WHAT OTHERS HAVE BEEN THINKING
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I’ve been thinking... the people below will inspire you and make you think.
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1. GOLD STAR MOM SHARES HER JOURNEY TO FIND HOPE AFTER LOSING HER ONLY SON
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Architect of Change Rivka Bent lost her only son, a Marine veteran named Cole, after a long battle with brain cancer. I was so moved by her continuing strength and courage following Cole's death, that I asked her to share her story with Sunday Paper readers. [READ HER MOVING ESSAY HERE]
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2. ELIZABETH SMART INSPIRES HOPE AND HEALING THROUGH HER REMARKABLE PERSONAL STORY
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It was such a pleasure to sit down with Architect of Change Elizabeth Smart, a true survivor, advocate and author of the new book "Where There's Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up." Find out how courage, faith and love helped her heal in the years following the horrific kidnapping and abuse that she endured as a teenager. [WATCH OUR CONVERSATION HERE]
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3. PROJECT SANCTUARY HELPS MILITARY FAMILIES START ANEW AFTER VETERANS RETURN HOME
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Last week on TODAY, I reported on Project Sanctuary, an organization committed to helping military families deal with issues like post-traumatic stress. The non-profit offers six-day retreats across the country for military families to heal together. [WATCH HERE TO LEARN MORE]
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4. CRISTINA FERRARE OFFERS 'FOOD FOR THOUGHT' AND A MIND-HEALTHY RECIPE
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It's always a joy when my dear friend and Architect of Change Cristina Ferrare stops by with yummy mind-healthy recipes! This week, she shared her recipe for blueberry cobbler and talked to me about her new book, "Food for Thought," which you can pre-order now on Amazon. [WATCH OUR CONVERSATION HERE]
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5. TONY THOMOPOULOS SHARES HIS MOVING STORY AS A CAREGIVER TO HIS WIFE, CRISTINA FERRARE
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As many Sunday Paper readers may already know, Cristina suffered from a rare form of blood cancer not too long ago. Thanks to her fortitude, along with the love and support of her devoted husband, film and TV executive Tony Thomopoulos, Cristina was able to battle her way back to health and vitality. In this exclusive essay, Tony shares with Sunday Paper readers the lessons he learned while acting as caregiver during this difficult time. [READ TONY'S STORY HERE]
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6. PURPLE TABLE MAKES IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S OR OTHER IMPAIRMENTS TO DINE OUT WITH THEIR FAMILIES
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This week, we honor Jennifer Apazicis, founder of Purple Tables Reservations, as our Architect of Change of the Week. Jennifer, whose mother died from Alzheimer's in 2013, conceived the idea of making dining experiences less stressful for those suffering from either cognitive or physical impairments. Purple Table Reservations allows someone with a disability to enjoy a meal with tailored service. [READ JENNIFER'S INSPIRING STORY HERE]
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Below we share a few stories that caught our eye and got us thinking…
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1. 12-Year-Old Boy Wants to Honor All Veterans With 'Flowers and Flags': I'm so impressed with the devotion this young man has for the men and women who defend our country. Preston Sharp, from Redding, California, has started a national effort to place flowers and flags on veterans' graves. [READ MORE]
2. Stacey Abrams Wins Georgia Primary in Bid to Become First Black Female Governor in U.S.: This is very exciting news. Stacey Abrams won the Georgia Democratic gubernatorial primary last Tuesday and is in the running to become the nation's first black female governor. [READ MORE]
3. Ireland Votes to Legalize Abortion: The power of women’s votes and voices have made a difference. Irish voters overwhelmingly overturned a constitutional amendment that bans abortion in almost all circumstances, apparently indicating the nation’s liberal shift. [READ MORE]
4. How Women Can Learn to Trust the Medical System When Doctors Dismiss Their Health Issues: Gender bias in the medical profession is nothing new. This interesting piece discusses how female patients can empower themselves. [READ MORE]
5. The Health Risks of Loneliness: I've said this many times: always reach out to friends and relatives, especially in times of need. Multiple studies indicate that social isolation is a major risk factor for mortality, illness, and injury. [READ MORE]
6. Maryland School Offers Group Therapy For Trouble Kids: I believe all schools should offer programs like this. Cresthaven Elementary School in Silver Spring, Md., offers its students training in how to manage emotions, handle stress and improve interpersonal relationships. [READ MORE]
7. How a Morning Routine Can Help Eliminate Anxiety at Work: This is an interesting read on how routines can help us circumvent mental distress. Brain-imaging studies show that the part of our brain that controls decision-making also controls anxiety. For some people, those two functions are at odds, and sticking to a ritual can help overcome that internal squabble. [READ MORE]
8. Pope Tells Gay Man "God...Loves You Like That": Let's get our move on and our judgment off. Pope Francis recently told a gay survivor of clerical sexual abuse, "God made you like this. God loves you like this. The Pope loves you like this and you should love yourself and not worry about what people say." [READ MORE]
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As I mentioned in my essay, this moving poem by John O'Donohue has had such an impact on me lately. It reminds us why it's important to take risks in order to move forward with our lives.
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IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR BRAIN HEALTH, TUNE IN FOR THESE INFORMATIVE AND INSPIRING CONVERSATIONS
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JOIN MARIA AS MOVE FOR MINDS BEGINS! SIGN UP TODAY!
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This initiative of The Women's Alzheimer's Movement tours the nation this June for a series of events that raise awareness of the importance of brain health and raise funds for important women-based Alzheimer's research.
Join us at Move for Minds and leave feeling educated, empowered and inspired to take care of your brain!
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THE MARIA SHRIVER COLLECTION: PRODUCTS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR MIND, GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL, & GOOD FOR THE WORLD
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Visit the shop on MariaShriver.com to get Maria's book "I've Been Thinking," her coloring book for Alzheimer's "Color Your Mind," the Maria candle, DVDs of her PBS Special "Brain Secrets" and more!
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A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
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READER PRAISE FOR THE SUNDAY PAPER
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