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Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
Hearts Full of Thanks and Giving My Favorite Holiday of the Year Is Here!
I know I’m not alone in sharing that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. First, after a hot and brutal summer, it’s finally beginning to cool off a little bit here in Florida, and that crisp, fall air is so welcoming and refreshing! November is also my birthday month, and even though I get older every year, I still love celebrating my birthday. Lastly, a holiday spent eating delicious food with my favorite people while wholeheartedly enjoying their company is magical — there is nothing better. Each year when Thanksgiving rolls around, I notice a change in people. For eight or nine months of the year, many people tend to be a bit standoffish and stuffy. However, once the holiday season rolls around, everyone is warm, giving, and communal, and the main focus turns to helping people, giving thanks, and practicing gratitude. A major focus is placed upon giving back. It’s the magic of the holidays. Being around this positivity is captivating, and I just love the happiness that radiates off of others throughout the holiday season. The largest Thanksgiving tradition in my family is actually more of a theme — it’s the joy of being together. For the last decade or so, we have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to partake in two Thanksgiving celebrations — one with family and another with friends: “Friendsgiving.” It’s always such a happy and fun experience and one I look forward to experiencing for many years to come. If you know me, you’ll know I’m a diehard Cowboys football fan, and they usually play on Thanksgiving, making the day that much better. It’s the icing on the cake! A few months ago, my sister, who used to live here in Orlando, moved to Germany. For our entire family, not having her present to share in the excitement of the holidays will be tough — we are a tightknit family. It’s times like these that I’m extra thankful for the technology available at our fingertips. We have a family group chat running that helps to keep us all in touch, and we constantly have the opportunity to FaceTime to connect. This way, she is able to see and interact with my daughter and witness the changes she undergoes every single
day. Before she left, my daughter wasn’t standing, and now, she’s pulling herself up to stand and is certainly showing off on camera for my sister! This Thanksgiving, I wish each of you a very happy, blessed, and warm holiday filled with love, magic, delicious food, and quality time spent with loved ones! As you
gather around the table this year, don’t forget to take the time to reflect on what you’re grateful for. After a tough year, we still have so much to give thanks for! From my family to yours, happy Thanksgiving!
-Louis Bernardo Berk
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Why Do I Constantly Think About This? How to Manage Intrusive Thoughts
Many people deal with unwelcome, intrusive thoughts every day. We’ve all experienced unwanted images or notions racing through our minds, and it can be difficult to concentrate on what we need to be doing. These thoughts can also trigger feelings of anxiety, worry, and shame. But know you’re not alone — some estimate that 6 million Americans are affected, so many can empathize with what you’re going through. Here is some good advice about intrusive thoughts and how to manage them in a healthy way.
Understand they will pass, but prepare yourself for other unwanted thoughts. Most importantly, push through and continue to complete your tasks and errands when the thoughts occur.
If you try to control, suppress, question, act, or engage with intrusive thoughts, you’ll likely be even more fixated on them. You’ll
feel more in control if you allow them to pass through your brain instead of trying to avoid and ignore them. Intrusive thoughts can feel distressing, but allowing them to freely enter and exit your mind will provide you with ease — even if it doesn’t seem that way. However, if intrusive ideas persist and
What are intrusive thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted ideas that occur without warning at any time, often triggered by stress or anxiety, or even short-term biological factors, like hormone shifts. They can come in many forms, and people often worry about what they mean, so naturally, they try to control or stop the ideas altogether. But trying to prohibit these thoughts can make them more persistent.
continually impair your ability to work or do things you enjoy, seek information from a mental health professional. You’re never alone in your struggles, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
What can you do?
Instead of pushing these thoughts out of your mind, acknowledge that they are intrusive concepts and allow them to linger.
The fire continued to spread quickly, and Bostic described it as a “black lagoon” of smoke on the ground floor. He checked all of the bedrooms but couldn’t find the little girl. Then, as he approached a window to exit the home, he heard a child’s cry. Bostic then had an internal conversation with himself: He knew the child needed help, and although he was terrified to go back downstairs through the fire and smoke, he wouldn’t quit. After wrapping his shirt around his mouth, he ran through the home, following the girl’s cries for help. Once he found her, he picked her up, ran upstairs, and jumped out the window onto the lawn. All of the children were safe and suffered no injuries. Bostic received first-degree burns and severe cuts on his arm. He was airlifted to the nearest hospital once first responders arrived at the scene. Bostic’s cousin created a GoFundMe to pay for Bostic’s medical bills, and it collected $556,000. Late-Night Driver Becomes a Sudden Hero Right Place, Right Time
Nicholas Bostic had a heated argument with his girlfriend one night, so he went out driving around to clear his head and relax. Little did he know he would become a hero that same night. During his drive, he witnessed a raging fire that had engulfed a family’s home. Bostic stopped his car and ran inside despite the flames. He immediately began yelling for anyone since no one appeared to be inside the house — not even emergency personnel. His cries woke up 18-year-old Seionna Barrett, the oldest of five children, and she gathered her siblings together to exit the home. Bostic ran to Barrett and her young siblings, and he helped her take the children outside. But Barrett then told Bostic that her 6-year-old sister wasn’t with them. Without a second thought, Bostic again entered the home, hoping to rescue the little girl.
Today, Bostic is healthy and healing. He now has a new perspective on life and is looking forward to whatever his future might hold.
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TAKE A BREAK
College graduates are eager to get into the workforce and start using their newly acquired knowledge in the “real world.” However, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, only 20% of U.S. college students in 2009 had a job after they graduated. In 2009, Trina Thompson found herself in that 80% of unemployed graduates, and she wanted to do something about it. After graduating from Monroe College in New York, Thompson couldn’t find a suitable job. So she filed a $70,000 case against her school (the amount of her tuition for her bachelor’s degree) and $2,000 to compensate her for what she endured while searching for a job. In her lawsuit, she claimed that the college’s career counselors promised career advice and job leads but didn’t work hard enough to find her a job. In addition, she suggested that Monroe’s Office of Career Advancement shows preferential treatment to students with high GPAs — not students like herself who had a low GPA. In response to the case, Monroe College spokesman Gary Axelbank said, “The lawsuit is completely without merit. While it’s clear that no college, especially in this economy, can guarantee employment, Monroe College remains committed to working with all its students … to prepare them for careers and to support them during their job search.” But Thompson or the college didn’t have to worry about attending trial because the case didn’t make it that far. Her case might have stood up in court if she hadn’t received a job offer. Her media attention and IT degree caught the eye of Steve Bellamy, CEO of The Ski Channel. He loved her hunger and willingness to put herself out there, and he offered her a position at his company. I WANT MY MONEY BACK! Recent Graduate Sues Her College
APPLE CRANBERRY CRISP
Ingredients
• 3 cups peeled and chopped tart apples • 1 1/2 cups cranberries • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
• 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup butter, cold • Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Thompson got the job, so her case was eventually dissolved.
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. 3. Grease an 8-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. 4. In a small bowl, mix flour and the remaining brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the fruit. 5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Celebrating Thanksgiving
A Healthy Way to Manage Intrusive Thoughts Man Saves 5 From a Burning Home
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Apple Cranberry Crisp Recent Graduate Sues Her College
It’s National Gratitude Month!
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It’s About Showing Gratitude Thanksgiving Is About More Than Food
As we prepare for our Thanksgiving feasts, Thursday night football games, and Black Friday shopping, take some time to show gratitude for those around you and for what you have. Here are a few ways to practice gratitude this month. Appreciate everything. Get into the habit of being grateful for the little things in your life. It can be easy to acknowledge the “big” things, but nothing is too small to be thankful for. You can be grateful the weather is nice and sunny, that you received the package you’ve been waiting for, or that you got out of bed today. Don’t leave out anything when practicing gratitude. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of what’s happening around you. So, instead of being overwhelmed by what you need to do tomorrow or next week, focus on the present moment and enjoy the time you spend solo or with your loved ones. Live in the moment and take one day at a time. Tomorrow will surely come, and you only have a limited amount of time in the present. Celebrate your challenges. Sometimes struggles and battles in our lives can weigh us down. But when you persevere and continue to push forward, you will find success. Challenges help you improve your abilities and resilience,
so celebrate the progress you’ve made. Showing gratitude for challenges and negative experiences allows us to acknowledge humility and appreciate growth in our lives. Keep a journal. Writing down the things you’re grateful for will remind you of all the great things you have when other things aren’t going so well. So, keep a journal about what you’re grateful for each day or week — even if it’s just small things at first. Your perspective on life will change, and it will get easier to see the good things and to feel grateful for things you were likely overlooking. Showing gratitude is something we should do every day, all throughout the year — not just during the holidays. So, try to practice mindfulness and gratitude using these tips! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 November 2022
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
Corazones llenos de agradecimiento y generosidad ¡Mi día festivo favorito del año está aquí!
Sé que no estoy solo al compartir que Acción de Gracias es mi día festivo favorito del año. Primero, después de un caluroso y brutal verano, al fin está empezando a refrescar un poco aquí en Florida, ¡y ese viento fresco de otoño es tan acogedor y reconfortante! Noviembre también es el mes de mi cumpleaños, y aunque cada año me hago mayor, aún amo celebrar otro año. Por último, pasar un día festivo comiendo platillos deliciosos con mis personas favoritas mientras disfruto plenamente de su compañía… no hay nada mejor. Cada año, cuando llega Acción de Gracias, noto un cambio en la gente. Por ocho o nueve meses del año, muchas personas tienden a ser un poco distantes y rígidas. Sin embargo, cuando llega la temporada festiva, todos son cálidos, generosos y compartidos, y el enfoque principal se dirige a ayudar a la gente, dar gracias y practicar la gratitud. Hay un enfoque importante puesto en retribuir. Es la magia de los días festivos. Estar cerca de este optimismo es cautivador, y simplemente amo la felicidad que sale de los demás durante la temporada festiva. La mayor tradición de Acción de Gracias en mi familia es en realidad más que una temática: es la alegría de estar juntos. Más o menos durante la última década, hemos sido muy afortunados por tener la oportunidad de formar parte de dos celebraciones de Acción de Gracias, una con la familia y otra con amigos: “Acción de Gracias con amigos”. Siempre es una experiencia divertida y feliz, y una que espero vivir por muchos años más. Si me conoce, sabrá que soy un fanático acérrimo de los Cowboys, y suelen jugar en Acción de Gracias, ¡lo cual hace que el día sea mucho mejor! ¡Es la cereza del pastel! Hace unos meses, mi hermana, quien solía vivir aquí en Orlando, se mudó a Alemania. Para toda nuestra familia, no tenerla presente para compartir la emoción de los días festivos será difícil (somos una familia muy unida). Es en momentos como estos en los que estoy mucho más agradecido por la tecnología disponible a nuestro alcance. Tenemos un chat grupal abierto de la familia que nos ayuda a mantenernos en contacto, y constantemente tenemos la oportunidad de conectarnos por FaceTime para comunicarnos. De este modo, ella puede ver e interactuar con mi hija y ser testigo de los cambios por los que
pasa cada día. Antes de irse, mi hija no se ponía de pie, ¡y ahora ella se levanta sola y desde luego lo presume ante la cámara para mi hermana! En este Acción de Gracias, ¡deseo que cada uno de ustedes tenga un día festivo muy feliz, bendecido y cálido que esté lleno de amor, magia, platillos deliciosos y tiempo de calidad con seres queridos! Al reunirse alrededor de la mesa este año, no olvide dedicar tiempo a reflexionar sobre aquello por lo que se siente agradecido.
Después de un año difícil, ¡todavía tenemos muchísimo por lo cual dar gracias! De parte de mi familia a la suya, ¡feliz Acción de Gracias! -Louis Bernardo Berk
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¿Por qué pienso constantemente en esto? Cómo manejar los pensamientos invasivos
Muchas personas lidian todos los días con pensamientos invasivos e indeseados. Todos hemos experimentado imágenes o nociones indeseadas que pasan por nuestra mente, y nos puede resultar difícil concentrarnos en lo que tenemos que hacer. Estos pensamientos también pueden desencadenar sentimientos de ansiedad, preocupación y vergüenza. Sin embargo, debe saber que usted no está solo: algunos estiman que 6 millones de estadounidenses se ven afectados por esta situación, así que muchos pueden sentir empatía por lo que a usted le está pasando. Estos son algunos consejos sobre los pensamientos invasivos y cómo manejarlos de forma saludable. ¿Qué son los pensamientos invasivos? Los pensamientos invasivos son ideas indeseadas que se producen sin previo aviso en cualquier momento, a menudo desencadenadas por el estrés o la ansiedad, o incluso por factores biológicos de corta duración, como los cambios hormonales. Pueden presentarse de muchas formas, y las personas con frecuencia se preocupan por lo que significan, así que, naturalmente, intentan controlar o detener esas ideas por completo. Sin embargo, el intento por prohibir estos pensamientos puede hacer que se vuelvan más persistentes. ¿Qué puede hacer? En lugar de apartar estos pensamientos de su mente, reconozca que son conceptos invasivos y permita que permanezcan.
Entienda que van a pasar, pero prepárese para otros pensamientos indeseados. Lo más importante es que, cuando estos pensamientos se produzcan, no se detenga y complete las tareas que deba hacer. Si intenta controlar, suprimir, cuestionar, interactuar o involucrarse con los pensamientos intrusivos, es probable que se obsesione aún más con ellos. Sentirá que tiene más control si permite que pasen por su cerebro en lugar de tratar de evitarlos e ignorarlos.
Los pensamientos invasivos pueden resultar angustiosos, pero permitir que entren y salgan libremente de su mente le brindará tranquilidad, aunque no lo parezca. Sin embargo, si las ideas invasivas persisten y perjudican
continuamente su capacidad para trabajar o hacer cosas que disfruta, busque a un profesional de la salud mental que pueda proporcionarle información al respecto. Usted nunca está solo en sus luchas, así que no dude en pedir ayuda si la necesita.
Ingredientes
• 3 tazas de manzanas para tarta peladas y cortadas en cubos • 1 y 1/2 tazas de arándanos • 3/4 de taza de azúcar morena comprimida, dividida
• 1 cucharada grande de jugo de limón • 1/2 cucharadita de canela molida • 1/2 taza de harina común • 1/3 de taza de manteca, fría • Helado de vainilla (opcional)
Instrucciones 1. Precalentar el horno a 375° F (190° C). 2. En un recipiente grande, mezclar las manzanas, arándanos, ¼ de taza de azúcar morena, jugo de limón y canela. 3. Untar con la mantequilla una fuente para horno de 8 pulgadas (20 cm) y volcar la mezcla en ella. 4. En un recipiente pequeño, mezclar la harina con lo que queda de azúcar morena. Cortar manteca fría y meterla en la mezcla hasta que esta última se desmigaje. Espolvorear esto sobre la fruta. 5. Hornear sin tapar entre 25–30 minutos o hasta que la cobertura quede dorada y el relleno burbujeante. Si así se desea, servir con helado de vainilla, ¡y a disfrutar!
CROCANTE DE MANZANA Y ARÁNDANOS
Inspirado por TasteOfHome.com
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