Happy New Year – Means Happy New Habits

January 23, 2025

Happy New Year – Means Happy New Habits

With the dawn of a new year, there’s not a better time to begin taking better care of yourself. One way to do that is to make sure you’re not holding unnecessary stress throughout the day. A few simple techniques can help you reset and feel your best as you move through the day. PositivePsychology.com has some recommendations.


In General – Try to get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated and enjoy some form of exercise.


At Work – Break larger tasks into smaller ones when possible and maintain a tidy work environment. Schedule catch-ups with people you value. Allocate “think time” and meal breaks into your schedule.


When You Feel Overwhelmed – Slow down to avoid/move out of panic mode. Ask for help from someone you trust. Perform a calming exercise. Walk outside, get in touch with nature.


Manage Your Emotional Energy – Practice abdominal breathing to manage negative emotions. Express gratitude and appreciation for others while adopting self-compassion. Recognize your core values; find ways to be your authentic self. Listen to your favorite mood-boosting music.



Finding the right combination of healthy tips and stress reduction techniques will help make 2025 a happy new year indeed.

Creating a series of habits, practices and rituals can promote your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy 

The Retreat at Church Ranch

Is locally owned and operated by Gerontologists Robin and Cindy Avery. Unwavering Care for each resident is at the heart of our assisted living approach. Our mission is delivering competent and kind care while we focus on the 4 C’s - Care, Community, Competency, and Connections. At the Retreat, we honor one another above ourselves and serve wholeheartedly.

THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Saturday, December 7, the Retreat at Church Ranch held the annual Christmas Party. Residents, staff, family and friends enjoyed goodies, food and fun, music and visits with Santa. Each resident received a stocking full of goodies as well. And Randy Johnson entertained everyone with his singing and piano skills. Photos below:

Did You Say Free?

The US has over 400 national parks, monuments and historic sites. Twelve of them are in Colorado. In 2025 there will be six days when you can enjoy them for free. To find out more information about free day, hours and availability, visit Find a Park (U.S. National Park Service). 


The 2025 free entrance days are:


  • January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • April 19 – First Day of National Park Week
  • June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • August 4 – Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
  • September 27 – National Public Lands Day
  • November 11 – Veterans Day 
  • A view of a mountain valley from the top of a mountain.

Discover The Depths Of Your Spirit

Join us for the next gathering of The Long Straw Club, a unique and enriching group for all residents dedicated to exploring spiritual and emotional well-being. Chaired by the esteemed Lloppón Rinpoche this month, we’ll continue our journey into wisdom, peace, and personal growth.


The Long Straw Club brings together diverse voices, from rabbis and priests to ministers and global wisdom teachers, offering inspiring perspectives and meaningful discussions. Whether seeking guidance, connection, or simply a moment of reflection, this is your space. 


The next meeting is January 15th at 10:30 am in the activity room. All are welcome! 

Discover The Depths Of Your Spirit

Join us for the next gathering of The Long Straw Club, a unique and enriching group for all residents dedicated to exploring spiritual and emotional well-being. Chaired by the esteemed Lloppón Rinpoche this month, we’ll continue our journey into wisdom, peace, and personal growth.


The Long Straw Club brings together diverse voices, from rabbis and priests to ministers and global wisdom teachers, offering inspiring perspectives and meaningful discussions. Whether seeking guidance, connection, or simply a moment of reflection, this is your space. 


The next meeting is January 15th at 10:30 am in the activity room. All are welcome! 

STAFF BIRTHDAYS

1/1 – Dracilla

1/7 – Brenda
1/15 – Paula
1/17 – Hope
1/25 – Cayley
1/26 – Charlene

RESIDENT BIRTHDAYS

1/7 – Richard

1/18 – Lillian

1/22 – Mary

1/25 – Carol

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES

1/22 – Destiny

New Attractions

A Boulder family purchased this beautiful 1961 Ford F-100 pick-up truck from a rancher in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1974 for $400. It has the classic “Three-on-the-Tree” manual transmission. Many parts are new, including the tailpipe, muffler, generator, alternator, solenoid, and a rebuilt Holly carburetor. It’s been winterized, but with a battery charge, it runs pretty well! 

A nurse is giving an elderly woman a cup of coffee.

Do You Need To Improve Your Self Esteem?

April 24, 2025
Do You Need To Improve Your Self Esteem?

Time to Focus on Improving Communication

March 10, 2025
None of us can skip communication in our daily lives. Whether at work or at home, we talk with others in the hope of getting our needs met and sharing a connection. Some people are natural and open communicators while others need some help along the way. Here are some suggestions to ease the way and help everyone get along a little bit better. Assume Positive Intentions – when talking with family, friends or coworkers, try to avoid becoming immediately defensive. Believe the other party is working to improve the situation and striving for a positive outcome. Although it can be hard, try to be receptive to the idea someone is trying to convey even if they don’t go about it in the best way. Be Clear and Concise – take a moment to prepare your thoughts before speaking or responding. For clarity, limit yourself to dealing with one individual topic at a time. Also, using too many words or fancy language can distract from your intended message and the listener may stop listening. Use Active Listening Skills - which means you listen to understand what is being said and not in order to respond. Paraphrase back to the speaker what you thought they said to make sure you understand before you form your response. Ask open ended questions, not yes or no questions. Watch Nonverbal Communication – these include facial expression, gestures and tone of voice. Be aware of the message you’re sending, such as crossed arms which convey defensiveness or lack of openness. Don’t look at your watch or phone which conveys impatience or the desire to be elsewhere. Use a calm reassuring tone of voice, even when emotions are running high. Email and Texts are Tricky: Use Caution – as these have no tone of voice, they are easier to misconstrue. Whenever possible speak to someone in person or by phone. Written messages are one of the most important times to assume the best intentions of the other party.

Staying Healthy This Winter - Tips to Follow

February 26, 2025
Getting sick is never fun and when the weather is cold and dreary, getting sick seems to feel even worse. We all know the general rules to follow to stay healthy and stop the spread of illness, but it never hurts to see a few reminders. 1) Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow. Wash your hands regularly using soap and warm water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water isn’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2) Make sure you stay hydrated. Drinking enough water each day boosts your immune system and helps fight viruses. Studies show any hydration is better than none, so if you don’t like water, drink something you do like such as coffee, tea or juice. 3) Up your Vitamin D intake - low levels can make you susceptible to illnesses and negatively affect your mental health. Sunshine is one free source of Vitamin D. You can also find it in butter, milk, cheese, yogurt, egg yolks, some mushrooms, fatty fish and canned tuna. 4) One of your immune system's first lines of defense is your SKIN. Avoid cracked skin to keep germs, bacteria and viruses out by applying cream or lotion. Limit overly hot showers as they dry out skin. Make sure to apply moisturizer afterwards. Also, don’t forget to apply lip balm. 5) Stay up to date on recommended immunizations like flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumonia. 6) Continue to eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Including garlic, ginger, and additional citrus fruits may also boost your immune system. 7) If you get sick - SLEEP. During sleep, important immune processes happen to help your body heal and recover. That’s when proteins that target infection are released and your body has a better fever response.