellness and antiaging was needed. Her passion for helping patients to look good and feel well shines through, and is reflected in the Center’s excellence of treatment and care. 10

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Welcome New Vitality Antiaging Employees Vitality Antiaging Center has welcomed two new injectors to the business, and both have top-notch experience. Courtney Browning, PA, has trained with some of the world’s best practitioners. Anna Kiser is an RN who has previously provided services through Vitality and is returning to the practice. Anna has also provided injection services in Raleigh. In addition to Courtney and Anna, Hayley Hoops, RN, has been with Vitality for about a year. Hayley has experience and extensive training in dermatology and she is a graduate of Allergan’s CoolSculpting University. In addition to CoolSculpting®, Hayley has comprehensive training in CoolTone®, as well as laser skin treatments and sclerotherapy for veins.

CoolSculpting is FDA cleared to eliminate stubborn fat under the jawline, under the chin, the upper arms, back fat, bra fat, the flank area (love handles), abdomen, thighs, and under the buttocks (banana roll), and along with CoolTone, you can see an improvement in muscle definition. This treatment technology is some of the very latest available. Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing with Sentient™ Tixel™ Vitality is now offering Sentient Tixel, which is a new, noninvasive, rapid way to resurface skin with no social downtime. This treatment requires little to no numbing, and uses thermal and mechanical action to resurface the skin. Tixel treats wrinkles, fine lines, rosacea, vascular lesions and other skin disorders. The rejuvenating effects of Sentient Tixel result from combining heat with a medical-grade titanium tip. There aren’t any lasers, radiation, ultrasound, or needles. This technology has been available in Europe for a number of years, and is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). According to Chris Cella, Sentient’s CEO, “Tixel drastically improves practices’ abilities to meet this rising demand for skin resurfacing treatments that offer effective results with minimal downtime.” Sentient Tixel treatments are quick: they can take as little as 15 minutes and produce fast results. Skin Tightening Options with Radio Waves Virtue RF is another new treatment introduced at Vitality Antiaging that has had some well-known endorsements, including former IndyCar driver Danica Patrick. Virtue RF combines microneedling with radio frequencies to tighten skin and reduce fat. It can produce immediate, lasting results with no downtime. Virtue RF has multiple attachments

Photos:

On the cover–Grace McLaurin DMSc PA-C, Todd Hinceman NP-C, and Courtney Browning PA-C Opposite page–Courtney injecting dermal filler during an appointment. Pictured above, top to bottom • Esthetician Kathy Findley performs a Tixel treatment. • Jean Paspa administering a SkinPen Microneedling procedure. • Courtney performing a Virtue RF treatment. • Jean providing skin care advice after a facial treatment. HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

designed to be used on multiple areas of the body, and there is also an attachment with very fine microneedling used to tighten the delicate skin around the eyes. Weight Loss that Works Vitality Antiaging has offered successful weight loss services for a number of years. This year they have added semaglutide to its VLean program, which is available both online and in-person at the Center. The VLean weight loss program is individually tailored and takes everyone’s age, health status, and lifestyle into consideration to create a personalized weight loss plan. Semaglutide is a once-a-week injection which has medical benefits and under the supervision of qualified professionals, semaglutide offers proven weight loss results. In particular, many people find that semaglutide helps to reduce stubborn belly fat and other problem fat areas. However, simply taking semaglutide shots by themselves isn’t the most effective or long-lasting way to lose weight. Vitality Antiaging’s emphasis on long-term lifestyle changes helps patients to achieve not only weight loss, but long term maintenance, wellness, and success. Nationally-Recognized Expertise, Local Caring Vitality’s owner and medical provider Grace McLaurin is a nationally recognized leader in training and managing staff. Grace not only trains and supports the staff at Vitality Antiaging Center, she also continues to train thousands of practitioners in the latest aesthetics procedures. Grace has been providing injections to patients for over two decades, and remains one of the most-requested trainers for Allergan Medical Institute. Grace continues to provide training for Allergan and is a designated Center of Education for Galderma. Galderma is the Swiss-based, internationally-recognized leader in skin treatments and skin care products, and the maker of Restylane, Sculptra, and other trusted injectables.

Photos, top to bottom

• Destiny Wurth performing a SaltFacial treatment. • Hayley Hoops, RN, administering an IV Hydration treatment. • Todd Hinceman, NP-C, using the Vectra 3D imaging system during a consultation.

Grace creates training programs for many procedures and purposes in the aesthetics and wellness industry which extend far beyond injectables. She is also a team-builder, business developer, and is certified in the DiSC Model of Human Behavior. Grace specializes in training, organizing, and motivating teams, and the results are clear at Vitality Antiaging Center. A national leader in training and leadership in the areas of aesthetics and wellness, she is also one of the few trainers in North Carolina. Start A New Year With Renewed Vitality Many of Vitality Antiaging Center’s patients have been with

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

the Center for ten years or more. They continue to return because of the many services and caring, expert practitioners who help them to feel and look amazing. Combining antiaging services with wellness and spa services, those who visit Vitality Antiaging continue to experience rejuvenation, relaxation, and more—all benefiting their health and wellness, inside and out. Vitality Antiaging Center can help you to start a new year with renewed health across the spectrum: physical, emotional, and cosmetic. They look forward to welcoming you, learning your goals, and helping you to make them happen.

Call Vitality Antiaging Center Today To Schedule An Appointment!

828.322.1498 74 8th Street SE, Suite 101 • Hickory, NC www.vitalitymedicalspa.com Open: M, TH 9-7 • T, W, F 9-5 & Sat 9-2

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

What’s Cooking?

I highly suggest you don’t skip the garnishes — they really take this dish to the next level. We served these spicy, sweet and tender ribs over microwave jasmine rice with steamed broccoli to complete an almost effortless holiday meal.

Slow Cooker Asian Beef Short Ribs Servings: 4 • Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 4–5 hours

INGREDIENTS 4 lbs. bone-in beef short ribs (1 lb./person) Black pepper 4 shallots, halved 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced 2-3 tsp. Chinese 5 Spice (recipe below) 1 cup pomegranate juice 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce GARNISH 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped 1 cup pomegranate arils (or dried cranberries) 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of the food blog, The Tasty Bits. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.

Slow, Sweet & Savory

I love using my slow cooker anytime, but especially during the holidays. It makes creating dinner so simple, and these Slow Cooker Asian Beef Short Ribs are beyond simple. There’s no searing required and no extra pan to wash. This is the perfect recipe when you are craving your favorite sticky Thai-style beef, but don’t want to order carry-out. These tender beef short ribs are slow cooked with shallots in a sweet and savory chili sauce, and by the time they finish cooking, the meat should be falling off the bone. We enjoy beef short ribs anytime of the year, but these seem especially appropriate for the holiday season. 16

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

CHINESE 5 SPICE 3 star anise ¾ tsp. whole cloves 1-½ tsp. black peppercorns 1 Tbsp. cinnamon 1 Tbsp. fennel seeds Combine all in a spice grinder until finely ground. INSTRUCTIONS In the bowl of the slow cooker, season the short ribs with pepper. Add the shallots and ginger, and sprinkle with Chinese 5 spice. Pour in the pomegranate juice, soy sauce and sweet chili sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Use a measuring cup to skim any excess grease from the top of the sauce and discard. Keep the slow cooker on warm. In a bowl, mix the chopped cilantro, green onions and sesame seeds. Spoon ribs and sauce over rice, and top with herbs and pomegranate arils. Notes: Chinese 5 Spice seasoning is widely available in the baking/seasoning aisle of your grocery, or you can easily make your own. Sweet chili sauce can also be found in the international foods aisle of most grocery stores.

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Shop Local for the holidays

Unique Gifts For the Holidays

Shop Local!

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Things to Do This

December

If you are looking for fun things to do this month that get you in the Christmas spirit, these events may be just for you. However, they are best enjoyed with friends and family!

Theatre Productions: Anastasia Hickory Community Theatre 30 3rd St NW, Hickory Dec.1-3, 8-10, 14-16 Showtimes: Fri & Sat-7:30pm, Sun-2:30 pm, Thurs-7:30 Adults $16, Youth $10 www.hickorytheatre.org Elf The Musical The Green Room Community Theatre 10 S Main Ave, Newton Dec 1-3 Fri & Sat-7:30pm, Sun-3pm Tickets $8 - $18 The Nutcracker Performed by Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts Dec 9, 10, & 16: 3pm Dec 8, 9, & 15: 7pm The Green Room Community Theatre 10 South Main Ave, Newton www.thegreenroomtheatre.org A Charlie Brown Christmas! Newton Performing Arts Center 60 West 6th Street, Newton Dec 8, 9, & 10 Fri & Sat-7pm, Sun-3pm Tickets: $12-$18 ncauditorium.com World Ballet Series: Nutcracker Dec 17-2pm & 6pm; Tickets $60 - $75 A Winter Solstice and Christmas Jazz Concert Featuring Joseph Hasty & Centerpiece Jazz Thursday, Dec 21-7:30pm; Tickets $43 COMMA, 401 S College St, Morganton www.commaonline.org ©iStockphoto.com | LUMIKK555

Carolina Christmas Show Broadway-style production with live music, dance, and comedy. Old Rock School 400 Main St W, Valdese, NC Dec 20-22-7pm, Dec 22-2pm Tickets $15 - $28 855-222-2849 www.carolinaonstage.com

Asheville Destinations: Christmas at Biltmore 1 Approach Rd, Asheville, NC November 3 – January 6 Candlelight Evenings & Daytime Tickets $110 - $410 www.biltmore.com National Gingerbread House Competition The Omni Grove Park Inn 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC Through the end of December Check the resort’s website for times and days non-guests can visit—mostly anytime Mon-Thurs, and Sun after 4pm, some excluded dates apply, and depending on parking availability. Valet Parking: $35 for day parking Self-Parking: $25 for day parking www.omnihotels.com/hotels/ asheville-grove-park

Enjoy!

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Economic Boost One of the primary advantages of shopping local is its direct impact on the local economy. When consumers choose to spend their money at local businesses, a larger portion of that money stays within the community. Local businesses sometimes source their products locally, and more often use local services, creating a cycle of economic support that contributes to the growth of nearby communities. This, in turn, results in increased job opportunities, further strengthening the economic foundation. Personalized Service Local businesses are known for their personalized and attentive service. Unlike large corporations, local shops often prioritize building strong relationships with their customers. Owners and staff are more likely to recognize and remember individual customers, tailoring their services to meet specific needs. This personalized touch enhances the overall shopping experience, creating a sense of loyalty and satisfaction among consumers.

©iStockphoto.com | nd3000

Advantages Of Shopping Local In a world dominated by online retail giants and global conglomerates, the significance of supporting local businesses cannot be overstated. Shopping locally is more than just a trend; it is a conscious choice that carries advantages for both consumers and the community they live in. From fostering economic growth to promoting a sense of community, here are some compelling reasons why embracing local businesses is a decision worth making. 22

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Unique and Diverse Offerings Local businesses contribute to the diversity of products and services available in a community. They often specialize in unique, handcrafted, or locally-produced goods that can’t be found in larger retail chains. Shopping local allows consumers to discover one-of-a-kind items, fostering a vibrant and diverse marketplace that reflects the creativity and individuality of the community. Environmental Impact Choosing to shop locally can also have positive environmental effects. Local businesses typically have smaller carbon footprints compared to large corporations that engage in extensive shipping and transportation. By supporting local businesses, consumers contribute to the reduction of environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation and excessive packaging. Creating Community Shopping locally is a powerful way to build a sense of community. Local businesses often

Shop Local for the holidays

sponsor or participate in community events, contributing to the overall well-being of the area. The relationships formed between local businesses and their customers create a strong social fabric, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among community members. Job Creation and Retention Local businesses are significant contributors to job creation and retention. When consumers support these businesses, they contribute directly to the stability

Unique Gifts For the Holidays

of local employment opportunities. This, in turn, helps in reducing unemployment rates and promoting a thriving job market within the community. Preservation of Local Character Each community has a unique identity and character that is often reflected in its local businesses. Shopping locally preserves and celebrates this distinctiveness. When consumers support local businesses, they actively contribute to maintaining the cultural and historical richness of their community.

As you can see, the advantages of shopping locally extend far beyond the transactional exchange of goods and services. Supporting local businesses is an investment in the community’s economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social well-being. As consumers, our choices have the power to shape the communities we live in, and embracing the benefits of shopping local is a meaningful step towards creating a stronger, more vibrant, and interconnected society. HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Shop Local for the holidays

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Unique Gifts For the Holidays

HICKORY LIVING’S READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2023

Best of The FOOTHILLS HickoryLIVING

We want to thank all of the businesses who participated in the Best of The Foothills. You are the reason our community thrives! We appreciate what your business brings to our area. Also, we would like to thank our readers who shop local on a regular basis and who took the time to vote for their favorites!

the winners of the 2023 Best of The Foothills Are...

READER’S CHOICE AWARD

Best Auto Repair Services

Best Weight Loss Center

Best Home Builder

Tech 3 Automotive

Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Aesthetics + Med Spa

Moss-Marlow Building Co. Inc.

Best Day Spa

Bumblebee Interiors, LLC

Best Auto Dealer Mike Johnson’s Hickory Toyota

Best Collision Repair

Rock Barn Country Club & Spa

Best Interior Design

Best Hair Salon

Best Landscaper/Lawn Service

Hair It Is

Scenic View Landscapes

Best Women’s Boutique

Best Plant Nursery

Aqua B Boutique

Settlemyre Nursery

Best Dentist

Best Real Estate Agency

Café Gouda

Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

Best Sandwich Shop

Best Orthodontist

Realty Executives of Hickory and Lake Norman

Custom Body Works

Best Insurance Company Broome Insurance A Legacy Partner

Best Breakfast

Hatch Sandwich Bar

Small & Piers Orthodontics

Best Dinner Restaurant

Best Chiropractor

Backstreets Bar & Grill

Hilton Family Chiropractic Clinic

Best Golf Course

Best Veterinarian

Rock Barn Country Club and Spa

Viewmont Animal Hospital

Best Place for Cocktails/Wine Best Pet Groomer Backstreets Bar & Grill

Paw Tales Lodge & Day Spa

Best Fitness/Gym

Best Law Firm

Spa Athletic Club

Best Aesthetic/Med Spa Swisher Skin & Laser Center

Best Art Studio

Sigmon, Clark, Mackie, Hanvey & Ferrell, P.A.

Best Hardware Store Killians Hardware

Best Consignment/Thrift Store Safe Harbor’s ReSource Warehouse

Best Wedding Venue Lake Hickory Country Club

Best Jewelry Store The Jewelry Exchange

Best Caterer Liazzo’s Catering

Best Cosmetic Surgery Center Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology

Wine & Design HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Keeping Your Pets Healthy And Happy This Winter As winter approaches, it’s time for us pet owners to take those extra steps to make sure our furry friends stay cozy and well. Whether it’s adjusting their diets or protecting their paws, here’s a guide to ensure our pets remain safe and content during the colder winter months. SHELTER AND WARMTH Providing adequate shelter is paramount during winter. Ensure that your pet has a warm and dry place to retreat to, away from drafts. If your pet stays outdoors, invest in a well-insulated pet house with a cozy bed and blankets. Small animals may need to move indoors during extreme cold snaps. GROOMING ADJUSTMENTS While it’s tempting to let your pet’s fur grow out during winter, regular grooming is crucial. For those pets with long hair, keep it trimmed. This prevents ice and snow from matting into their fur and causing frostbite. However, don’t shave your pet’s fur too short, as it provides insulation against the cold. Regular brushing also helps distribute 28

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

natural oils and keeps the coat in top condition. ADEQUATE NUTRITION Pets often need more calories during the winter to generate additional body heat. Consult your veterinarian to adjust your pet’s diet accordingly. Also, keep them supplied with fresh, unfrozen water. Dehydration can occur even in cold weather, and providing liquid warmth is essential for their overall health. PAW PROTECTION Snow and ice can be harsh on your pet’s paws. Invest in booties or paw balm to shield their feet from the cold and harmful substances like ice-melting chemicals. Wipe their paws and undersides after walks to remove any salt or de-icing agents, as these can be toxic when ingested during grooming. SHORTER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Limit the time your pets spend outdoors during extreme cold weather. While dogs may enjoy playing in the snow, prolonged exposure can lead to

hypothermia. Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior, and if they start shivering or show signs of discomfort, it’s time to bring them indoors. SAFETY CONCERNS As temperatures drop, outdoor hazards increase. Ponds and lakes may freeze over, posing a danger to pets who might venture onto thin ice. Always supervise outdoor activities and be cautious around frozen bodies of water. Antifreeze is very toxic to pets. Immediately clean up any spills to protect your pet’s exposure. INDOOR ENRICHMENT With the colder weather comes more indoor time for your pets. Ensure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them mentally stimulated. Consider interactive toys, treat puzzles, or rotating their toy selection to prevent boredom. RELAX AND ENJOY In the end, most animals adapt very well to cold climates, even domesticated ones. As an owner of four cats, I know it can be concerning to let them venture out into the cold, but they are more resilient than we think. The steps I outlined above are good if you want to ensure that your pets are comfortable during the winter, but if you forget or omit a step, don’t worry. As long as you are mindful of their safety, your furry friends are smart and usually do a good job of taking care of themselves.

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Before Setting Goals For 2024,

Dare to Dream!

By Kathy Wheeler

As we close out 2023 and head into a new year, now is the time to set your goals for 2024, but first you need to sit down and dream as if you had just won the lottery. So many people go through life meeting one obligation after another and never stop to think what they really want out of life.

Give yourself permission to dream. Children are great dreamers. They haven’t been tainted by the hardships of life. They believe all things are possible. They place no limits on their dreams, but then they grow up, life happens, and they/we stop dreaming. How sad that we let life happen, instead of creating the life we truly want to live. I believe that we forget how to dream. How can you create your future unless you know where you want to go? 32

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Before you set your goals for 2024, think about the end result. Dream about how you want your life to be. Do you picture yourself in a larger home? Or would you like to own your own business? What about more vacations or more time for yourself or with your family? Maybe you would like a new career or to live a healthier lifestyle. You may be saying, “I don’t have the money, resources, time or the skills to do what I want to do.” This is the perfect time to stop saying that or even thinking it! It doesn’t cost a dime to dream. Once you know where you are going, you will find a way to get there. You don’t have to have all the answers. What you don’t know, someone else does. You just have to be mindful of what you want, focus on it daily, and act when the opportunity presents itself to move toward that goal.

Create a visual. Some people are more visual and images can help them see the future they want more clearly. I encourage you to grab some magazines or go online and print out images that make you happy. Study those images and determine why you chose them and how you can get more of what you see into your life. From there you can create a collage or a vision board to add to throughout the year. It will evolve, so don’t worry that it may change from time to time, just create a picture of what you want your life to look like.

Don’t focus on your problems! Focusing on the problems in your life only brings you more problems. Instead, focus on what you want your life to be. Don’t concentrate on debt, concentrate on making more money. Don’t concentrate on being

overweight, concentrate on getting fit. Don’t dwell on the negative, but rather work toward the positive. By dwelling on the negative, you will only beat yourself up over bad decisions made in the past that you can’t change. Being consumed with negativity will hinder you from recognizing good ideas and opportunities. You will discard them before even considering the possibilities. Instead, be grateful for where you are and what you have while working toward your goals and dreams. It has been said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. So if what you have done in the past hasn’t worked, then maybe it is time to change your approach. Maybe it is time to believe that you can achieve the life you have always wanted to live. You certainly won’t get it if you can’t imagine it. Whether you believe you will never have what you want, or believe that you can have it all…either way you are right! Grant yourself time every day to be grateful, to focus on your life and the steps you want to take, explore possibilities, and give yourself permission to dream!

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

You have a CHOICE for Rehab Ask for Conover Nursing & Rehab! Our goal is to get you back to those you love and the life you love living.

After an illness, surgery or • Rehab Wing with Central injury, Conover Nursing Gym and Indoor Track and Rehab Center’s team is • Results Oriented Physical, dedicated to your recovery Speech and Occupational and safe transition back Therapists In-House home! • Family Owned & Operated

Conover Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 828.695.8282

www.ConoverNursingandRehab.com

920 4th Street SW • Conover, NC 28613

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2023