Orlando is a city with so much going on and sometimes things get lost in translation while being advertised. I would like to highlight several community help organizations and resources in the Orlando area where you can find some things you might need.  The Really, Really Free Market of Orlando…

When I was a child, I went through a phase of being very negative. Chalk it up to a difficult season, temperament, tween year angst—I am not sure. But I definitely had a time when what went through my mind and came out of my mouth was not the most positive. People around me noticed and of course did not respond favorably. After this went on for a while, I decided I wanted people to be happy to see me and I was also tired of feeling miserable myself.

As children we are naturally playful, it's how we learn about the world ourselves and one another. Curiosity, imagination and creativity drive these interactions and experiences, and we are more apt to live in the present when playing as kids. In the transition from childhood to adulthood a lot of adults lose connection with the playful parts of themselves that seem to come so naturally to them as kids. Adult responsibilities and systems usually take over, and play is something that is not prioritized in many adults and therefore is left behind.

How do you define the word “hope?” Do you define it as wishful thinking or some ethereal ideal that sounds nice, but feels unachievable? The American Psychological Association (APA) defines hope as “the expectation that one will have positive experiences or that a potentially threatening or negative situation will not materialize or will ultimately result in a favorable state of affairs” (www.psychologytoday.com). Notice that the APA acknowledges that threatening and negative situations exist as do the possibility (or hope) that these situations can become better. I would like to suggest that this could be called “informed hope” versus “blind hope.” We can have informed hope which recognizes the troubles that threaten our world while still holding onto the belief that change is possible. 

If you live in Florida, you may be aware of ICE presence. If you do not, ICE is a government run group of people enforcing immigration laws. Because of the increasing presence in the last several weeks, it is important to remember that all individuals in the United States have rights, regardless of immigration status. Here is some information that can help you protect yourself and your family.