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IN THIS ISSUE

8 | ForsythWoman.com

COVER STORY Salem Plastic Surgery & Renewal Med Spa: Vision, Expertise & Beautiful Results

Celebrating 21 Years of Forsyth Woman

Keeping it Real

A Personal Approach to Physical Therapy

Experiences that Made Me a Better Human

Recharging Your Fitness Routine

Trying New Things: Writing a Memoir

Purpose Push: Stay Soft in a Hard World

Estate Jewelry Event

Stories live in every piece of jewelry—antique or contemporary. Shop our most expansive collection of estate, vintage, and designer pieces at our upcoming events.

Stratford Village Winston-Salem

Friendly Center Greensboro

September 16th & 17th

September 18th & 19th

SCHIFFMANS.COM *Items shown subject to prior sale

IN THIS ISSUE

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September Birthstone & Birthday Flowers

Slipping Into Better Sleep Habits

5 Types of Work Stress and Steps to Move Past Them

Hustle & Heart: Decision Fatigue is Killing Your Sales

How to Get Off Your GLP-1 Prescription

Women on the Move

Hurricane-Free Fall Getaways

919 Backyard BBQ: Chicken Wings

PUBLISHER Brooke Culler Brooke@ForsythMags.com

EDITOR

eptember is always a special month around here because it’s Forsyth Woman Magazine’s BIRTHDAY month! Back in September 2005, my mom published the very first issue of Forsyth Woman. TWENTYONE years ago! And somehow, this is our 252nd issue. (What?!) So much has changed over the years. We’ve added a website, social media, an email newsletter, a podcast and TONS of events, including Girls’ Night Out, shopping events and our annual Women on the Move Conference. We’ve gone from black-and-white “newspaper” pages to the full-color glossy magazine you’re holding today. But equally as much has stayed the same: our love for the Winston-Salem community and our passion for supporting small, locally owned businesses. Actually, if I’m being honest, those passions have only gotten stronger. I have a love for this community that is hard to put into words. Winston-Salem really is something special. We have that small-town feel while still having just about every amenity you could dream of—and we get to enjoy it all while experiencing all four seasons. What more could you ask for?! What started as a pipe dream has become something so much bigger than we ever imagined. I’ve been reminiscing a lot lately about our 20th anniversary celebration last year (check out some photos!), and what I remember most is simply looking around the room. Team members, family and friends, advertising partners who have become friends… having so many people who have been part of this journey together in one room was an incredible feeling. We also raised money for LEAD Girls of NC, which made the evening even more meaningful. It’s a night I’ll never forget.

Keela Johnson Keela@ForsythMags.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tamara Bodford

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Robin Bralley Jennie Hess

ADVERTISING Advertising @ForsythMags.com

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

And now, on to what’s coming up! Thursday, September 10 is Girls’ Night Out at Little Richard’s on Stratford Road! Grab your mom, sister, girlfriends and/or coworkers and join us for a muchneeded GNO. They’ll have half-priced wine, and we’ll have TONS of awesome door prizes. We can’t wait to see you there! I’m also already looking forward to Rosé @ Medaloni Cellars on Tuesday, October 6 from 5-7:30 p.m. We’ve been proud sponsors of this event since day one, and it’s one we look forward to every year. It’s an evening filled with wine, food and fellowship, all while raising money to provide breast cancer screenings for those in need. The team at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging truly knocks it out of the park every year, and we’re so happy to be part of it. And finally, save the date for our annual shopping event! This year, Forsyth Woman Magazine’s Shop Hop is happening on Saturday, November 14. It’s a tad later than usual, and we’re actually SUPER excited about that because it makes it the perfect opportunity to get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Few things make me happier than shopping local, and this event is all about encouraging you to do just that. Stay tuned for more details and information on how to sign up! As always, THANK YOU for reading and for being part of the Forsyth Woman Magazine family. We’re so grateful you’re here. And if you’re looking for even more Forsyth Mags goodness, be sure to tune in to the Forsyth Mags podcast! You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, with a new episode dropping every Thursday. Until next month,

Brooke Culler, @brooke__culler Publisher

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JEJ Photos

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS JEJ Photos Jodie Brim Creative *others credited throughout accordingly

CONTENT EDITOR Meghan Corbett

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Martie Emory Carolyn Peterson

OTHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Debbie Barr Jane Burnette Elisa Wallace Coppede June DeLugas Amy Hill Taryn Jerez Jean Marie Johnson Tanner Johnson Debbie Lanier Debbie Linville Jon Marzano Renee Skudra Leslie Speas Joy Nelson Thomas Sheridan Watkins Kristin Yates *others credited throughout accordingly

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Stefanie Lyons

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT Flhy Marketing / Michelle Hyatt

WEB DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE Next Wave Services

CONTACT ForsythWoman.com 888-892-3204

Forsyth Woman Disclaimer: Please note that the inclusion of stories and articles in Forsyth Woman magazine does not imply endorsement of products or people. The views of the authors are presented for information and entertainment only, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Forsyth Woman. Specifically, Forsyth Woman in no way endorses any claim associated with health and/or well being with respect to any particular person. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. We will not be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage that is caused or alleged to have been caused in connection with the use of, or reliance on, any content in this magazine. Forsyth Woman reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Forsyth Woman standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Forsyth Woman assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. ©2005 by Forsyth Woman, Inc.

the publisher perspective

TIMELESS BY DESIGN In a time when we are starved for originality and live in pursuit of something to call our own, in the days when the future seems uncertain and we find comfort in tokens from a past that feels steadfast, it’s no wonder that estate, antique and vintage jewelry are seeing a resurgence amongst jewelry connoisseurs and collectors alike. These pieces aren’t just beautiful, old gems; each one has its own story, mystery and uniqueness you won’t find in modern day jewelry. With each piece, the gap between bygone era and today’s style is bridged to create one’s timeless self expression. Since 1893, Schiffman’s Jewelers has been helping bridge this gap by being a trusted source for fine estate jewelry. From the rustic and minimalist Arts & Crafts Movement to the bright and geometric Art Deco, Schiffman’s has been leading the charge when it comes to helping people discover their own little bit of wearable history.

ARTS & CRAFTS (1860 – 1910)

In the 19th century, what began as design reform in Britain made its way across North America and turned into an all out outcry against the use of machinery and mass production that had come with the Industrial Revolution. Championing craftsmanship over mechanization and inspired by reopened trade routes to the East, designers were drawn to Japanese interpretations of nature within art. Pieces from this era are characterized by their simplicity of form, intense use of color and mixed metals; more copper and silver than gold and diamonds. These pieces appeal most to the earthy, intellectual and rustic minimalist.

ART NOUVEAU (1890 – 1910)

While Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau share the same curvilinear lines, natural motifs and uniquely cut gems (think cabochon), unlike their predecessor, Art Nouveau designers tended to be more sensuous and fanciful. Inspired by the feminine and mystical and the Belle Époque period in France, they created pieces that appealed to the avant-garde, with combinations such as horn and ivory with gold and precious gemstones. Art Nouveau also brought a revival in enameling, with the rediscovery of ancient techniques like plique-à-jour and champlevé. Art Nouveau marked the first time that platinum began to be used on its own as a metal. When envisioning this era, think mystical romantic or nature enthusiast.

EXPLORE THE ERAS THAT SHAPED TODAY'S MOST COVETED ESTATE JEWELRY EDWARDIAN (1901 – 1915)

The perfectionist would’ve thrived in the Edwardian Era. Borrowing the fluidity of Art Nouveau designs, these pieces took 18th-century motifs like garland, wreaths and tassels and were given a delicate and ethereal new life, thanks to the use of platinum. However, where Art Nouveau was free form, Edwardian was focused on symmetrical detail. Platinum became the dominant metal, adorned with white diamonds and pearls contrasted with rubies and sapphires. Necklaces reached for the waistline; barely there bracelets wrapped wrists and pearly filigree tiaras adorned the crowns of heads. Then, in 1914, WWI broke out, and the party was over – all the platinum that had been used for jewelry was diverted to the war effort. WWI marked a pivotal moment in the history of jewelry. Women joined the workforce previously dominated by men, which naturally influenced buying, wearing and selling jewelry.

ART DECO (1915 – 1929)

This turning point led to a freer sense of fashion which, in turn, ushered in the Art Deco movement. Departing from the flowy lines of Art Nouveau, post-war jewelry emphasized geometric precision. Thanks to the discovery of the tomb of King Tut, Egyptian motifs, like the pyramid, scarab and chevron, and rare stones like onyx, lapis lazuli and jade became all the rage. This era was all about being bold and glamorous. As we reflect on some of the notable eras in jewelry’s history, it isn’t hard to see why vintage, antique and estate jewelry are distinctive, especially in a world where mass production reigns. Having been around since 1893, Schiffman’s Jewelers has been there for them all. If you’d like to explore these collections for yourself, they have not one, but two, events this month to do so. Join them at their Winston-Salem location on September 16th and 17th or at their Friendly Center store on September 18th and 19th to discover your own historical treasure and become part of the story.

September 2026 | 15

aeracura salons Celebrating Beauty Inside & Out by M A R T I E E M O R Y, photos by L E I L A H C L A I R E C R E AT I V E

As a creator and connector, Christi Bradham, owner and master stylist at Aeracura Salons, is fond of sharing a favorite inspiration. “There’s a quote that has stayed with me since I was a little girl: Artists create the world they want to live in. It reminds me that creativity isn’t limited to a canvas – it can shape experiences, build community and transform every day.” Meet Christi and you’ll see how art has always been at the center of her life. “As a student in the visual arts program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, I discovered creating beauty wasn’t simply something I enjoyed – it was how I saw the world.”

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Christi’s passion for creativity has never faded, and as she’s embraced a career in cosmetology, she’s devoted her talents to mastering the art – and science – of hair. She opened her first salon at the age of 34, followed by Aeracura Salon in Reynolda Village in 2015, and their Clemmons location – Aeracura Salon & Spa – in 2020. Even while expanding her businesses, she’s also answered a calling to build up everything around her! As an Aveda salon, Christi is able to align the business with the values she’s always sought to promote. “Aveda’s commitment to caring for people, the planet and purposeful beauty reflects what we’ve believed from the very beginning – that beauty is about far more than appearance. It’s about how you make people feel,” she shares. Over the past 28 years, Christi has embraced every educational opportunity available with Aveda, traveling to learn from the best and becoming an Aveda educator herself.

“That allows me to share my passion with other professionals while continuing to grow as both a hairstylist and colorist,” she shares. Now, while coaching and mentoring a new generation of talented stylists, Christi encourages confidence and creativity, while watching new careers blossom every day. “Education is the heartbeat of our salons,” she adds. “We believe learning never stops. When artists continue to grow, everyone benefits – from the rest of our team to every guest who sits in our chair.” While each Aveda Salon boasts its own personality, there’s a single purpose that connects them – to create spaces where people feel seen, cared for, inspired, genuinely welcome and beautiful in their own way. “Our Reynolda Village salon is where so much of our story started,” Christi shares. “It’s a place where relationships have been built over the years, where guests have celebrated milestones and where our team has grown into a family. The history of the village and the creativity it inspires are woven into everything we do.” “Our Clemmons location has allowed us to dream even bigger. We expanded our vision of what self care could look like by creating experiences that nurture not only beauty, but also overall well being. From our Himalayan Head Spa rituals featuring Aveda Scalp Solutions to our private Halotherapy Salt Cave, every detail was designed with intention – to create moments where guests can truly slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with themselves.” The entire Aeracura team knows the culture they’ve worked so hard to create is what truly defines them. “The products matter, our services matter and beautiful spaces matter,” adds Christi. “We believe in lifting one another up, continuing to learn, celebrating creativity and making every guest feel as though they belong – the moment they walk through our doors. Every haircut, every color formula, every relaxing shampoo, every head spa ritual, every conversation – we are quietly creating the kind of world we want to live in. One where kindness matters, creativity is celebrated, wellness is valued and people leave feeling a little lighter than when they arrived.” Recharge your own self care routine with one of their newest spa services or skincare lines by scheduling a visit to Aeracura Salon located at 101A Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem, 336.448.0792, or Aeracura Salon & Spa located at 6265 Town Center Drive in Clemmons, 336.448.2044. Follow them online at aeracurasalon.com and on Instagram @aeracurasalon and @aeracurasalonwest. Salon hours at both locations are Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

kristin johnson speaks

Refreshing Insight from Her New Book:

I’m Available: How to Receive and Live Your Unique Purpose by M A R T I E E M O R Y, photos by M . G I O E L I P H O T O G R A P H Y

ngaging speaker and Winston-Salem author Kristin Johnson loves sharing this short, sweet and relevant message: Available people change the world! It’s a message that came to her over and over again in the middle of the night, when she woke up daily – for months – to write and reflect in the wee hours of morning! She ultimately realized the power of opening hands to be available for whatever God calls over the course of a day or season of life. Her first book, I'm Available: How to Receive and Live Your Unique Purpose, debuts on October 15th. The book is designed to encourage her readers to pause and reflect on what it means to be available for all the things that can lead them towards a meaningful life. Kristin shared, “This is something I’ve been learning, too. My daily motivation begins with one simple practice. Before I put my feet on the ground, I quietly say, ‘Good morning, God. I’m available.’ It helps me stay grounded in any and all of the hats I wear every day. It’s been a deeply humbling experience to write a book about receiving and living your purpose.” I'm Available: How to Receive and Live Your Unique Purpose is bursting at the seams with practical wisdom with a comfortable approach, written for anyone who has ever wondered if there might be more to life than simply keeping up with the smallest details and longest agendas. Just as she leads seminars, emcees corporate galas, speaks to community groups and offers personal coaching, Kristin writes with both humor and honesty.

encourage people to become more available to their life and its true purpose.

“Have you ever caught yourself thinking, ‘I have so much to be grateful for…so why do I still feel restless?’ If so, then you’ll want to pay attention,” she adds. “Rather than encouraging readers to strive harder or reinvent themselves, I’m offering a new perspective,” Kristin shares. “Perhaps purpose isn't something we manufacture, but something we learn to receive. I’m a busy wife, mother, amateur beekeeper and encourager, but I am living this message right alongside my readers! I'm not sharing these ideas from the top of the mountain; I'm sharing them during the climb." In fact, it was never Kristin’s goal to write a book. She describes this unexpected experience as less of a writing project and more an exercise in obedience. “In many ways, writing I'm Available: How to Receive and Live Your Unique Purpose has become an exercise in availability itself, and I hope the message extends beyond the pages of the book,” she notes. “Beyond the book, I’ve partnered with a manufacturer to take the lessons of the book beyond its pages and into a wearable accessory to remind readers every day to pray, ‘God, I’m available today.’ The bracelet will be an optional add-on to take the message of the book into a daily reminder that can be worn every day.”

If your own personal journey finds you slightly more focused on striving just to “keep going” rather than receiving opportunities that might be right in front The bracelet featured here was created in collaboration of your face, I'm Available: How to Receive with local jewelry company Pressie, adding another and Live Your Unique Purpose is designed to special hometown connection to Kristin’s new book.

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"My hope is that readers close the book feeling encouraged. Not because they suddenly have all the answers, but because they realize they don't have to,” she shares. “Purpose isn't something we have to force. Sometimes it's something we learn to receive." Kristin’s book is available for pre-order on September 15th and will debut on October 15th. Stay up to date on the launch of her book and bracelet (including a planned book signing), as well as speaking engagements, workshops and upcoming events at KristinJohnsonSpeaks.com. Listen to her nuggets of inspiration when you follow her on Instagram: @kristinjohnsonspeaks.

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Forsyth Firsts The Hospital That Shaped the Twin Cities by D E B B I E L I N V I L L E

THE BIRTH OF FORSYTH’S FIRST HOSPITAL

In the late 19th century, hospitals were primarily for those who could not afford healthcare in their homes. Most medical treatment usually happened in patients’ homes, provided by visiting physicians and nurses, while hospitals were largely reserved for the poor, the gravely ill or victims of epidemics. That reality began to change in 1887, when a determined group of women in the neighboring towns of Winston and Salem recognized a growing need their community could no longer overlook – and took it upon themselves to establish a hospital. The efforts would ultimately give rise to what is now Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, a cornerstone of healthcare in the Piedmont Triad. The beginnings, however, were humbler – a borrowed home, modest weekly fees and a shared conviction that access to healthcare was a responsibility the community must embrace.

LED BY WOMEN, BUILT FOR THE COMMUNITY

The story begins with the Ladies Twin-City Hospital Association – a volunteer group formed after the Rev. Henry O. Lacy of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church suggested that Winston needed a hospital. As the population grew and healthcare needs became more urgent, the women moved swiftly from idea to action. Within six months, they raised enough money to open the first Twin City Hospital inside the home of Martin Grogan (mayor of Winston from 1887-1888) on North Liberty Street. The facility accommodated 10 patients at a cost of $5 per week. To continue the project, the women went door to door, raising money from anyone and everyone. They even asked the mayors of both Winston and Salem to give $12 a month toward the effort. It was a bold, grassroots experiment in community-funded healthcare, sustained almost entirely through the dedication, labor and perseverance of women.

FROM CRISIS TO COMMITMENT

Although the first Twin City Hospital closed in 1891 because of financial challenges, its closure marked not an end, but a turning point. The women who launched the effort remained committed to their mission. They strengthened their fundraising strategy by clearly documenting how donations were used and how many lives were touched, rebuilding public confidence in the process. Their renewed approach succeeded. In 1895, the association raised $5,000, and the second Twin City Hospital opened on Brookstown Avenue, free of debt. With increased capacity (up to 19 patients) and expanded services, the hospital laid the foundation for Winston-Salem’s public hospital system.

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WOMEN ON THE FRONT LINES OF CARE

Raising money was only part of the contribution of women to healthcare. They also defined the daily rhythms of hospital life, serving as nurses, matrons, superintendents and leaders of nursing care. In the early years, nursing was an all-consuming – and often dangerous – profession. Many nurses lived on site, worked extended hours and faced contagious illnesses before effective treatments were available. North Carolina would later become the first state to register nurses. In 1901, the Twin City Hospital established a three-year nurses training program and, consequently, the hospital functioned not only as a place of medical care, but also a training institution and home for women entering the profession.

LOCAL HOSPITAL TO REGIONAL CENTER

Twin City Hospital closed its doors in 1914, and the patients were transferred to the “New” Twin City Hospital. It was a larger, modern, 90bed facility on East Fourth Street. In 1921, it was renamed City Memorial Hospital and expanded to 300 beds and 55 bassinets, reflecting both a growing population and advances in medical science. The state-of-theart facility remained in operation until 1964, when its services moved to its successor, Forsyth Medical Hospital on Silas Creek Parkway.

A LEGACY THAT ENDURES

Over time, the hospital became Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, now a major regional referral hub. What began as a grassroots initiative led by local women has grown into a cornerstone of modern healthcare in Winston-Salem. While the members of the Ladies Twin City Hospital Association could never have envisioned the scale or sophistication of today’s medical systems, the values they championed remain deeply woven into the institution they helped establish.

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Celebrating All Things Local for 21 Years 2008

2005

Girls’ Night Out is Born! Thanks to editor Kim Beane’s brilliant idea, we launched a monthly night out just for girlfriends— no business cards, no networking, just FUN. We’ve been hosting monthly GNOs ever since!

Hot off the press! The very first issue of Forsyth Woman Magazine is published!

2007

2011

2013

Forsyth Family Joins the Family The debut issue of Forsyth Family hit the stands! Robin Bralley teamed up with Keela to create our very first sister publication.

We Said “I Do” to Weddings Launched Forsyth Woman Engaged, a biannual wedding magazine that published for 10 years.

100th Issue Party! Celebrated in style at WinMock with nearly 500 of our readers and friends.

2014 Tour de Boutique Debuts A brand-new shopping adventure—busloads of women visiting local boutiques together!

22 | ForsythWoman.com

2022 Women on the Move Conference Our first-ever conference sold out! Now an inspiring annual tradition— save the date for April 15, 2027!

2020

2022

We’re On the Air! Launched the Forsyth Mags Podcast! New episodes drop every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Hello, LKN Magazine! We expanded to the Lake Norman area with the launch of LKN Magazine.

2025 20 Years of Forsyth Woman

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TRIAD CUSHION FACTORY

Custom Comfort for Every Season by M A R T I E E M O R Y, photos by J O D I E B R I M C R E AT I V E

ust because your family might be in the midst of a little back-to-school madness, it doesn’t mean pleasant patio weather is going to vanish anytime soon! “October and November often provide some really great weather in North Carolina,” shares Josh Rowell, president of Casual Furniture World and sister company to Triad Cushion Factory. “September is actually when our business starts to slow down a bit, so our project lead times shorten. It’s the perfect opportunity to order custom cushions made for every area of your home.” That means it’s also the perfect time for homeowners’ associations, country clubs, neighborhood pools and local hotels to have their outdoor furniture refurbished with custom chaise lounge cushions before storing them for the next spring and summer season. Triad Cushion Factory’s 12,000-squarefoot facility on Stratford Road in WinstonSalem is a favorite shopping destination for local residential customers, retailers, manufacturers and the commercial trade – and offers a perk you don’t often find! “We love giving all our customers that availability to walk right in the showroom, choose a favorite fabric, design their custom replacement cushion and have them made

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to order,” shares Josh, with a reminder their inventory isn’t only for enjoying outdoors.

Any space in your home, or on your porch, that requires a durable, easyto-clean surface, should be showing off one of their cushions with coordinating throw pillows, of course. Take a closer look at your favorite window seat, kitchen banquette, porch swing or guest room daybed that probably could use a seasonal update. If you’re planning a fall road trip in the family camper or RV, don’t forget those seat cushions and cozy accent pillows, too. Or, think about an early holiday gift for your four-legged family member, remembering Triad Cushion Factory is known for creating the comfiest dog beds ever! Josh also notes the replacement sling business has really picked up this year, and Triad Cushion is pleased to offer complete patio chair re-slinging for both residential and commercial customers. That includes measuring, cutting, sewing and installing new slings for your favorite outdoor chair, chaise or loveseat. If you’re already a loyal Triad Cushion Factory customer, you’re also familiar

with what they call their “triad” of focus – Consistent. Quality. On Time. The importance of meeting customers’ expected delivery times and presenting only the highest quality fabrics and foam is always their first priority. It’s never been easier to update your custom cushions and pillows – with the most distinctive fabric choices around and impeccable customer service, plus the ease of pick-up and delivery. And, nothing beats a shopping experience to Triad Cushion Factory’s beautiful showroom where so many stylish possibilities await! Visit the Winston-Salem area’s premier cushion specialist at 2566 S. Stratford Road and online at triadcushionfactory.com, where you can request a free, no obligation quote. Call Triad Cushion Factory at 336.331.3442, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @triad_cushion to see product updates and style inspiration! Showroom hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Triad Cushion Factory, a family-owned business established in 2013, began with a small, dedicated group of seamstresses in a corner of the family’s furniture store. Through years of perfecting our techniques and commitment to excellent craftsmanship and quality control, we’ve grown into Winston-Salem’s premier cushion specialist. Our passion is bringing life back to your outdoor space by replacing your old, faded cushions with beautiful, comfortable new sets.

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Why choose Triad Cushion: • We have perfected the art of replacing any cushion you bring to the store with a brand-new set, custom-made to fit perfectly. • We use only the highest quality fabrics designed for enduring beauty and durability, including: • Sunbrella® • Ultraleather® • Phifertex Sling Material •

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Technology On Your Terms BY JON MARZANO, AIF®, MANAGING PRINCIPAL

ou’ve spent decades building expertise in your field, raising a family and contributing to your community, and you’ve adapted to plenty of change along the way. Retirement doesn’t erase that capability. Staying connected to technology isn’t about proving you can keep up. It’s about choosing what’s worth your attention, staying open to what genuinely matters to you and letting the rest pass without guilt.

THE TECHNOLOGY GAP DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A CHASM Adapting to technology in retirement often feels like an all or nothing proposition, but that’s a false choice. You don’t need to master every new platform or gadget that emerges. Focus on selective adoption of technology that actually serves your priorities and relationships. Video calls with distant grandchildren make sense. Following cryptocurrency trends probably doesn’t unless you’re actually interested. Many people approaching or entering retirement find that technology anxiety stems from a few frustrating experiences rather than actual inability. Your grandchild can navigate an app instantly because they’ve internalized certain interface patterns, not because they’re inherently smarter. Once you recognize those patterns, new technologies become less intimidating. Take your time, ask questions without embarrassment and remember that even younger generations struggle with unfamiliar platforms.

START WITH WHAT SOLVES REAL PROBLEMS The easiest entry point into new technology is finding tools that address actual frustrations in your life. Banking apps eliminate trips to the bank. Navigation apps prevent getting lost in unfamiliar areas. Prescription refill apps save phone calls and waiting on hold. When technology solves a genuine problem you’re already dealing with, learning it feels less like homework and more like practical improvement. You might also consider what keeps you from staying in touch with people you care about. If distance makes regular visits difficult, video calling becomes worth the learning curve. If you’re missing out on photos of grandchildren because they’re only shared digitally, figuring out photo sharing apps suddenly matters. Let your actual needs guide which technologies deserve your attention.

STAYING ENGAGED AFTER 60 MEANS SETTING BOUNDARIES Choosing to learn some new technology doesn’t mean accepting every digital trend that comes along. You can use email and text messages without joining every social media platform. You can bank online without shopping online. You can video chat without understanding how the algorithm works. Selective engagement keeps technology useful without letting it become overwhelming or intrusive.

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Some retirees embrace smartphones and streaming services while ignoring social media entirely. Others master video editing to share family memories but never touch online shopping. Both approaches work because they’re based on genuine interest and practical benefit rather than pressure to keep up. The key is making deliberate choices about where you invest your time and attention.

CONNECTION ON YOUR TERMS Adapting to technology doesn’t require abandoning your preferences or tolerating things that genuinely bother you. You can learn to text without accepting that it replaces phone calls. You can use a smartphone without keeping it within reach at all times. You can engage with technology that brings value while maintaining boundaries around what feels intrusive or unnecessary. Your decades of experience adapting to previous technological shifts give you an advantage younger people don’t recognize. You remember when ATMs seemed complicated, when email felt impersonal and when cell phones were for emergencies only. Each of those technologies eventually became second nature because they solved real problems. The current wave of technology follows the same pattern – some of it will prove genuinely useful and the rest will fade or remain irrelevant to your daily life.

Keeping It Real THE ENEMY OF EXPECTATION by D R . D E B B I E L A N I E R

Have you ever walked into a room where everyone knew your name, but nobody seemed to know who you'd become? They still talked to you like you were 20 years younger. They defined you by your biggest mistake. They still related to the person you used to be instead of the person God is shaping today. (We all know what that feels like, don’t we?) The problem is that some folks not only remember your past; they also can’t see beyond it! In their minds, they keep your old picture framed and refuse to update it. I can’t help but consider Jesus returning to His hometown not long after His ministry began. Nazareth should have been the easiest place for Jesus to move in His truest identity. But, in fact, those people had become so accustomed to Jesus that they could no longer recognize Him. The Greatest Enemy of Expectation is NOT Disappointment. It’s Familiarity! The people that understood Jesus’ story best actually understood His identity least! Many of you just felt that sentence. Even your own family doesn’t know how to celebrate all that God is growing in you. God has written a new chapter, yet they keep reading from the old one! Listen, whatever becomes common to you eventually loses its value to you. (Read that again!) This gets us up in arms until we ask ourselves…with whom or with

what have I become so familiar that I can no longer see their value? The tragedy of Nazareth doesn’t remain in Nazareth. That same familiarity creeps into our living more than we realize. Think about it. Every couple begins their life together in an aura of wonder on their wedding day. They light up at the very thought of one another. You can’t wipe that smile off their faces! So, how is it that so many of these couples, initially intoxicated on love, have suffered the heartache of divorce? No couple wakes up one morning and decides, “Today, I’ll stop cherishing the person I couldn’t live without.” It all unravels so much more quietly than that. One ordinary Tuesday becomes another. Gratitude erodes into routine. Wonder gives way to familiarity. The miracle they once prayed for slowly becomes the furniture they walk past every day. (WHAT?) It’s called the curse of common! Think about it. Jesus didn’t change. His Power didn’t diminish. His compassion didn’t weaken. The only thing that changed? Their familiarity killed their wonder. Nazareth didn’t lose Jesus because He stopped being wonderful. They lost their wonder because they thought they already knew Him! This whole conversation leaves me wondering what I’m missing. What treasured parts of my life am I treating as common? Some things in life, I must NEVER get used to!

LORD, don’t let me get used to my spouse or my children. Don’t let me get used to another glorious sunrise and those early morning conversations with You. Keep my heart full of wonder! Keep my eyes open to the miracles all around me. And, whatever You do…don’t let me EVER get used to YOU! Y’all! Wonder is what keeps gratitude alive! Familiarity is where wonder goes to die! The greatest danger in our living is NOT that God stops moving because He doesn’t. The greatest danger is that we stop noticing! PROTECT YOUR WONDER!

For comments or prayer, please contact Dr. Lanier at HopeCommunityChurch.tv.

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A Personal Approach to Physical Therapy by M A R T I E E M O R Y

If you’ve ever assumed all physical therapy looks the same, Dr. Tyler Shelton of Shelton Movement & Performance in Winston-Salem is anxious to change your mind! “Before someone ever schedules an appointment, we have a phone conversation,” Tyler shares. “I want to hear their story, understand their goals and make sure I can help before they invest time and money. Every visit with me is one on one, and we spend time understanding what’s driving their symptoms and showing them how to change it.” For many patients, this is the first time anyone has connected all the pieces of the puzzle they simply know as pain! “My goal is to help people understand their pain well enough that they can confidently manage it, reduce unnecessary flare ups and get back to living the life they want to live,” Tyler shares. “They don’t leave with another diagnosis, but with an explanation and a plan.” Tyler earned both an undergraduate degree and doctor of physical therapy degree from UNC Chapel Hill and was drawn to the study of biomechanics early in his career. “I became fascinated by understanding not only what was hurting, but why it was hurting,” he explains. “I wanted to identify the specific movements and positions driving each person’s symptoms – the detective work became an obsession.” Solving the puzzle is only half the equation – the second half is helping patients understand it and giving them tools to manage symptoms instead of feeling dependent on ongoing treatment. “The most rewarding part is seeing the relief that comes when someone finally has answers,” Tyler adds. “Many patients have spent months – or even years – searching. Watching someone realize there’s a logical explanation for their pain is what continues to drive me every day.” Tyler sees many women between the ages of 40 and 75 – where every movement feels like a gamble. “They’re afraid exercising, lifting

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or even everyday activities will make things worse,” he adds. “Many are concerned about osteoporosis and how to improve their bone health. These women are trying to protect the life they’ve built.” Tyler has two significant professional certifications – he is certified as a McGill Method provider, a world-renowned assessment protocol held as the gold standard in treatment of low back pain or sciatica, while his ONERO certification centers on evidence-based exercise for osteoporosis. “One of the biggest misconceptions about osteoporosis is that exercise is good for your bones,” he explains. “It is, but exercise isn’t one thing. Walking, swimming, yoga and resistance training all place very different demands on the skeleton. If you’ve been told your bones are fragile and you’ve never lifted weights, the idea of picking up a barbell can feel intimidating,” Tyler shares. “That’s why we take a safety first approach. We don’t rush into lifting heavy weights, but instead, spend time developing movement quality, confidence and proper technique before gradually increasing the load. This isn’t a quick fix program – it’s a long-term investment. My goal is to help people build stronger bodies so they can continue traveling, lifting, playing with their grandchildren and leading independent lives.” Forsyth Woman Publisher Brooke Culler shares how Tyler came to her rescue recently as she found out firsthand how frightening pain can be. “A bulging disc took me down a couple of months ago, and when I was in the worst of my pain, I was honestly panicking. Tyler fit me in quickly, patiently worked through different positions with me until we found ways to actually get me out of pain and was always

a text away if I needed reassurance,” Brooke shares. “That sounds simple, but when you’re hurting badly, panic can take over. Having someone accessible made all the difference. He was my first experience with physical therapy, and I truly can’t say enough good things. Tyler explained everything in a way that made sense – no confusing medical jargon or talking over my head – and I always understood why we were doing what we were doing. As a gym owner, CrossFit coach and athlete, getting back to my normal training was incredibly important to me. Physical therapy has been fascinating to learn about, and I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and use it to better support our own athletes at the gym.” Recovery doesn’t end when patients walk out the door, as Tyler often sends personalized videos to remind patients what they worked on! His patients have his personal cell phone number and know they can reach him directly with questions. Shelton Movement & Performance is located at 2020 Hollyrood Street, in Winston-Salem, NC, 336.933.1544. Visit sheltonmp.com to book a personal consultation, and follow them on Instagram @Shelton_mp_.

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Night Out

Thursday, Sept. 10th | 5pm until

SPECIAL Half-priced Wine (Glass & Bottle) Grab your mom, your sister, your girlfriends and/or your co-workers and join Forsyth Woman Magazine for a much needed Girls’ Night Out! As always, we’ll have our prize board with tons of awesome prizes! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @forsythmags for reminders and updates about our monthly GNO events! 109 S STRATFORD ROAD | WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27104 | 336.999.8037 | LITTLERICHARDSBBQ.COM

Step Up Speak Out Walk for Change Everyone deserves peace, respect, and safety in their relationships. Domestic violence often starts with what seems like small, controlling behaviors. It can escalate over time, developing into a pattern when one partner or family member exercises power and control over another. Unfortunately, it often keeps getting worse. Family Services Child Advocacy Center Director Ernest Britton shares, “When you don’t have a safe place to just relax, to just take a breath, you know, that is very devastating.” Sandra* and her daughter experienced this firsthand as survivors of a physically and emotionally abusive situation at home. When she decided to leave, Sandra was able to find respite at the Family Services emergency domestic violence shelter for two months. While staying with us, she found a full-time job and worked with our Case Manager to secure an apartment with federal rental assistance in a safer part of town while her daughter started at a new school. Thanks to a slightly higher wage, she was able to purchase a car, which helps her with her independence and family transportation needs, allowing them to thrive.

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Around 8,000 reports of domestic abuse are documented in Forsyth County annually. Many of these victims sought refuge at the Family Services’ domestic violence shelter. Currently, the shelter operates at maximum capacity. Family Services provides resources for individuals and families coping with trauma from childhood abuse, domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse – addressing the changing needs of our community.

Survivors are provided with resources, dignity, and hope to reclaim their lives on their journey. Today, Sandra is embracing her new life. “I’m no longer looking over my shoulder. I feel like I can finally breathe,” she says. With your help, when you register for Walk a Mile Against Domestic Violence, we join together to heal our community and protect survivors like Sandra, giving them a safer future. So who will you walk for? *Not her real name

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Why Flirting is Good for You and the Flirtees Too by R E N E E S K U D R A

“Venus (goddess of love) favors the bold.” ~ Ovid “Flirting is a woman’s trade, one must keep in practice.” ~ Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre A girlfriend and I are waiting in my house for someone from the fire department to come over and check my stove for what I think is a gas leak. When I open the front door, there stands a stunning at least 6’2” man in uniform, dispatched to address the problem. Without a second thought, I say, “I think the most gorgeous fireman in North Carolina is going to fix the oven!” The gentleman’s face has turned a bright shade of red, and my girlfriend looks like she is going to pass out at the fact that I have so brazenly flirted with the hunk who has just walked into my home. The truth is that I have always been a flirt, and I learned it from someone who was one of the best in the game. I like to think I’ve refined that art over time. Here’s my take on why flirting is a critical life skill and how it can enhance your life and everyone’s around you, as well. Flirting, formerly known as coquetry, is a playful way to show romantic or sexual interest in someone by using words or body language. Done correctly, it makes others feel valued, desired and attractive and provides a safe interaction whose tone is light, friendly banter which can elevate a mood. According to Wikipedia, the first use of the word dates back to 1580 with its origin unknown. Flirting breaks down barriers of formality and can also serve as a kind of mating dance. A lingering glance, brief hand touching or leaning into someone’s personal space can be an affirmation that we are attracted to

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someone (and may want to take that further) or simply want to tease and be playful. In my own case, I wasn’t flirting with the fireman as a courtship initiation (I’m already spoken for) but rather because I wanted to be the agent for someone else feeling (unexpectedly) great. And I do that all the time – because I flirt with everyone – women, business people, the world at large. I like giving the equivalent of compliments, and the feedback is unilaterally good.

A writer in Psychology Today commented that, “Flirting is not a trivial activity; it requires many skills: intellect, body language, creativity, empathy. At its best, flirting can be high art, whether the flirter is vying for a soulmate or just being playful.” Another author, Karen Marie Moning, described flirtation “as a light, friendly interaction between a handshake and a kiss.” There is also the scientific perspective. In “Five Motives For Flirting And Why It’s Good For You” (2/25/2018), writer Meredith Loughran points out that “scientists have proven that flirting releases adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. These are the natural chemicals your body creates for happiness and euphoria.” Whether one is flirting for fun or flirting with serious intent, doing so as a way to consolidate or maintain a romantic relationship with their partner, engaging in this rather rarefied form

of interpersonal interaction causes no bad feeling or leaves anyone behind. When I tell someone in the supermarket that “you have lovely, amazing hair,” it never fails to affect someone positively – in fact a smile appears immediately. The important thing about flirting in my experience is to MEAN what you say and make that conduct credible. Admittedly, the flirter may have to deal with the mechanics of risk and fear – the chance that one gets rebuffed. But, in my lifetime, that simply hasn’t happened. I watched the woman who taught me the gamesmanship of flirting work its consummate magic at a party on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. when she said to a charismatic legislator: “Can I borrow a kiss? I promise to give it back!” In her case, they married a year later and, as far as I know, she is still out there flirting – and her kids know how to do it, too. After all is said and done, why flirting succeeds may not be entirely easy to pin down. Eliza Lynn Linton said in an article that, “There are certain things which can never be accurately described…and flirting is one of them…it is more serious than talking nonsense and not so serious as making love…it is a thing so vague, so protean, that the most accurate measurer of moral values would be puzzled to say where it exactly ends and where serious intentions begin.” Flirting is a kind of fairy dust one sprinkles gently which magically puts light and love into an often too serious world.

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How YOU Can Help Local Students Find Success by M A R T I E E M O R Y

ack-to-school basics aren’t always part of every family’s budget, and no one knows that void better than the incredible teachers in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System.

Through generous donations from individuals, local businesses and many other community organizations, students are receiving the daily school supplies they need to start a brand new school year and be ready for much success.

To make sure every student gets to share in the excitement of a new school year, the 16th annual version of The Educator Warehouse has already been in full swing.

As always, open houses at The Educator Warehouse took place in late July and early August to help teachers prepare their classrooms for opening day. During the remainder of the school year, teachers can shop for needed classroom supplies on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., and on the first and third Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The Educator Warehouse does follow the WSFCS school calendar, so if any holidays or unexpected weather closures present themselves and close school, the warehouse is also closed.

A genuine lifesaver for teachers and students all across our community, The Educator Warehouse is a collaboration with Forsyth Educator Partnership, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Council of PTAs and WSFCS. Local teachers can “shop” for supplies when the warehouse is open in order to more fully stock their classrooms with learning essentials. “Last year, we served about 50% of all our teachers in the WSFCS system, and we expect this year to be the same,” shares Karel Chandler, one of the organization’s founders. “The Educator Warehouse would like to thank the community for all the wonderful donations we have gotten this year for our teachers and students, and we certainly hope this continues. I look forward to hearing from any local groups that would like me to visit and educate them more about how we work!”

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Teachers are allowed one visit to the warehouse per quarter and must sign up online to shop on a specific day for a designated amount. They can also take advantage of The Educator Warehouse’s convenient online shopping option if they are unable to shop in person. To shop in person, visit The Educator Warehouse on the Diggs-Latham Elementary School campus, located at 986 Hutton Street in Winston-Salem.

Some of the most needed school supplies always include:

. Glue sticks . Copy paper . Colored pencils . Pens, No. 2 pencils . Eraser caps . Dry eraser markers . Dry erasers

. Highlighters . Sharpie markers . Composition books . Hand sanitizer . Kleenex/tissues . Post-It Notes . Index Cards

Donating school supplies and volunteering individually, or as a group, is easy! Visit the webpage at wsfcs.k12.nc.us/domain/6689 where you’ll also find a list of commonly requested supplies. Interested in volunteering? Email Karel Chandler at kchandler3@msn.com or give her a call with any questions at 336.817.1673. To stay up to date on the latest announcements and news from The Educator Warehouse, check out the Facebook page and follow @educatorwarehouse on Instagram.

Follow the crumbs... ...and turn every Midtown visit into a new challenge with our Crumb Trail Passport, running September 1 through November 30. Collect stamps as you sip, snack, share, and explore the menu, then unlock free dessert and appetizer rewards along the way. Complete all 16 challenges for a chance to win a $150 Midtown Cafe & Dessertery gift card!

151 S. Stratford Road | Winston-Salem, NC 27104 | 336.724.9800 | MidtownCafeWS.com

Journey

the

What Do You See? by J O Y N E L S O N T H O M A S

There’s something about the beach that makes me slow down.

What do you see?

The breeze. My toes in the sand. The sound of the waves. Watching my son splash in the water and simply enjoy being a kid.

I think sometimes we need someone to ask us that question.

One of my favorite moments was watching him use his imagination to build something in the sand. He was so proud of what he was creating. Then he looked at me and asked, “Mama, what do you see?” I could have simply told him what I saw, but instead, I got caught up in his imagination. I started giving him different possibilities. “I see this.” “I see that.” “Maybe it could be this.” And every time I gave him another answer, he kept building. It was such a simple moment, but it stayed with me.

Life can make us focus so much on what is right in front of us that we forget to imagine what could be. We see the problem. The uncertainty. The closed door. The thing that didn’t go the way we planned. But what else could we see? What if we looked at our circumstances through the lens of faith? What if we allowed ourselves to imagine that God may be doing something we can’t see yet? That day at the beach reminded me that I don’t always have to know exactly what something is going to become. Sometimes, I just need to be willing to see the possibilities. And maybe that’s what faith looks like sometimes. Not having the whole picture. Not knowing exactly where the road leads. You don’t have to see the whole road to trust the One who does. As September begins, that’s what I’m carrying with me. I’m choosing to use my imagination. And I’m choosing to trust God with what I can’t see. Because sometimes the journey isn’t about knowing exactly where you’re going. Sometimes it’s about being open to what God is creating along the way. It’s a journey. What do you see? PHOTO BY JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

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experiences

That Made Me a Better Human by J E A N M A R I E J O H N S O N

I’ve always had a strong introspective bent, a need to understand and make sense of my inner world. And, at times, I have had to coach myself by way of a gentle “Enough already...” But lately – a blessing of aging perhaps? – I’m allowing that inner welcome mat to sit out a while longer. I know how I became the person I am; I’ve been over that ground plenty! But now, in this very different stage in life, I find myself exploring another question:

WHICH OF MY LIFE EXPERIENCES HAVE MADE ME A BETTER HUMAN? For me, that means: Deepening my compassion, opening my heart as wide as possible. Loving life in the midst of loss and grief. Ensuring that in all things and always, people come first.

A MOTHER’S EXAMPLE OF HEART

The personification of “a good woman,” my mom became my father’s caregiver at the ripe young age of 35. With three children to raise and compounded losses, she carried on each day with grace, with faith and with boundless love. Widowed by 42, she managed to rebound, becoming a nanny, a volunteer for the elderly and a dear companion to a blind neighbor. She shared

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the wisdom of her heart by dropping small nuggets to ponder: “You can find something to love in anyone because everyone has goodness in them.” Or “Be generous with all that you have because there is always someone who has less than you.”

BEYOND LOSS AND GRIEF

Loaded words, experiences every single one of us comes to know. My two siblings and I didn’t need to be told about loss; as children, we lived it on so many levels. We learned to do without and to appreciate what we had and what we, by our own character, will and constancy could obtain. We had no terror of death because we were never sheltered from it. And, when we began to experience our own various losses as adults, we weren’t crushed. We managed to carry on and to find ways to love all of the good things that remained or that lay before us.

AN AWESOME WORK CULTURE

If you’ve ever had the immense pleasure of working for a company or on a team that walked the talk of its values, the experience takes root in you. It makes you a better person. I lived the experience of people treating one another with genuine, not “prescribed” respect, witnessed the “I’ve got your back” ethos and engaged in the laughter, high fives and occasional tears that come with people who care about one another, working together toward shared goals.

LIFELONG FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY

I could not have gotten by without the bond I share with my sister and a handful of steadfast female friends – the tribe of my heart. These connections run deep and strong and act as the connective tissue of my life – nothing less than that. They, and the small community of people in my immediate neighborhood reinforce what Mom always knew: People come first. There is no better path to a rich and meaningful life. I’ll end with a nugget to ponder:

Pay attention to your experiences. Treasure those that have made you a better human.

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RECHARGING YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE to Avoid the “Fitness Plateau” by E L I S A W A L L A C E C O P P E D E

ith the months of extreme heat thankfully behind us, September is the perfect time to revamp or just start your own fitness routine. It is extremely easy to get “stuck” in a routine. And, while it is great if you already have a fitness plan you follow every week, it can mean your body is no longer surprised. As tempting as it is to always use a specific machine at the gym or only attend a specific yoga class each Saturday, doing this enables your body to reach a “fitness plateau.”

3 TRY A FITNESS SNACK!

When you are hungry, you do not always need to have a five course meal. By having a small snack, you can keep your blood sugar in check, while not sitting down for a long meal. The same goes for fitness. Change is great, but it does not need to be a huge meaningful change to make a substantial difference. Try having a new “fitness snack,” a 10-minute exercise workout, like going for an evening walk with your pup after dinner. Even taking a quick walk around the block during your office lunch hour can be just the right amount of exercise your body needs to begin making changes.

According to the YMCA article, “5 Reasons You Should Change Up Your Fitness Routine,” a fitness plateau must be overcome to ensure the results you desire. “A fitness plateau occurs when you do the same workouts consistently and your body becomes more efficient at performing those specific tasks,” the article states. This eventually means you begin to burn fewer calories while doing the same amount of work. It takes about four to eight weeks of the same repetitive moves for your muscles to no longer feel challenged, and thus, not supply the same outcome. Curious about ways you can avoid this “fitness plateau?” Read on for five methods to get out of our fitness rut and climb on to new fitness heights.

Everyone wants to join a new fitness class or gym in January. Avoid this by implementing slight changes today. Plus, those who implement radical fitness changes may put their expectations too high, resulting in unobtainable goals. New Years goals usually have an all-or-nothing mentality, which is flawed. Research published by the American Psychological Association shows behavior change is more successful when it is gradual and supported by realistic goal setting rather than extreme restriction or all-or-nothing thinking.

1 COMBAT WORKOUT BOREDOM!

5 CONSULT A FITNESS ENTHUSIAST!

Just like kids often get bored of doing the same activity in school, your body also gets bored of doing the same thing repeatedly. If you find yourself counting down the seconds as you slide around on the elliptical, it may be time to switch it up. Instead of spending all your time on one machine, try splitting up your time into two. Begin climbing steps on the stair stepper until you get your heart rate up; then move onto the elliptical as part of your cool down. Your body will feel invigorated, and this will also make the workout time go by much faster.

IS GOOD FOR WORKING 2 CHANGE OUT YOUR BRAIN!

Instead of always going for a long swim every morning, consider taking a dance or Zumba class. While this may be completely out of your comfort zone, having to learn the new steps and routines will truly work out your mind, keeping it sharp, while enhancing your memory. Having to learn choreographed routines and remembering steps strengthens your working memory, while forcing your brain to form new neural connections.

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YEARS IS NOT THE ONLY TIME OF 4 NEW YEAR TO MAKE CHANGES.

Considering our publisher is a fitness enthusiast, I decided to ask Brooke how she avoids fitness boredom. “My ‘hack’ for avoiding a fitness plateau is CrossFit,” she replied. “The methodology behind CrossFit is ‘constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement.’ This enables it to never feel repetitive. There’s always a new skill or movement to work on – from ring rows to ring muscle-ups, jumping pull-ups to bar muscle-ups, dumbbell snatches to heavy barbell snatches…the list really is endless.” CrossFit is also functional. “As we age, it becomes more important to maintain real-life movement patterns,” Brooke explained. “A burpee is getting up off the floor (which matters more than we think). A squat is sitting down and standing back up again. A deadlift is picking something up from the ground. These are things we do in everyday life, and being strong in them matters.”

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Trying New Things: Writing a Memoir by K R I S T I N YAT E S

Is there something you’ve wanted to do for a really long time? Something you’ve dreamed about for years, decades even? It’s never too late to try! That’s what I recently did when I submitted my memoir to a publisher for a first book contest. While I’ve submitted individual poems for publication and even a few chapbooks, I’d never submitted an entire manuscript. It felt amazing, but also surreal. It felt surreal because, ever since I was a teenager, I’ve dreamed of becoming a writer. Since college, I’ve dreamed of publishing books. And, for the last several years, I’ve dreamed of my work being read. When I first started writing in middle school, if you had told me I’d be here, having just submitted a book to a publisher, much less having written a book, I would’ve been in awe. I’m not sure I would’ve believed it. And, while my vision for my writing would’ve been much different at the time (think emo song lyrics and poems about my 8th grade crush), it would have still made me happy to know where I am with my writing now. Writing has always been one of my biggest passions. It helps me express myself, it gives me different ways of seeing and being in the world and it has the possibility of changing, not just my life, but someone else’s as well. Do you have something like that? A dream, a talent, a hobby you simply cannot abandon? Something that makes you, you? Do you have a story the world needs to hear? In 2023, when I decided to write a memoir, I immediately felt imposture syndrome with thoughts like I can’t possibly have anything to teach anyone, my life isn’t exciting enough to read about, I can’t write an entire book on this. I’d be lying if I said these thoughts completely went away, but they did get much easier to talk back to. What helped me overcome these doubts the most was realizing that I was writing my memoir for myself, then editing for readers and sharing my story to hopefully help others. While I don’t know if I’ll get published by this publisher, I do know I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m proud of every draft, every version, every edit and revision. And I made it fun! I edited with sparkly gel pens (a 36 pack to be exact), and I printed each draft on watercolor stationery (in colors relaxing to me). Making it fun helped lower the stakes and get me out of my head. I’m only in the beginning of my publication pursuit for my memoir, but submitting to this contest has made it easier to submit to others; it’s made it easier to follow my dream. What I want to leave you with today is that, if there’s something you want to do but you feel like you can’t or it doesn’t feel possible, ask yourself what evidence you have for that. Because it may just be imposture syndrome! And, while your dream may not be writing a book, your dream is worth pursuing. Let yourself dream and, just as important, let yourself do it.

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Purpose Push: Stay Soft in a Hard World One of my favorite phrases over the last year or so has been, “In my soft girl era.” It’s an encouraging positioning that recognizes how hard women have been hustling and that they now have permission to relax and receive the support they deserve. As a woman in business, you have the freedom to live a soft life while making a substantial impact. And, as a child of God, you have the blessing to do it with ease. Success can harden your heart if you are not careful. Let’s explore ways to make sure we stay soft and surrendered to God’s destiny for our lives.

GUARD YOUR HEART

Entrepreneurship is not for the weak. You will have rough months with sales. Customers will complain. Employees may leave. People may misunderstand your intentions. The inevitable ebbs and flows of business can tempt you to become cynical. As a leader, I’ve learned not to take things personally and to adopt a birdseye view of the environment that shapes others’ behavior. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Your heart is the most valuable part of you spiritually and physically. Your outlook towards life stems from it, so you must protect it by guarding your intimacy with God, who fuels your heart. Every time I deal with disappointment – whether I caused it or it found me – I bring it to God, who always leads me to revelation and peace. Relying on myself will lead me to resentment, misunderstanding and lack of empathy. Be vigilant in guarding your heart.

LET WISDOM REPLACE BITTERNESS

God grants wisdom through trials and failures, which are inevitable

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Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending human understanding of God’s love and being a source of peace on Earth. Her true work began after victory over depression, and her calling is to provide peace through her Divine gifts to help women and girls accept who they are. Follow the mission on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & Pinterest: @perennialpeaces

by S H E R I D A N C . W AT K I N S

in entrepreneurship. If you aren’t careful, disappointment can brood resentment. God desires that His children continue to evolve into the version of themselves He sees, and James 3:17 explains that wisdom is pure, gentle and shows no favoritism. You don’t get to avoid obstacles because you’re anointed; if anything, you’ll likely experience increased warfare. With this awareness, you’ve equipped yourself with a layer of resilience to avoid bitterness and invite wisdom to learn from the lessons. Whether you’re dealing with individuals, organizations or events, wisdom keeps you from labeling every experience the same. Continue to ask yourself, “What is God trying to teach me?” instead of “Why did this happen to me?”

ALLOW STRENGTH AND GENTLENESS TO COEXIST

A common misconception is portraying leaders as always harsh, which has led many to believe that’s the only way to lead. That’s far from the truth, and Jesus beautifully demonstrated you can be gentle but bold. You can correct employees with kindness, set boundaries with love and say “no” graciously. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” In business, I strive to show this in my work, realizing I can inspire effective progress without an iron fist. Employees come into your business to help you, and they are learning. As they grow through mistakes, set your expectations but leave margin for healthy development. If you’re dealing with clients or customers, show patience and empathy but stand firm on your policies because they were created to protect you. Correction and encouragement are key to having strength and gentleness.

KEEP SEEING PEOPLE THE WAY GOD DOES

I believe, in business, it’s easier to stop seeing people as God sees them because you may get caught up in the numbers and

scaling; but customers are people before they’re sales, and employees are people before they’re productivity. I’ve assumed following a formula from a business “guru” was all it took to reach my revenue goals, and God showed me early in my entrepreneurship journey that I had the wrong mindset. God helped me see the people who gravitated toward my jewelry, and I pondered, or even asked about, their life story. Jesus never lost sight of the individual. Whether He was teaching thousands or speaking to one person at a well, He gave people His full attention and treated them with dignity. As business owners, we should strive to do the same. This is what expands the Kingdom so more people experience God’s goodness. This is what grows your business. It takes conscious effort and faith to stay soft in a world that is so harsh, but as children of God, it is our duty to produce fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) to give people hope. We do that by protecting our hearts at all costs. Continue to be led by God for your every move. I have faith in you.

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by TA R Y N J E R E Z

A monthly column that keeps its finger on the pulse of Forsyth’s artists and their inspiring stories!

Tenley Douglass | Visual Artist This month’s featured artist, Tenley Douglass, is a multidisciplinary visual artist capturing the people, places and moments that leave a lasting impression with her work spanning across graphite, oil, acrylic, watercolor and digital media. As a Studio Art student concentrating in Animation, she creates thoughtful, expressive pieces that preserve fleeting inspiration while inviting others to find their own connection within each of her works.

How would you describe your work?

I would describe my work as a catalog of the things that leave an impact on me. The world moves so fast; I like to capture snapshots of people, things or ideas I am inspired by and turn them into something permanent.

What was your journey to developing your artistic skills like?

Ever since a very young age, I was drawn to creative activities, but I really started getting serious about my art in high school. Choosing to pursue a BFA in art with a concentration in animation was honestly a milestone decision in my life. I feel like there is a lot of stigma around creative degrees, but art school has transformed me as an artist in ways I never could have imagined.

How have you grown, personally, as an artist?

The biggest way I’ve grown as an artist is learning how to be experimental with style. Art school forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and, through this, I have fallen in love with looser, more expressive styles that tell stories and hold emotion through color and line rather than strictly relying on subject.

What is your secret for carving out time to truly be creative?

Create things for yourself! When I’m passionate about a project, I completely fall in love with the process. It takes more effort to peel myself away from my studio than it does convincing me to go work.

Do you have a favorite story behind one of your projects and why? Last spring, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and before shaving her head for treatment, I drew her portrait to memorialize her long blonde hair and who she was before cancer took over her life. A year later, she’s just as beautiful but has a head full of ringlet “chemo curls.” Soon, I hope to make an updated portrait to capture this stage in her journey.

What are you working on that excites you right now? Entering my senior year of college at UNCG, I am beginning my capstone project which will be an animated short film completed by the spring. I am serving as the producer for this film and working alongside two of my peers that never fail to inspire me. This project is emotional for me as I’ve dreamed of becoming an animator since I first set foot in Walt Disney World as a little girl.

What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow artists, especially those at the start of their careers?

Trust the process. Not only the artistic process, but have patience and faith in your path as an artist. There will always be a place for art in the world, but it takes courage to put yourself out there.

If you are interested in learning more about this month’s artist, you can find their work online at tenleydouglass.weebly.com as well as follow them on Instagram @tenleydraws.

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September 2026 | 49

SEPTEMBER Birthstone & Birthday Flowers by D E B B I E B A R R

eptember’s birthstone is the sapphire. Sapphires owe their gorgeous, deep “Kashmir blue” color to the presence of iron and titanium in the parent mineral, corundum. The word sapphire comes from the Latin word saphirus and the Greek word sapheiros which both mean “blue.” One variation of the gem, the star sapphire, can be either blue or gray and has a six-rayed star pattern on its surface. While deep blue is the classic sapphire color, sapphires can also be pale or hot pink, yellow or green. Sapphires are extremely durable, second only to diamonds in hardness. For this reason, and because they symbolize loyalty and faithfulness, sapphires are a favorite gem for engagement rings. In the modern era, Prince Charles chose a 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring for Lady Diana Spencer. When Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010, he presented her with this same ring worn by his mother. Sapphires are the gemstone of both the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries. Throughout history, in both ancient and contemporary cultures, sapphires have symbolized many admirable qualities. For thousands of years, they have been associated with wisdom, truth, royalty and protection. Kings and queens have worn sapphires as symbols of dignity and honor. Ancient judges and rulers believed sapphires would help them discern truth from fraud, thus helping them make fair decisions.

FUN FACTS ABOUT SAPPHIRES

• The sapphire has two rare variations. The padparadscha sapphire, one of the rarest gems on Earth, is pink-orange in color. The other rare variety, the “color change” sapphire, appears blue in daylight and purple in incandescent light.

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• Sapphires from Kashmir, a region bordering India, Pakistan and China, are among the most valuable. Sapphires were discovered around 1881 in Kashmir after a landslide unearthed a rich deposit high in the Himalayas. Kashmir sapphires are the benchmark against which all other sapphires are now measured. Sapphires are also mined in the metamorphic rocks of Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Thailand and Australia. In the United States, sapphires are mined in Montana. • Synthetic sapphires are used to make scratch-resistant watch crystals and highly durable windows. They also play a role in the manufacture of semiconductors. • Practical Tip: The best way to clean sapphire jewelry is with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush.

THE SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY FLOWERS

The primary birthday flower for September is the Aster. Asters look like daisies with yellow centers. The most well known aster is purple, but asters can also be white, red or pink. The name Aster comes from a Greek word that means “star,” and the flower is named for Asteria, who, according to Greek mythology, was the goddess of falling stars. These starlike flowers are also known as starworts, frost flowers, China Asters and Michaelmas daisies. Asters, along with day lilies, are the official 20th anniversary flowers. As one of the last flowers to bloom each year, Asters are perfect for September birthday bouquets. The secondary September birthday flower is the Morning Glory. Morning Glories are purple or white climbing annuals. Unlike most flowers, the Morning Glory is not named for its appearance, but rather for its behavior. Morning Glories bloom in the morning and die within the day. Some, however, do bloom again the next day. More than 1,000 flower species are grouped under the Morning Glory name, and some of them, in contradiction to their name, actually bloom at night. Morning Glories are the 11th anniversary flower.

WHERE DID THE IDEA OF BIRTHSTONES ORIGINATE?

Birthstones can be traced all the way back to the book of Exodus. Aaron’s breastplate had 12 stones, one for each of the 12 tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:1521). The stones eventually came to represent the 12 months of the year.

WHAT ABOUT BIRTH MONTH FLOWERS?

The symbolism of birth month flowers comes from folklore and mythology dating back to ancient Greek and Asian cultures. Most birth month flowers bloom in their designated month. All months have two birth flowers. The flower agreed upon by most cultures is primary and any others are secondary, often due to availability or climate issues.

WINSTON-SALEM IS GROWING. SO ARE WE. A team expanding to serve the city we love.

Fader Real Estate is strengthening its team, and with each new addition, we are elevating the way we serve Winston-Salem.

Together, these connections allow listings to be shared with one of the largest audiences in the region and beyond.

Our clients benefit from the support of a collaborative brokerage, the resources of a dedicated marketing team, and the reach of the Best of Winston platform.

As we grow, we remain focused on concierge-level service, innovative marketing, and a deep understanding of the people and neighborhoods that make this city unique.

FROM OUR CLIENTS “Clare understands unique properties, and perhaps most importantly, understands the conditions that allow buyers to feel comfortable making a purchase. Her local relationships with other agents, her professional standing in the community and her deep knowledge of Winston-Salem all contributed greatly to a smooth and successful selling process.” -Katy D

Considering selling your home this year or next? 336.575.7262 | Clare@FaderRE.com | FaderRE.com

Slipping Into Better Sleep Habits by E L I S A W A L L A C E C O P P E D E

We have all been there. When you toss and turn and do not manage to get enough sleep, the effect on your body is almost immediate. A sense of grogginess and even nausea are all classic symptoms that accompany not getting the right amount of sleep. However, with today’s prominent level of work and life demands, it is easy to dedicate more time to other activities, versus dedicating that time to rest. According to the Healthline article, “The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Body,” the effects a lack of sleep has on your body are detrimental. “Lack of sleep can disrupt the central nervous system, weaken mental abilities and emotional stability, and potentially increase the risk of accidents,” the article states. Sleep deprivation can also weaken your immune system, “by reducing the production of infection-fighting substances, making the body more susceptible to illnesses and increasing the risk of chronic conditions.” If this is not enough persuasion to put down your laptop and pick up your pillow, there is even a link to how a poor amount of sleep can disrupt your hormone levels. “Insufficient sleep can disrupt hormone levels that regulate hunger, potentially leading to overeating, weight gain and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.”

PICK A SLEEP SCHEDULE AND DO NOT STRAY FROM IT!

Whether you are a night owl or an early bird, the key to getting the right amount of sleep is picking one time to get up and one time to go to sleep. Dependent on what your job schedule looks like, this could look different for everyone. Pay attention to the days you feel most rested and alert, then mimic that time for going to sleep and waking up. Most adults should shoot for at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night to not feel groggy the next day. Once you have discovered which times work for you, consistency is key!

CREATE A TRANQUIL SLEEPING ENVIRONMENT

In this case, we are not only referring to investing in blackout curtains. Even insignificant amounts of light can disrupt your body’s own circadian rhythm. Too much exposure to the blue light emitted from screens can prevent one from falling asleep. Consider plugging in your phone at a set time every night away from your bedside table, so you cannot check it. Also, consider the sounds of your room. If you have thin walls and can hear your neighbor’s late evening music sessions, consider using a sound machine to create a soothing environment.

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The great news is simple steps can ensure you are getting an adequate amount of sleep. According to the article, “What Happens to Your Body After Just One Week of Better Sleep,” seven changes will take place quickly, including sharpening your brain, boosting your mood, strengthening your immune system, raising your energy level, repairing your body, stabilizing your appetite and, finally, improving your skin texture and complexion. Read on for five simple sleep tips, and get ready to enjoy feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK PRIOR TO BEDTIME

This sounds like a no-brainer, but you may be surprised how an evening snack can disrupt your body’s ability to get ready for bed. It is obvious to avoid food and drinks with caffeine, but also consider saying no to an evening glass of wine as well. If you must have a snack, certain fruits help promote serotonin. Consider snacking on kiwi, tart cherries, bananas or grapes, all of which help you relax while also containing natural melatonin, serotonin and magnesium which help you naturally fall asleep.

DEVELOP BEDTIME RITUALS

As cheesy as it sounds, it is vital to establish certain rituals that you know will ensure a calm environment. Some common pre-sleep rituals may include listening to a soothing playlist or an audiobook, taking a warm bath followed by lotion/beauty rituals (lavender is extremely calming), drinking chamomile tea and making sure to put screens away. Reading is always a fantastic way to calm your mind, unless the book you are enjoying is a “can’t-put-it-down” thriller, in which case you should maybe consider another activity. By completing these rituals nightly, you are allowing your body to get ready for a full night of slumber.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, AND DO NOT IGNORE SLEEP ISSUES

Having a bad night’s rest occasionally is not a big deal, but if you notice a pattern and are struggling to resolve sleep issues on your own, consult a medical professional. A healthcare professional can help you figure out what is causing sleep issues and how to get you back to having blissful nights of slumber.

WE’ R E BAAAAACK! SAVE THE DATE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Our annual Forsyth Woman Shop Hop is coming back — and you’re invited! Grab your shopping bestie, get a jump start on your holiday shopping and join us for a Saturday filled with local shops, good finds & lots of fun. Store list + registration coming soon!

SAVE THE DATE. GRAB YOUR GIRLS. LET’S SHOP.

Follow @forsythmags for all the details.

Investing in Your Kitchen The kitchen remains the most popular room for homeowners to remodel, with bathrooms following close behind. Every successful renovation begins with thoughtful planning, and CAD design software allows us to create functional, beautiful spaces tailored to each client’s needs. In kitchen design, we carefully consider the classic “work triangle” between the refrigerator, sink, and range while paying close attention to every detail—from sink styles, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, hardware, countertops, and lighting to flooring, state-of-the-art appliances, and furnishings for breakfast areas and bar seating. Our design team also provides window treatments and rugs, allowing us to complete each project with a cohesive and turnkey design. Our goal is always to create a coordinated look while delivering expert craftsmanship, innovation, and uncompromising quality. Our clients trust us to guide them through one of the biggest investments they will make in their homes, and that trust is something we value deeply. We work alongside skilled subcontractors who share our commitment to excellence, ensuring every project is completed with care and attention to detail. Many homeowners prioritize custom cabinetry, knowing they have waited years to create the kitchen they’ve always envisioned. Natural materials such as quartzite countertops, limestone, and travertine remain timeless favorites, while quartz continues to be a popular low-maintenance option. Every design decision is made with the goal of creating that is not only beautiful, but also functional, timeless, and tailored to the way our clients live. Our portfolio is listed on our website, junedelugasinteriors.com, under “Design Projects.” You can see some of our projects from the past 10 years and how we specialize in giving every home a timeless and elegant look that will last for years to come. The first step is picking up the phone and reaching out to our design team, who will serve as your designer and licensed general contractor, for a consultation. We look forward to discussing your dream turnkey remodel with you. God Bless,

June

Transforming Spaces to Extraordinary! PHOTO BY JAY SINCLAIR

PHOTO BY JAY SINCLAIR

FROM START TO FINISH AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN! TURNKEY REMODELING • FURNITURE • LIGHTING • WINDOW TREATMENTS • FLOORING

junedelugasinteriors.com Premier Design, Professionally Built | 2575 Old Glory Road, Clemmons | 336-778-1030

L to R: Dr. Scott L. Tucker, Dr. Kelsey Lloyd, Dr. Hampton A. Howell

V ISION, E XPERTISE & BE AU TIFUL RESULT S

by M A R T I E E M O R Y, photos by J E J P H O T O S

Plastic surgery is not what it used to be – it’s so much better! Salem Plastic Surgery has been in practice long enough to see trends change and its patient population grow dramatically. As a result, people who once thought surgeries were beyond their reach are finding they can now achieve what they want or need. Dr. Scott L. Tucker created his solo practice in 1990, but as the practice grew, it was obvious a second surgeon was needed. He was joined by Dr. Hampton A. Howell in 2006, and both doctors have strong ties to this area. Dr. Howell grew up in the Triad and graduated from Wake Forest School of Medicine while Dr.

Tucker completed his residency in plastic surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Recently, Dr. Kelsey Lloyd, who also did her residency in plastic surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, joined them creating a team of doctors who love the Winston-Salem area so much they relocated their families to build their lives and futures here! Both Dr. Tucker and Dr. Howell share how Dr. Lloyd brings a thoughtful blend of artistic vision, technical precision and compassionate care to Salem Plastic Surgery which has been their continuing goal as the practice grew. September 2026 | 57

has instilled in her the discipline, resilience and teamwork approach she finds so crucial to building trust-centered patient relationships. Committed to serving as part of the global community, Dr. Lloyd has also participated in multiple international surgical mission trips to Madagascar, Honduras, Zambia and Vietnam. These opportunities deepened her appreciation of the impact of compassionate, personalized care on patients from all walks of life. Dr. Lloyd earned her undergraduate degree in Human Biology from Stanford University. She received her Doctor of Medicine from Penn State College of Medicine followed by a highly competitive six-year Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center where she served as chief resident. Along the way, her training encompassed the full spectrum of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including cosmetic procedures, breast reconstruction, microsurgery, facial rejuvenation and body contouring. Well rounded outside of the work environment, Dr. Lloyd enjoys gardening, cooking, water sports and spending time outdoors with her husband and their golden retriever, Birdie. She fell in love with North Carolina during her training – the mountains, the beach and the transition of seasons – and she’s grateful to continue serving the community she now proudly calls home!

Dr. Kelsey Lloyd

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Kelsey Lloyd,” shares Dr. Tucker. “She is an accomplished surgeon and an exceptional person. In her fourth year of training, she rotated in our office for a month, so we had time to become acquainted in and out of the operating room. She is a valuable addition to the practice.” “Having worked with her personally and with many of her colleagues, we know we are not only getting an outstanding surgeon, but also an all around good person who will complement our practice,” Dr. Howell adds. A Pennsylvania native, Dr. Lloyd discovered her love for creativity early through painting and the visual arts – an interest that continues to shape her approach to plastic surgery. She sees each patient’s care as both a technical and artistic endeavor. “I am truly excited to be joining Salem Plastic Surgery,” shares Dr. Lloyd. “Having trained in Winston-Salem, I feel incredibly fortunate to continue my career in a community that has shaped me both personally and professionally. Drs. Tucker and Howell are not only outstanding surgeons and mentors, but also people of remarkable character. It’s a privilege to join the team and help carry that legacy forward.” A lifelong field hockey player, Dr. Lloyd was a high school First Team All-American and a member of the USA National Team travel squad. Her background in athletics

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All three surgeons at Salem Plastic Surgery are known for their impressive bedside manner and willingness to patiently answer questions. Along with a staff that is always praised for being warm and approachable, Salem Plastic Surgery offers a professional experience that’s comfortable and welcoming. Much like a five-star business, patients receive the attention and care that makes them feel seen and heard. Concerns are listened to, with every consultation concluding in an honest discussion of very realistic expectations.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES • • • • • • • • • • • • •

With the overall attitude toward aesthetic medicine becoming more positive and a topic that’s openly discussed, a need for financial assistance has become apparent. Financial institutions are increasingly creative and competitive with the possibility of up to 12 months interest-free financing and longer terms, making plastic surgery no longer just for the rich and famous. These options are discussed during the patient’s consultation. To meet a need for clients who prefer not to have invasive surgery, in 2021, Salem Plastic Surgery added Renewal Med Spa as an adjunct to offer patients even more options. Skin care is offered with many options such as lasers, fillers and injectables, Botox and Dysport – provided by Certified Nurse Injectors who are highly trained, part of the facial operating staff and extensively educated in anatomy. A variety of other facial and skin care and makeup options are available with the certified esthetician, who’s also available prior to and after surgery to enhance surgical results. More conservative treatments to address fat and muscle laxity, such as Emsculpt Neo, CoolSculpting and EMSELLA are offered when appropriate. Treatment options are accessible to old and young alike, so there truly is “something for everyone.” Training of staff is an ongoing process with the surgeons overseeing the entire MedSpa staff, ensuring thorough instruction for every treatment and the safest care possible.

Facial surgery (facelift, endoscopic browlift, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, chin enhancement, ear surgery) TFX CO2 laser resurfacing Body contouring Total body lift Mommy makeover Abdominoplasty Thigh lift, buttocks lift, BBL Liposuction, Smart liposuction Breast procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, reconstructions and revision, fat injection Gynecomastia Labiaplasty Panniculectomy Mohs repair

NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

EMSculpt NEO EMSELLA CoolSculpting Botox, Dysport, fillers, Sculptra Instalift Threading Laser hair removal Skin care Makeup RF Microneedling SkinPen Microneedling Diamond Glow Facial Laser skin revitalization Chemical peels Skinvive Dermaplaning Lip Blushing Facials

To best serve patients and protect their privacy, Salem Plastic Surgery offers two operating suites in the office, both certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities Inc. For more extensive procedures, Drs. Tucker, Howell and Lloyd have privileges at Medical Park Hospital, Forsyth Medical Center and Hawthorne Surgery Center. Patients remark about the overall appearance and comfort of the office itself, thanks to Dr. Tucker’s wife, Heather, who designed the interiors of both the surgical and spa sides to present a professional and welcoming atmosphere. Dedicated to extraordinary outcomes and positive, purposeful connections with every patient, the team at Salem Plastic Surgery & Renewal Med Spa continues to grow strong! For more information on the highly respected team at Salem Plastic Surgery & Renewal Med Spa and their impeccable services, reach them at 336.768.8483 or visit salemplasticsurgery.com. The practice is located at 1345A Westgate Center Drive in Winston-Salem, a convenient location to accommodate busy schedules. Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Follow them on Instagram@salemplasticsurg and @ renewalmedspanc. September 2026 | 59

Dear Reader by K R I S T I N YAT E S

I know you may feel like you’re stuck or stagnant; like your current life is holding you back, like you can only grow in another, better, healthier environment, one meant for you, one that fits.

So, rising may look different from your expectations, but you can still rise. Wherever you are, however you are. That’s the beauty of who you are.

You may feel like you’re never going to make the progress you want to make, that you’ll never get to where you want and need to be, that the world is against you, you’re drowning and you just want a break, or change, whatever will make things better.

Keep rising until you taste light, until water becomes a stairway to the sun. Sometimes, it’s the swamp that grows a garden.

But I want to remind you that you are a lotus. You are sacred. You don’t wait to be planted in a new environment to grow; you grow anyway, you adapt. You feel mud and see soil. Where there’s flood, you flourish. You root, whether in a pond or river. You’re made to have your head above water – to spread your leaves and take the space you need. And, when it isn’t the season for you to grow, you’re made to lie dormant and return when you’re ready. Though you may feel like you’re drowning, the lotus in you is observing, taking it all in, your circumstances and opportunities to rise. Your pain and stress and overwhelm are present, but so are you. And that’s how I know you can rise. The lotus is known for radically accepting that the barren predisposes the bloom. And, because the flower only blooms in mud and water, the lotus is known for its resilience and its presence. It symbolizes meditation and mindfulness, known by the phrase “no mud, no lotus.” Because growth isn’t always pretty, until it is.

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Wherever you are in your life right now, it may really stink, and that’s valid. Or it may not stink; it just may not be where you’d like to be. But, where you are may contain the mud that could help you root and rise in only ways this environment could. It may be the water that nourishes you, lifts you, sunbathes you, shelters you, whether day or night. You will rise. You rise each day so sunlight can reach the depths of you. But, you also know when to descend, to protect yourself from the cold at night. And the lotus of you knows exactly when you need light and when you need the dark. Don’t stop. Feel how mud sturdies you. You don’t have to be Buddhist, you don’t have to be practiced at meditation, you just have to be here. Your healing is sacred. Remember the lotus of you.

~ Growth

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September 2026 | 61

Why WORDS Matter by R E N E E S K U D R A

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” ~ Robin Williams As far back as I can remember, I have always loved words. Growing up in a multilingual house where German, French, Polish, Spanish and English were spoken daily by my immigrant parents, I became enamored of their different sounds and rhythms. Words were not simply necessary for communication and community – if used with care and skill, they have immense power to transform our minds, penetrate our hearts and compel our hands to action. But, sadly, many people utilize words carelessly and indifferently to the impacts they may have. I can recall one such instance where, at a middle school conference, my fifth grade teacher referred to “your greenhorn parents’ not being educated which should be an incentive for you to be. Work hard and make them proud.” The truth? I was already so proud that they spoke five languages fluently, had friends from so many countries and ambulated a world which embraced diversity and inclusivity. They didn’t need a PhD to boost the significance of their lives. Still, the reference to my “greenhorn parents” was hurtful as were other comments which derogated them for being part of the “struggling poor refugee class whose children wouldn’t amount to anything.” As a person who identifies with being a wordsmith, I try to use language carefully and with an abiding sense of how it will land and be received. Words do not just describe the world – they construct our interior

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experiences, impact fitfully the nervous system and build or destroy relationships. My Polish father always said “a person’s word is his bond” which seems to have an underlying magical sense that words are inextricably tied to one’s actions. If a promise is made, it is critical that it results in a finalization. I have learned this the hard way, that so many individuals are remiss in marrying their promises to the expected outcome. In my own life, a close friend promised for more than eight years that she would take my son and me to the Asheboro Zoo. She had a working car, time on her hands and familiarity with the place from previous visits. But, each time a plan was devised to make the trip, the excuses came thick and fast why it could not materialize – problems with her child or partner, not feeling well, not being in the mood, not wanting to drive the distance from Winston-Salem to Asheboro, a commitment with another friend which felt more important. I finally had to face the fact that she was not a person of her word whose nature would effortlessly change. A month later, someone entered our lives who said “let’s go to the zoo on Sunday,” and that’s exactly what transpired. The promise made was the promise kept, a sacred pact which transcended the mere mundane nature of a spoken word and put it in a kind of spiritual orbit. Clearly, our words act as a blueprint for thought. They are not simply white noise floating out there in the universe. Speaking influences outcomes, words shape every relationship in one’s life. The words we use can educate and inspire but also shame, threaten, dominate and discourage. On the

positive side of the ledger, words can inspire us to love, to serve others with humility and compassion, to find purpose, to work tirelessly to achieve our dreams and hold fast to meaningful accomplishments. Words which have a positive valence and are used to uplift can move one past discouragements, impasses and obstacles. When my boy’s beloved Sicilian godfather suddenly passed away, a friend sent me a Bible verse, Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” I started crying, remembering how Jack had promised to help me, a single parent, raise my son and be responsible for his moral welfare – which he always did. Never was a promise made that was forfeited by this man who led from the heart and an uncompromisable ethical base. Reading the words of that verse indeed offered me deep comfort in its assurance that God is near during times of pain, grief and sadness. Words are beacons of power which can knock the wind out of us, feel invisible and take our breath away. The demeaning words spoken by a middle grade teacher ironically inspired my brother and me (who “would not amount to anything”) to graduate from college, attend law school and become attorneys, even though her words had been dangerous and ill advised. Remember too that words can have long lives. Someone in my past recently wrote to me and said “I will always love you.” Can anyone doubt the power of such a statement?

Words always matter.

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TYPES OF WORK STRESS AND STEPS TO MOVE PAST THEM by L E S L I E S P E A S

S S – SUSPENSE STRESS

Stress caused by waiting for approvals, decisions, feedback or direction. When work is stalled by uncertainty, our minds keep returning to unfinished tasks. Individuals can: . Follow up proactively. . Clarify expectations and deadlines. . Focus on what’s within your control. . Keep track of pending items instead of mentally carrying them around. Managers can: . Respond promptly. . Communicate status updates. . Clarify decision-making authority. . Reduce unnecessary approval bottlenecks.

Stress isn’t always bad. In fact, some stress is healthy. It can motivate us, sharpen our focus and help us perform at our best. But, when stress becomes constant or overwhelming, it begins to affect our physical health, mental well being, relationships and performance. The problem is that not all stress has the same cause. Some stress comes from unrealistic workloads; some comes from difficult people; some stems from constant interruptions, while other stress is created by the systems and processes around us. If we don’t identify the source of our stress, we often respond in ways that don’t actually solve it. That’s why I developed the STEPS FRAMEWORK, a simple way to recognize common workplace stressors and think about practical solutions.

T T – TIME STRESS

The feeling that there’s simply too much to do and not enough time. Competing priorities, constant interruptions and unrealistic workloads leave employees stuck in perpetual catch-up mode. Individuals can: . Prioritize ruthlessly. . Protect focused work time. . Renegotiate deadlines when necessary. . Build in breaks before burnout occurs. Managers can: . Clarify priorities frequently. . Set realistic expectations. . Reduce unnecessary meetings. . Avoid overloading dependable employees.

E E – EMERGENCY STRESS

The pressure created by constant crises and firefighting. When everything feels urgent, employees lose focus and spend their days reacting instead of planning. Individuals can: . Pause before reacting. . Distinguish true emergencies from perceived urgency. . Build routines that reduce preventable chaos. Managers can: . Avoid creating unnecessary urgency. . Improve planning and communication. . Help teams prioritize during high pressure situations. . Learn from recurring problems instead of repeating them.

P – PEOPLE STRESS

S – SYSTEMIC STRESS

FINAL THOUGHTS

Individuals can: . Set healthy boundaries. . Address concerns early. . Stay out of workplace drama. . Communicate calmly and clearly.

Individuals can: . Identify recurring obstacles. . Suggest practical improvements. . Focus on what they can influence.

When leaders identify the real source, they can respond more effectively. And, when employees feel supported rather than overwhelmed, engagement, performance and retention all improve.

Stress caused by conflict, poor communication, micromanagement, negativity or lack of accountability. People stress often follows employees home because interpersonal issues are difficult to leave behind.

Managers can: . Address toxic behavior quickly. . Hold people accountable consistently. . Strengthen communication and conflict-resolution skills. . Create clear expectations for behavior.

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Stress created by the organization itself. Poor processes, unclear roles, bureaucracy and inefficient systems make work harder than it needs to be. Employees often work hard but feel like the organization is working against them.

Managers can: . Listen to operational frustrations. . Simplify processes. . Improve clarity and consistency. . Remove unnecessary barriers.

Not every source of workplace stress can be eliminated, but many unnecessary stressors can be reduced. The first step is understanding what’s causing stress.

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Hustle & Heart by TA R Y N J E R E Z , OF GOFORITCREATIVE.COM

This column is meant to serve as a resource for readers who seek inspiration and knowledge for building their own small business brands. Through actionable advice, find the encouragement to help you keep living your life with hustle and heart.

Decision Fatigue is Killing Your Sales: 3 Steps to Simplify & Sell More

Business owners are focused on the question, “how do I get more people to buy?” Do you want to know the question I wish they focused on answering more? “Am I making it easy for people to buy from me?” What’s often standing in front of sales isn’t getting more people in front of your business, but rather making sure you’ve removed any obstacles in your sales process.

STOP HIDING IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM YOUR AUDIENCE

We live in a world where overcomplicating things is second nature. I mean, is scanning a QR code to view a menu at a restaurant really the easier option? Our customers are living busy lives juggling decisions while maintaining the endless scrolling, notifications left and right and information overload. All of this while businesses are asking them to take a dozen actions from “book a call” to “download this freebie” to “follow us on instagram” and more. Most of the time, they are going to choose the easiest decision when it comes to our business, which is to do nothing. That decision fatigue customers feel is what costs you sales. The irony is that a lot of business owners make it worse without realizing it. Creating too many different offers that solve the same problem, providing interest forms with way too many questions or hiding important information across multiple website pages.

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More options create hesitation which is your sales kryptonite. Embracing simplicity on the other hand? Your sales superpower!

singular action you want them to take. When you give them fewer decisions, they are more likely to take action!

YOUR OFFERS 1 SIMPLIFY Identify what you truly want to be

MAKE THE BUYING PROCESS 3 EASIER

known for! This is your North Star for building your offer suite – not coming up with services and products that solve every issue in different ways. Think of your offers like a smoothie menu! A few specific choices are easier to pick from than a menu of 55 flavors. What are your one or two signature offers you want your business to be known for? Your customers should be able to understand what you do and who you do it for within seconds of landing on your page. Lean into being a compass that points them to the right offer.

YOUR WEBSITE + 2 GIVE CONTENT ONE JOB

I promise your website and social media don’t need to do everything for you. In fact, they should be supporting one main goal – get the right people to buy. Ask yourself, “what is the one thing I want someone to do after viewing this?” Choose one clear step and point them towards it. Is it shopping for your new collection? Booking a consultation? Signing up for a loyalty program? Your job is to make that action impossible to miss! Don’t allow your website or social media to become a distraction with too many decisions coming at them. Focus on content and copy that supports that

Sometimes you don’t realize the hidden difficulties in your buying process. The extra clicks to get to the purchase or the unnecessary questions added at checkout. Make time to go through your own customer journey, and play detective to what might make an interested person take pause. Small improvements can make a huge difference in closing sales! Think of what steps don’t feel entirely necessary or clunky. Identify what questions you can answer before they’re asked. You want your customers to feel like you’ve opened a welcome door and are ready for them to walk through!

SELLING SHOULD BE EASY

Don’t make dream clients work harder to work with you! When your messaging is clear, your offers are focused and you have a simple action to take; you’re helping people say “yes” to your business! Hustle & Heart Challenge This month, pretend you’re a first time visitor to your website, and give yourself 60 seconds to answer three questions: What do they sell? Who is it for? What is the next step to take? Be honest with yourself and simplify where you can!

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How to Get Off Your GLP-1 Prescription (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and the Like) by J A N E B U R N E T T E

healthcoachjane.com IG @coachjanebb FB @coachjanebb Most people who lose weight on medications like Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro regain a significant chunk of it within a year of stopping. I think that is why so many women feel stuck on these medications forever, even when that was never the plan. Some people need to be on a GLP-1 long term, and that’s a completely legitimate choice. This piece isn’t about that. It’s for the women who want to use the medication as a kick start, get their appetite and habits under control, then come off. If that’s you, here’s how to do it well.

WHAT IS THE MEDICATION REALLY DOING?

These drugs mimic a hormone your gut already makes called GLP-1, engineered to stick around way longer than the two to four minutes your natural version lasts. That’s the whole trick. It slows digestion, turns down appetite and quiets the part of your brain that makes food feel irresistible. Think of it as a volume knob on cravings, not a fix for them. Turn the knob back down without changing anything else, and the cravings come right back at full blast.

THINK OF IT LIKE TRAINING WHEELS, NOT THE FINISH LINE

Training wheels let you ride the bike before your balance is there. They’re not doing the work for you forever; they’re buying time to build the skill underneath. Pull them off too soon, or never build the balance while you had them on, and you’re going down the second they come off. Your metabolism needs the same setup. The medication gives you room to build real habits without white-knuckling every meal. That’s the whole point of being on it. Here’s what to actually do while on a GLP-1: •

•

• •

Strength train one to three times per week. You don’t need to live at the gym. GLP-1s carry a real risk of losing muscle and bone alongside fat, so resistance training isn’t optional, it’s protective. Bodyweight moves at home count. Walk every day. Somewhere between 7,000 and 10,000 steps seems to be where you actually see the weight-loss benefit. Walking also happens to be one of the easiest stress relievers you have, and that matters more here than people think. Hydrate on purpose. These medications slow how fast food moves through your stomach, raising your risk of dehydration and kidney strain. Aim for half your bodyweight in ounces of water. Get protein and fiber in at every meal. They protect your muscle, but they also stimulate your own natural GLP-1 release. You’re training your gut to pick up the job the medication has been doing for you.

HOW TO ACTUALLY TAPER OFF:

Most people plan to stop cold turkey and hope for the best. Stepping the dose down slowly tends to be a much gentler transition, with a lot less rebound appetite waiting on the other side.

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While you’re lowering the dose, you want to be raising your own natural GLP-1 production at the same time. A few ways to do that: • • • •

Bitter foods. Unsweetened cocoa powder, the baking kind, stirred into warm water or coffee. Sour foods. Vinegar-based dressings, citrus in water, sauerkraut and plain yogurt. Sour compounds trigger a lot of the same gut signaling as the medication itself. Protein and fiber, again, since they’re pulling double duty between appetite control and boosting your own GLP-1. Meal order. Eat the protein and vegetables before the carbs. It sounds too simple to matter, but it changes how full you feel.

THE PART FOOD CAN’T FIX ON ITS OWN

These medications also turn down the brain’s stress and reward response, a big part of why food stops feeling so loud while you’re on them. When you taper off, that volume comes back, too, and it’s not just physical hunger you’re feeling. This is where walking, strength training and a stress outlet, whether that’s meditation, breathwork or a walk with your phone off, stop being nice extras and become the thing that actually keeps the weight off. Always talk to your doctor before starting, adjusting or stopping any medication, including GLP-1s.

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W O M E N

O N

T H E

M O V E

SELENE JOHNSON Before ABC of NC existed, Selene Johnson was already changing lives, providing autism services from the trunk of her Subaru and traveling to meet families where they were. Since joining ABC of NC in 2002, she has transformed a small community program into a nationally respected autism center while helping shape autism services across North Carolina. Recognizing that families needed access to care, not just excellent clinical services, Selene became a tireless advocate for systemic change. In 2008, she joined a coalition working to secure health insurance coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in North Carolina. Their advocacy helped lead to landmark legislation in 2016 requiring insurance coverage for ABA, followed by Medicaid coverage in 2017, expanding access to life-changing services for thousands of children and families. Selene also helped establish behavior analyst licensure in North Carolina and was appointed the first chair of the NC Behavior Analyst Licensure Board in 2021, a position she continues to hold. In 2017, ABC of NC broke ground on its state-of-the-art campus, bringing together a specialized school and autism clinic to provide comprehensive, evidence-based services. Today, the organization employs more than 100 professionals and serves approximately 90 clients daily, while extending its reach through diagnostics, counseling, consultation, family support, advocacy, and community partnerships. Selene earned her master’s degree in special education from UNC Charlotte and holds BCBA and LBA credentials. Her work is guided by a simple belief: every autistic person deserves to be valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

ADRIENNE REICH For more than 20 years, Adrienne Reich has helped adolescents, adults, and couples navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist at Forsyth Family Counseling, she works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, and major life transitions. Her approach centers on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where people can process their experiences and find a path forward. Adrienne recently expanded her private practice to include life coaching, allowing her to work with clients not only through challenges, but also toward the lives they want to build. Through individualized coaching, she helps people identify their goals, overcome obstacles, and create actionable steps toward growth in areas such as career, health and wellness, spirituality, personal development, and life transitions. Her philosophy is centered on helping people move beyond simply surviving life’s challenges to finding ways to truly thrive. Adrienne earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from UNC Charlotte and has built her career around helping people recognize their strengths and create meaningful change. Outside of work, she enjoys working out, running, hiking, and spending time in nature. Her favorite time, however, is spent with her two daughters.

KATELYN WILLIAMS Katelyn Williams is using storytelling to help young readers see themselves, their possibilities, and the world around them in new ways. Her debut children’s book, What Can Brown Girls Do?, earned the 2026 IPPY Silver Medal Award in the Best Children’s Illustrated eBook category, marking an exciting milestone in her journey as an author. Through her writing, Katelyn is passionate about creating stories that celebrate representation, possibility, and the many paths young people can take. Since the book’s release, Katelyn has continued bringing her work directly into the community. She has visited local schools, appeared on the Twin City Talk podcast, and hosted book signings at independent bookstores including Book Ferret and The Bookhouse. Her work as an author complements her professional role as a middle school counselor at Greensboro Day School, where she works with students and supports them through the important years of adolescence. Katelyn earned her B.S. in Psychology from Gardner-Webb University and her M.S. in Counseling from UNC Greensboro. Her passion for reading and writing extends beyond her professional life, and she also enjoys serving in her local church. At home, Katelyn treasures time with her husband, Rodney Williams, and their daughter, Juliette. Through both her counseling work and her writing, she continues to invest in the next generation. (continued on page 72)

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uwforsyth.org/forsythforward September 2026 | 71

W O M E N

O N

T H E

M O V E

(continued from page 70)

URMI HOSSAIN Urmi Hossain has built a career around creating opportunities for herself and other women. A financial professional with a background in finance and both CFA and CAIA designations, Urmi has expanded her impact well beyond the financial services industry through leadership, mentorship, writing, and storytelling. Her work reflects a commitment to helping women build confidence, develop their careers, and find their voices. Among her recent accomplishments, Urmi published her first book, launched her podcast Stories Beyond Borders, became a mentor with Dress for Success, and took on the role of Co-Chair of the Women in Leadership Montreal Chapter. She has also mentored more than 20 women, creating space for emerging leaders to learn from her experiences and develop their own professional paths. Urmi holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and has earned both the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designations. Whether she is working in finance, speaking, writing, or mentoring, she is passionate about encouraging women to pursue ambitious goals and support one another along the way. Outside of her professional life, Urmi enjoys boxing, running, writing, and reading—activities that reflect the same curiosity, discipline, and drive she brings to her work.

GISELA KOHL Dr. Gisela Knebl Kohl has taken an unconventional path to psychiatry—and used that journey to develop an approach to patient care that looks at the whole person. A native of Argentina, Dr. Kohl began her career as a chemical engineer before following her passion for medicine and becoming a physician. Today, she is the founder of Certus Psychiatry & Integrated Care in Winston-Salem, an independent practice built around her vision for a more comprehensive approach to mental health and wellness. A Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Kohl is also a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties and a Certified Integrative Psychiatric Provider. She is additionally a Certified Provider through The Menopause Society. At Certus, she combines her expertise in psychiatry with a focus on lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, and other factors that influence overall well-being. Her goal is to develop individualized strategies in which patients play an active role in their own care. Building an independent practice has allowed Dr. Kohl to create the kind of patient-centered care she believes can make a lasting difference. She runs Certus with her husband, Federico, and together they enjoy life with their four children, including triplets who attended Wake Forest University and a daughter in middle school. For Dr. Kohl, both her professional and personal journeys reflect a commitment to growth, connection, and helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

ASHLEY PRITCHARD Ashley Pritchard is building a business around a simple idea: helping people become the strongest, healthiest versions of themselves. As the owner and coach of Project YOU Coaching LLC, Ashley has spent the past two years turning her passion for fitness and personal development into a growing business focused on helping clients pursue their individual goals. Her work was recognized by the community in 2025, when Project YOU Coaching was named a winner of the community votes for personal training. The recognition reflects Ashley’s commitment not only to fitness, but also to the relationships she builds with the people she coaches. Through personalized guidance, encouragement, and accountability, she works to make wellness feel achievable and sustainable for the people she serves. As she continues growing Project YOU Coaching, Ashley is focused on creating an environment where clients feel supported, motivated, and empowered to invest in themselves. Her entrepreneurial journey is a reminder that building a business is about more than creating a service—it is about creating meaningful connections and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

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September 2026 | 73

Aging Out When the Heart is Deceitful

by A

My family is going on a Disney cruise this month, but I opted out because I’m not the biggest fan of Disney or cruises. However, if you’ve read any of my previous articles in this column, it’s no secret that I have a lot of alone time on my hands lately, which means I have all the time in the world to overthink and ponder life’s problems. The discomfort of being 34 in a city that you impulsively moved to in order to escape heartbreak sets in when the adrenaline fades, life supposedly moves on and your love life hasn’t worked out how you’d hoped it would by this age. We’re all told these idyllic sayings like “follow your heart” when we’re growing up, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started questioning whether that’s always the wisest route. The Bible warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Advice like “follow your heart” feels like a warm, fuzzy, Disney-like solution to problems or decisions with non-Disney consequences. However, this advice is short-sighted and often psychologically lazy. Someone struggling with addiction’s wants and desires lead them astray. My heart tells me to adopt every cat I see in an animal shelter or try to pet wild animals I see that seem cute. At the risk of sounding disillusioned and overly pessimistic, I believe we have to stop using that saying. It sounds good on paper, or like something helpful to say to a friend struggling with his or her love life or career choices, but sacrificing your heart’s desires to better your future is something you can’t understand until later

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MY HILL

in your life when your traumas, insecurities, patterns and desires for familiarity and validation can run the show if left unchecked. My heart tells me traveling is going to drastically improve my mental health – and it does for the week I am traveling. When I return home, I am still alone with my feelings and the same person I was before I left for vacation. My heart tells me to throw caution to the wind and believe my ex when he says he’s changed because I’m lonely and want to believe in potential versus who someone has shown me who he is time and time again. My heart naively tells me, “She would never do that to me. She’s like family to me,” when it comes to a long term best friend suddenly deciding you no longer make the cut; but she very well did do that to me. My heart is hopeful and naively trusting but consistently wrong. Denying your feelings in an effort to protect yourself or set yourself up for success in the future creates distress and emotional friction; when your heart and head are at odds, it’s hard to concentrate on other things. You find yourself becoming easily irritable and short tempered, and everything seems to pale in comparison to what or who you really want. If more children’s books and movies focused on painful realities versus fantasies, there may be fewer viewers or readers, but children would be better psychologically prepared for life’s tough choices and lessons instead of hoping for a “happily ever after” that’s not guaranteed just because you love someone. Where’s the

Disney movie where the princess has to tell the prince that love isn’t enough to make a relationship work as he struggles with a drinking problem and she spends years single and in therapy as a result of trying to make it work? What about the storyline where things are happily ever after for 25 years and then the princess realized she ignored a few red flags along the way that later resulted in uncovering a painful betrayal deep into a marriage? More than a year after my breakup, I still have a hard time finding myself attracted to other men. The alternative? Return to the same situation that dysregulated my nervous system for months on end that I was lucky to somewhat heal from the first time around. I keep asking myself, “What if I’m wrong? What if he is different this time? What if he changes for someone else and I just didn’t believe in him?” Each time these questions arise, it’s a battle to remind myself of everything I still have to lose. I risk burning out the relationships and support systems I have that do remain standing (while others weren’t as lucky), my new career that could easily take a hit if my mental health spirals again and the fact that I can’t taint my city and apartment with new bad memories of what I initially moved away to psychologically escape from. I don’t want to be left alone in the inevitable rubble with no one to blame or be angry at but myself, so I must choose to continue riding out the discomfort with faith that choosing my future and wisdom over my feelings will be worth the pain one day – or, at the very least, will prevent more unnecessary pain.

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Women Who Make a Difference: Join Crosby Scholars for Birdies & Brunch

morning of friendship, connection, and philanthropy returns this fall as Crosby Scholars hosts its 7th Annual Birdies & Brunch, presented by Flow Lexus, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Forsyth Country Club. Designed as a women’s-only event, Birdies & Brunch brings together community leaders, supporters, and advocates who share a common goal: creating opportunities for local students to achieve their dreams. Guests will enjoy brunch, connect with friends, browse a Silent Auction featuring more than 150 items, and learn more about the impact Crosby Scholars continues to make throughout Forsyth County. The event will also feature an optional Golf Clinic following the program, offering attendees the opportunity to learn from three accomplished leaders in the golf community: Dianne Dailey, former Wake

Forest Women’s Golf Coach; Mary Thomas, Director of Golf at Bermuda Run Country Club; and Sarah Potter, Coordinator of Golf Operations at Wake Forest University. Beyond the fun and fellowship, Birdies & Brunch serves an important purpose: raising funds to support Crosby Scholars programming and need-based Last Dollar Grants. These grants provide financial assistance to public school students with demonstrated unmet need, helping reduce barriers to higher education and lessen the burden of student debt. Thanks to the generosity of community supporters, Crosby Scholars is able to provide its services at no cost to middle and high school students and their families throughout Forsyth County. Every contribution helps ensure local students have the resources, guidance, and confidence they need to pursue college and other post-secondary pathways.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or learning about Crosby Scholars for the first time, Birdies & Brunch is an opportunity to come together with other women in our community and make a meaningful impact—one student at a time. For tickets and more information, scan the QR code or visit Crosby Scholars today.

7TH ANNUAL BIRDIES & BRUNCH SCHEDULE 9–10:15 am 10:15–10:30 am 10:30–11:15 am 11:15 am–12 pm 12–2 pm

Check-in & Silent Auction Guests seated in ballroom Brunch & Program Silent Auction Checkout & Golf Clinic Prep Optional Golf Clinic

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After September 16: $125 Contact Angel Moore if you are interested in sponsoring this event: amoore@crosbyscholars.org

Women Wild in the

by A M Y H I L L

Hurricane - Free Fall Getaways I’m no meteorologist, but as someone who frequently longs to take advantage of fewer crowds once school is back in session, I’ve spent a lot of time planning hypothetical fall getaways that have unfortunately never come to fruition. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot of useless knowledge about the weather patterns in popular tropical destinations that doesn’t necessarily have to be useless now that I have this column. September through November are notoriously risky months to take a trip to the tropics surrounding the United States, given the risk of hurricanes and tropical storm systems in both the Pacific and the Atlantic. However, if you’re itching to take a dip in crystal blue waters as a last hoorah before winter approaches, below are your safest bets for a sunfilled getaway in September.

CABO SAN LUCAS, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO

Any longtime Laguna Beach lovers from MTV’s golden days can recall the iconic spring break episodes where the cast went wild in Cabo. In fact, many of us on the East Coast likely never considered Cabo San Lucas to be an option for a vacation until hearing and seeing it mentioned on television. Sitting at the bottom of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, Cabo San Lucas is home to stunning sea cliffs, warm Pacific waters and vibrant culture, cuisine and nightlife. Due to its more southern geographic location, waters are warmer in Cabo than in popular Southern California beaches such as Laguna Beach or La Jolla, making it a safer bet year round for ocean activities. However, very few beaches in Cabo are swimmable due to large waves and rough ocean conditions. Cabo’s most popular beach calm enough for swimming is Medano Beach, and it’s in the heart of Cabo San Lucas’s tourist-friendly resorts, dining destinations, and famous marina. Take a strangely affordable boat tour out to “El Arco,” an arch formed by sea cliffs or simply sip margaritas at the pool and people watch.

What makes Cabo my choice for a fall-friendly vacation is its shorter flight times from the East Coast than the Hawaiian islands in the Pacific, but these destinations are not entirely immune to hurricane activity. Direct hurricane hits to Cabo San Lucas are much rarer than direct hits to Caribbean islands, making tropical weather less likely to cause major trip interruptions than placing your bets on a trip to Cancun or Puerto Rico. Rainfall in Cabo is also minimal due to its desert-like climate, although storm systems offshore can bring in clouds and rare showers during the fall months. Otherwise, Cabo’s waters are never warmer than the months of September and October, and it’s a great place to soak up the sun.

ARUBA AND CURACAO

Aruba and Curacao sit shockingly close to South American countries such as Colombia and Venezuela but are Dutch Caribbean islands with striking blue water that sit below the hurricane belt, making them travelers’ go-to islands for risk-free hurricane season getaways. If you read last month’s article covering sargassum patterns in the Caribbean, Aruba and Curacao are much less likely to be impacted than other Caribbean islands by large swaths of sargassum due to their southern location as well. Aside from sitting below the hurricane belt, Aruba and Curacao are notoriously drier than other islands in the Caribbean year round. As a matter of fact, they sit in the top three driest islands, receiving between 18-25 inches of rain annually, whereas Jamaica reaches 60-70 inches of rain year round (varying by location) and the Dominican Republic reaches up to 80 inches annually. While all islands in the Caribbean are going to be wetter between September and November, your highest chance of sunny weather lies within the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). If price is your deciding factor, stick with Curacao. Aruba is a larger island with more tourist-friendly resorts and amenities, but at a bit higher cost (although not drastic). Curacao is a smaller island, less talked about, but still holds stunning waters great for snorkeling and a colorful historic old town, Willemstad, which makes for great photo opportunities and cultural experiences at a slightly lower price tag. Lastly, I can’t wrap up the article without mentioning that wildlife lovers may even get lucky enough to easily see a few flamingos in the wild on Curacao as well, meaning Curacao would have my vote between the two islands.

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919 Backyard BBQ CHICKEN WINGS by TA N N E R J O H N S O N

eptember is here, and that means one thing... football season! Whether you're hosting friends for the big game or just enjoying a Sunday afternoon at home, chicken wings are always a crowd favorite. They're simple to make, packed with flavor, and even better cooked over charcoal. Here's my favorite way to grill wings that come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of smoky flavor.

INGREDIENTS: • 10-12 chicken wings (or more, depending on how many you're feeding)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. My favorite way to cook wings is over charcoal using a two-zone setup: one side with indirect heat and one side directly over the coals. 2. While the grill is heating up, season the wings generously on all sides. 3. Once the grill reaches about 250-300 degrees, place the wings on the indirect side and cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. 4. After they've developed some good color and are mostly cooked through, move them directly over the coals to crisp the skin and add a nice char. 5. Continue cooking over direct heat, rotating and flipping every few minutes until the wings reach your desired level of crispiness. I usually cook them to an internal temperature of 175185 degrees, which helps render the fat and gives you that perfect bite-through skin. 6. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. 7. If you're a sauce fan, toss them in your favorite buffalo, barbecue, or garlic parmesan sauce. Personally, I think a well-seasoned, char-grilled dry rub wing is hard to beat. Now all that's left to do is grab a cold drink, turn on your favorite football game, and enjoy!

• I like buying the Smart Chicken wings at Harris Teeter since the flats and drums are already separated, making prep quick and easy. • Your favorite seasoning (I love a Cajun rub, Old Bay, or lemon pepper, but just about any seasoning will work.) For more recipes and demos, follow me on Instagram: @919backyardbbq

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September 2026 | 81

Conversation with Your BFF There comes a point in almost every friendship when life gets in the way. One friend is caring for aging parents. Another is raising teenagers. Someone starts a demanding new job. Another is navigating a health challenge or grieving a loss. Suddenly, the friendship that once included weekly lunches, daily texts and spontaneous coffee dates becomes a series of “Let’s get together soon!” messages that never quite make it onto the calendar. Have you been there? I have for sure! And that’s when many people begin to wonder:

“ARE WE DRIFTING APART?” Maybe. But maybe not.

The healthiest friendships often aren’t measured by how often we see each other. They’re measured by how willing we are to meet each other where we are.

FRIENDSHIP ISN’T A SCORECARD It’s surprisingly easy to keep an invisible tally.

“I called her last time.” “I was the one who drove across town.” “I’ve planned the last three lunches.” Without realizing it, we begin auditing a relationship that was never meant to be balanced like a checking account. Real friendship isn’t perfectly equal every week, every month or even every year. Sometimes you’re the one doing most of the encouragement because your friend is overwhelmed. Other times, you’re the one barely hanging on while they carry the conversation, send the cards or simply show up.

Why the Strongest Friendships Aren’t About Keeping Score by R E B E C C A C O O P E R

Grace says, “I’m not going to assume the worst because you’ve always shown me who you are.” Of course, grace doesn’t excuse someone who repeatedly disappears, only reaches out when they need something or consistently leaves you feeling unimportant. Healthy friendships still require effort from both people. But, they also require understanding that seasons change. Not every quiet season is a broken friendship. Sometimes it’s simply real life happening to people who still care deeply about one another.

MEET THEM IN THE MIDDLE

One of the sweetest phrases I’ve ever heard is, “Let’s meet in the middle.” Not just geographically. Emotionally. Mentally. Practically. Maybe your friend can’t manage dinner, but they can squeeze in a 20 minute walk. Maybe they don’t have the energy for a weekend trip, but they’d love a phone call while folding laundry. Maybe your schedules will never line up perfectly, but you can still find small ways to stay connected.

The balance shifts.

Friendship doesn’t always require grand gestures.

That’s what makes it friendship instead of a transaction.

Sometimes it looks like a funny meme sent at just the right time.

GRACE IS THE GLUE

A porch drop-off of homemade soup. A five minute voice message. A simple text that says, “Thinking about you today.”

One of the greatest gifts we can give a friend is grace. Grace says, “I know you’re busy.” Grace says, “I know you didn’t mean to forget.”

82 | ForsythWoman.com

Little things often become the big things we remember.

CHOOSE CURIOSITY OVER ASSUMPTIONS

When communication slows, our minds often fill in the blanks. “She must not need me anymore.” “I guess I’m not important.” “Maybe I did something wrong.” What if, instead, we became curious? What if we asked, “How are you really doing?” What if we assumed our friend was carrying something we couldn’t see? Most people are fighting battles they don’t post on social media. A little curiosity can rescue a friendship from a misunderstanding that never needed to happen.

THE FRIENDS WORTH KEEPING The older I get, the more I realize that lasting friendships aren’t built on perfect attendance. They’re built on consistency over time. They’re the friends who may disappear for a month because life became overwhelming, but when you call, they answer with the same warmth they always have. They’re the ones who celebrate your victories without jealousy, mourn your losses without trying to fix them and somehow make you laugh when you thought you couldn’t. Those friendships are rare. They’re worth protecting. So, this week, maybe don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Reach out. Send the text. Make the call. Suggest meeting in the middle. Because one day, years from now, neither of you will remember who initiated the conversation. You’ll simply be grateful that someone did.

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