CRANE POINT

Crane Point Museum and Nature Center rang in Earth Day on April 22 with the dedication of the Crane House, one of the property’s most historic structures. Built in 1954 for Francis and Mary Crane, a Massachusetts couple who purchased the property in 1949, it was eventually bought by the Florida Keys Land and Sea Trust in 1989. From 1995 to 2005, it served as a temporary home for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), but had been vacant since. Following an exterior facelift in 2021, the home underwent a complete interior renovation – while still preserving decor styles from the 1950s – that concluded earlier this year, thanks to the vision of local artist and philanthropist Lynn Voit. It will now be available to book for weddings and special events, along with public viewing in the near future. Pictured, from left, are Crane Point CEO Charlotte Quinn, Voit, Marathon Vice Mayor Robyn Still and board chairman George Garrett. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Research demonstrates that forgiveness is linked to improved mental health and well-being. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that forgiveness was associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and higher levels of life satisfaction and psychological well-being. Another study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that forgiveness was associated with better physical health outcomes, including lower blood pressure and improved immune function. Letting go of grudges and practicing forgiveness can also lead to improved relationships and increased social support, which further contribute to overall healing and well-being.

JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY

...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC.

Letting go also involves releasing attachment to outcomes and expectations. Many times we hold on tightly to our desires, dreams and plans, and when they don't manifest as we had hoped, we experience disappointment, frustration and even despair. However, when we learn to let go of our attachment to specific outcomes, we create space for new possibilities to emerge. We become more adaptable, resilient and open to change, which can lead to greater creativity, innovation and growth.

Letting go can also involve surrendering to the present moment. Many of us spend a significant amount of time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, which can rob us of the joy and peace that can be found in the present moment. By letting go of our attachment to the past and the future, we can cultivate mindfulness and be fully present in the here and now. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing and body scan, can help us develop the skill of letting go of thoughts and emotions that arise without judgment, allowing us to be more present and fully engaged in our lives.

Often, we are our harshest critics, constantly berating ourselves with negative self-talk and believing limiting beliefs about our abilities, worthiness, and potential. These self-sabotaging patterns can keep us stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and prevent us from realizing our full potential. Letting go of these negative self-perceptions and replacing them with compassion and self-love can be transformative and empowering.

So right now, in this moment, I want you to take a deep breath in through the nose for a count of five, hold that breath for a count of five, and then exhale for a count of five. Repeat this style of breathing for as many cycles as you want and focus on letting go of one thing at a time that doesn’t serve your mental or physical well-being.

Allow yourself the room to grow into your most positive and powerful self with each breath. You deserve it.

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Conch Republic

Independence Celebration

April 21-30, 2023

SCHEDULE of EVENTS

h DAILYh

10am-8pm: KEY WEST HISTORIC SEAPORT Conch Republic h FRIDAY, APRIL 21st h

Headquarters & Merchandise Booth at Elizabeth & Greene Streets, shopping, dining, live music, boats, schooners and more!

5:30pm: “CONCH REPUBLIC, THE MUSICAL!” at Little Room Jazz Club.