Did you know that when threatened, butterflies will close their colorful wings, snapping them shut, as a way of confusing those intending harm?
In fearful & vulnerable moments, many of us behave exactly like that.
We tend to hide and try not to be noticed, praying the danger will just pass us by. However, when appreciated and feeling confident, we allow ourselves to embrace our true nature, creating happiness within ourselves that we can experience with others.
Likewise, although caterpillars are perfectly wondrous all on their own, the metamorphosis that each one takes should inspire Hope in us all:
No matter how dark our Journey or safe our cocoon may seem, we all contain within us the possibility to spread our wings and fly, becoming stronger and more magnificent than before.
When asked if anyone in my own family suffers from Mental Illness, I often respond: No, they all seem to enjoy it highly.
Unfortunately, mental health is truly not funny in any possible way.
The reality is, in accordance with Jewish tradition, I was named for a beloved cousin, who died before I was born. That she died by suicide at a young age has become a constant reminder to me of how many households face these types of overwhelming concerns.
All of which is why I am thankful to so many local heroes in this field, such as Jewish Family Services and others, for ensuring free and low-cost mental health programs exist in our community.
Plus, this is why my support and my law firm’s Sponsorship (and yours!!) of Mental Health Awareness initiatives in our community, such as the Butterfly Release at the Faulk Center for Counseling , remains so vitally important!!
Care should Never be a Privilege!!
Below is a list of agencies & organizations, comprised by Ruth & Norman Rales JFS, that provide counseling on sliding scale and/or reduced fee basis.
Please share with others and remember to express Gratitude, give HUGE hugs, Kindness and Understanding when possible. So many fight a battle that we never see.
Your wings already exist. All You need to do is Fly.
…and Remember: BEFORE Your Troubles Hit the Fan, Please Create Your Estate Plan!!!
I really adore my pink bicycle, with its soft, extra wide-seat, large tires and big
basket in the back. It may not appear cool or sleek but it is just what I wanted
when I was 9 years old. I even have a bell !! So much better than the blue handme-
down I received at that age from the older, male members of my family.
However, I am not very athletic.
Nonetheless, the skies were blue, the breeze was blowing, no excuses available
and an invite to ride the open road was so tempting.
I started pedaling. Soon, I was reveling in the music playing on my radio and the
wind blowing through my hair. Butterflies flit by me, birds sang overhead. I felt at
one with nature and was actually enjoying exercising!!!
Visions of doing this every weekend quickly formed in my mind. YES! I also would be one of those
incredibly fit individuals I so admire. I was so excited at my own strength and complete dedication to health & wellness.
Just a few minutes later, I saw a huge truck looming ahead, blocking the sidewalk on which I rode.
I quickly became anxious. How would I navigate around it without endangering myself? Biking on the street seemed as equally risky to me as jumping out of a plane without a parachute.
Then, I began to get more upset. Why did this truck have to ruin my great ride? So inconsiderate to park on the sidewalk!! How dare they??
Of course, as I continued to ride, I could see that the truck was actually parked closer to the road, not on the sidewalk at all.
All that time spent worrying and feeling frustrated for nothing, which is often the case, isn’t it? So many concerns frequently form in our minds, affecting our outlook, that turn out to be quite manageable or nonexistent later. My husband likes to say, “Don’t Borrow Pain from the Future”!!
As an attorney, I know this too well. Many clients come to me, worried about the “What If’s” of this world. I regularly tell each that the problems that cannot be solved with time or money are the ones that remain out of our control. We can and should address troubling issues as best as possible, but then comes the time to put our fears aside and truly enjoy our lives.
Although, exercise remains not as much a part of my life as it should be, the memory of that simple bike ride helps me to keep things in perspective. Anyone Want to Join Me?
With over 900 people moving to Florida a day, we also live in one of the areas most impacted by fraudulent activity!
Staying vigilant against possible swindles remains crucial. Some suggestions to safeguard you and your home:
Tip #1: REGISTER FOR PROPERTY FRAUD ALERTS Take a few moments to protect what is likely your greatest financial asset. For instance, if you are a resident of Palm Beach county, I suggest completing the form located at: https://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/ser.../property-fraud-alert.
This specific site helps monitor your name and electronic mail address (be sure to include your spouse or anyone else whose name may appear on the deed) in the Clerk of Court’s Official Records system. By registering your email, then whenever a document is recorded in the county that property is maintained, you will receive direct communications alerting you regarding the same. Other counties also provide this service; simply contact that Clerk of Court directly to find out more information.
Tip #2: DON’T OVERPAY FOR A COPY OF YOUR DEED Upon recording a deed, many homeowners then receive a very official-looking notice, which states that by paying $89 (or a similar amount) for their services, you will receive copies of records of your property deed and/or other property records.
Do not be fooled! All of these type of documents can be retrieved and viewed for absolutely NO COST online whatsoever!! Hard-copies are also available from the Clerk of Court in the county you reside for usually only $1 per page!
Tip #3: END THAT TELEPHONE CALL Claiming to be from the Clerk of Court’s office or another Law Enforcement agency, stating that you missed a Jury or Court date, fraudsters may use your telephone number to text or call you.
The person may even use the name of a real Judge or Police Officer, in case you try to verify their identity during an internet search.
The scammer may also use your publicly accessible information to gain your trust and build an image of legitimacy. You might even be put on the defensive and requested to provide more personal information, such as your birthday and/or Social Security number, to establish that you are the intended recipient of the call.
Do NOT provide any personal information over a telephone call ever. Do NOT purchase a money order, pre-paid debit card or a gift card, no matter how pressured you may feel. Most importantly, please do NOT leave your home or place of work to meet the caller at any location, even if suggested to meet at a “safe” location, such as a local Courthouse or Sheriff’s office.
What should you do instead?
If you do become the target of such a call and threatened with a monetary fine or imminent arrest — HANG UP!
Ignore the request and make a written record of as many details as you can about the conversation. Then, contact your County Clerk or local Sheriff’s office immediately!
Tip #4: BEWARE OF “BUILDING INSPECTORS” If you are at home and someone knocks on your door, especially at night, showing what appears to resemble a “county badge,” and requested to see your air conditioning unit’s serial number and/or access to your property, proceed with caution!
It is highly unlikely to be a legitimate county building inspector! Please call 911 immediately and report the issue.
Being Educated, Prudent and Alert will all help prevent you from becoming a victim of Exploitative Predators!
Most importantly, Enjoy Living in Paradise, remembering that even the Garden of Eden had some snakes!
Also, BEFORE Your Troubles Hit the Fan, Please Create Your Estate Plan!!!