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MORE THAN JUST A HOBBY THE HIDDEN LOSSES AFTER INJURY January 2026 720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304, Naples, FL 34102 • AttorneyShapiro.com
Playing drums has always been one of my favorite ways to reset. It’s loud, it’s physical, and it forces you to be present in the moment. If you start thinking about other things, you feel it right away because your timing falls apart. For me, that kind of focus is very grounding. January is National Hobby Month, which is a good excuse to notice something a lot of us take for granted. The things we do “for fun” are not always just extras. I consider them essential. I’ve picked up a few hobbies over the years and enjoy each one for different reasons. Drumming goes back to my younger days, when I used to play in a band. It still gives me an outlet that feels freeing in a way nothing else does. Golf is the opposite. It slows me down.
Out on the fairway, I’ve learned to focus on one shot at a time, live with a bad swing, and move on to the next hole when things don’t go perfectly. Brazilian jiujitsu pushes me in a different direction, both mentally and physically. There are no shortcuts in jiujitsu. It requires presence and discipline. Then, there are my poker nights with friends. A few hours of cards, conversation, and laughing help me step away from the pressures of work and decompress. My hobbies are not a distraction from life. In fact, they help me manage it. That perspective has influenced how I approach my work as a personal injury attorney. When someone comes to me after an accident, they’re typically dealing with issues like pain, doctor’s visits, missed work, and a pile of bills they can’t pay. But injuries hit people in other ways just as hard. They often take away the very routines and outlets that help us relax and cope with stress. For one person, that’s running. For someone else, it might be fishing, working in the yard, or getting out on the water. Others lose basic abilities, such as being able to pick up a child, sit comfortably through dinner, or take a walk at the end of the day to clear their head. When that outlet disappears, people don’t just feel bored. They feel off and can struggle with irritability, anxiety, and depression. There’s one client in particular who has stayed with me over the years. He was all-in on weightlifting. It was more than an exercise.
Lifting at the gym gave him structure, routine, and a way to feel in control and positive when other things in life were stressful. After a serious injury, he couldn’t work out anymore. That change hit him harder than anyone ever expected, and tragically, he later took his own life. I still think about him. His story is a stark reminder that injuries affect much more than a person’s body. They also hit their confidence, identity, and sense of control. That’s why when we take a case, we don’t simply look at medical records. We ask questions about real life. I want to know what my clients’ lives looked like before, what’s been taken away, and what it will take to help someone rebuild. Putting a number on that type of loss is much more difficult than quantifying lost wages and unpaid medical bills, but it matters just as much and deserves to be taken seriously. We know recovery goes beyond physical healing. It’s really about restoring dignity, balance, and the parts of life that make it worth living. At The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., that understanding guides everything we do. - MSahracp iLr o.
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Treat Yourself Like a Parisian Every Day Ooh La La Luxe Lifestyle
touches to your space. Parisian home design is about developing something uniquely you and filling your space with your favorite things and comforts. Pops of color and pleasant fragrances are French staples, so add fresh flowers to your table or find candles with delightful aromas. Bonus points if the candle is a French classic like the popular Diptyque brand. Savor life’s little luxuries. In Paris, the pace moves fast, but the people live in the present, slowing down to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as people- watching at a café, taking a break to read, or simply enjoying a light breeze. Savor the little things and give yourself technology breaks to enjoy the moment you are in. Luxury is synonymous with Paris, but you don’t need a huge budget to treat yourself. Instead of
buying a designer handbag or Chanel suit, splurge on nicer sheets or a tasty pastry. Learn, explore, repeat often. Parisians appreciate imperfections and lead authentic lives, prioritizing joy over self- criticism. Acculturate yourself by visiting museums, enjoying art often, and staying up to date on current affairs. You want to ensure you always have something interesting to discuss at a party or gathering. In conversation, develop your own witty style, expressing your opinions clearly and inviting others to join in. You can never have too many books on the shelf because they will grow your knowledge base and are excellent conversation starters. Don your best beret, pour yourself a café au lait, and get ready to add a little Parisian elegance to your routines. “I hired The Law Offices of Marc Shapiro to help with a car accident claim. The staff was courteous and responsive, especially Jessica, who was always available to answer my questions and make sure I understood every step. I’m incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication. I would highly recommend The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro to anyone looking for a trustworthy and effective legal team.”
Ooh la la! While we can’t all wake up to the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower or stroll past a boulangerie on the way to work, we can bring a little touch of Parisian flair to our everyday lives. From savoring the simple things (like delicious croissants) to adding some je ne sais quoi to your home, you can bring the best of French lifestyle trends into your world, no matter how many miles are between you and the City of Lights. Cherish your cozy chez-soi. Most Parisian apartments are small but feel like elegant chateaus. Embrace the maximalist style and add your own unique
“The Law Offices of Mark L. Shapiro handled my car accident case smoothly from start to finish and got me a great settlement. They kept in consistent communication and always made sure I understood every step. Randall was an excellent attorney and fought hard to get the best outcome for me, and Jessica, the paralegal, went above and beyond, helping me manage all the doctor’s visits, appointments, and surgeries throughout the process. I’m genuinely grateful for their hard work and highly recommend this team to anyone needing a personal injury attorney.”
–Janet A.
–Paul S.
“Hello, my name is Robert Ransom. I’m calling to review the services I’ve received from Mr. Shapiro’s office. I really appreciate everything that your office has done for me. Jessica and Randall were truly helpful during this trying time. I was truly satisfied with the work that they did for me. I could not ask for better care. They went above and beyond all my expectations, and I would like to thank them personally for their help.”
–Robert R.
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A GUIDE TO DOING IT WRONG OPPOSITE DAY CRASH ADVICE
Terrible Idea No. 3: Share your entire recovery on social media. Post the gym selfies, beach photos, and big smiles, and use captions like “Feeling great!” Don’t worry. Context is overrated. Rather than feeding the internet details, keep your case off social media. Avoid posting about the crash, your injuries, your activities, and your recovery. Tighten your privacy settings, ask friends not to tag you, and don’t comment on crash-related posts. Terrible Idea No. 4: Take your time documenting things. Memories never fade, evidence never disappears, and deadlines are basically suggestions. Wait until your car is repaired and the bruises are gone before you start gathering anything. Instead, start early and stay organized. Take photos, save paperwork, keep receipts, and write down what you remember while it’s fresh (including dates and names). If you miss work, keep track of days and hours. Small details matter a lot more than people think. Opposite Day is fun, but car accidents aren’t. If you’ve been hurt and aren’t sure what to do next, my team and I are here to help.
Jan. 25 is Opposite Day, so for one day, bad ideas get the microphone. In that spirit, I want to share a few pieces of advice you should never follow, along with what you should do instead. Terrible Idea No. 1: Skip uninsured motorist coverage. Sure, Florida has plenty of uninsured drivers, but what are the odds you will actually meet one? And if you do, I’m sure they will Venmo you for your injuries. That extra $10–$20 a month is clearly better spent on other things. Instead, check your policy. If you don’t see uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or you aren’t sure what your limits are, ask your agent. This coverage is often what protects you when an at-fault driver has little or no insurance. Terrible Idea No. 2: Wait to see a doctor ‘if it gets worse.’ If you’re hurt, just walk it off. It’s probably nothing. If it still hurts in a few weeks, that just means you are tough. Many injuries show up later, and early treatment creates a clear record that connects your symptoms to the crash. So, always get checked out promptly, even if you’re not sure what you’re feeling yet.
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Jalapeño Popper Soup
Ingredients
• 4 bacon slices, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces • 5–6 large jalapeño peppers, minced with stems and seeds removed • 1/2 small onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves, minced • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp cumin • 1 1/2 tsp salt • 1 lb gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese • 1 cup shredded fresh cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
1. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, then remove to a plate. 2. Add jalapeños and onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Add garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute. 4. Stir in chicken broth, cumin, salt, and potatoes, and simmer for 20 minutes. 5. Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and add 1 ladle of hot broth before mixing. 6. Add cream cheese mixture to the pot and stir. 7. Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese and lemon juice, stirring until the cheese melts. 8. Pour into serving bowls, topping with bacon and more shredded cheese.
BOOTS CANDLES CARNATION FURNACE
GARNET HOCKEY INSULATE JANUS
OPPOSITE RESOLUTION
SKATING SWEATER
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Inspired by TheRecipeCritic.com
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720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304 Naples, FL 34102 AttorneyShapiro.com
Inside Looking Beyond Physical Recovery Page 1
Elevate Your Routine With a Touch of Paris Gratitude From the People We Serve Page 2 The Worst Tips You’ll Hear Today Jalapeño Popper Soup Page 3 The Healthy Cure for Your 3 p.m. Crash Page 4
Ditch the Quick Fix ENERGIZE NATURALLY WITH SIMPLE DAILY HABITS
It’s 3 p.m., and you’ve hit the dreaded midday slump. For many Americans, coffee or an energy drink may fuel their second wind. When tired, we tend to turn to external sources for a boost, but it’s a temporary fix; we’ll encounter the same issue the next day. Instead, we need to look internally and make changes to improve overall well-being for the long term. A healthier, more consistent way to increase energy is possible! Do you stay up late every night? Do you use your phone right before you fall asleep? Do you have trouble waking up in the morning? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to give your sleep a facelift. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, ideally around 9 or 10 p.m. Put your phone away at least an hour before bed. If this is difficult, practice meditation whenever you feel tempted to grab your phone. Your diet may also need adjustments. If you skip meals, eat junk food, or snack right before bed, you’ll feel it later. During the day, eat plenty of
fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods instead. Make time for every meal, stepping away from your work while you eat. If you do not get enough nutrients, supplement your diet with vitamins. Consider your daily movement as well. It might sound counterproductive, but exercise can substantially boost our energy. Exercise improves oxygen and nutrient circulation while allowing us to get better sleep. You don’t have to go through life lacking energy. Make adjustments today for a more energized tomorrow.
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