Take a look at our September newsletter!
SEPTEMBER 2025
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM
407.702.7905
EMPATHY IN THE EVERYDAY THE PEACE OF REFRAMING OUR REACTIONS
We’re all the best versions of ourselves until we’re stuck in traffic.
Since then, I’ve been in many slow-moving drive-thrus and traffic jams, but I think I’m doing a better job of giving others a break. Yes, people do all kinds of crazy stuff on the road, and it’s
How often have you felt frustration or even anger bubble up inside you as you’re frozen in a drive-thru line or on the highway, and every minute of inertia feels like an hour? It’s easy to let our emotions get the best of us in situations like these. After all, we all have somewhere else to be and something else we need to do, right? This feeling gets even more intense when someone cuts us off on the road or the person in front of us in line at the bank has about 100 transactions and questions that keep the teller busy.
“People can really test our patience from time to time, but how we react to these encounters is always our choice.”
natural to want to judge someone as a horrible driver, but no one is always perfect behind the wheel. Maybe that person who cut you off is doing their best in that moment. Perhaps the slowdown at
What’s with these people? Why are they so slow or such lousy drivers?
the drive-thru is due to an unexpected equipment problem or another issue inside the building that’s frustrating the employees as much as everyone sitting in line.
We may be tempted to ask these questions now and then, but I’ve realized we should be asking a different one: “How can I improve my attitude about what’s happening and be a kinder and more understanding person?” Everybody’s a bit judgmental on some level, usually based on our upbringing and our perceptions of how people should act. If you wouldn’t intentionally do something to inconvenience or frustrate someone, why would anyone else? That philosophy is reasonable enough, but we don’t live in a black-and-white world where the situations we find ourselves in — and our interactions with others — are always simple. People can really test our patience from time to time, but how we react to those encounters is always our choice. I have a specific reason for mentioning this topic in this newsletter — September is Self-Improvement Month. Whether it’s connecting with customers through work or spending precious time with my wife and children, I always look for ways to be a better person. At the beginning of the year, I committed myself to being more patient and less judgmental of others. I realized I had a blind spot in my perspective when it came to those moments when I’m waiting for someone else to move before I can get on with my day. Instead of judging someone in my travels, I made a more substantial effort to be more understanding of them and, hopefully, be understood myself whenever I became the person slowing someone else down.
Ultimately, I’ve taught myself not to jump to conclusions about people as quickly as I did just a few months ago. We never know what a stranger is going through that may cause them to act a certain way, so the best thing we can do is be as patient and empathetic as possible. By focusing on this goal, I’ve seen how arrogant and selfish it can be to think we know better than God or try to take control of situations that aren’t any of our business. Hopefully, you’ll be reminded of these words the next time you’re stuck behind other cars outside Starbucks or Chick-fil-A. After all, there may be a meaningful reason for the delay — and perhaps, at times, that delay is because of you .
We’re all working through our days the best we can. Let’s give each other a little more wiggle room now and then!
Robert Burns
1
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
407.702.7905
As we move into the slower pace of fall, I’ve been reflecting on a book I think more people need to read: “Self-Care: How to Live Mindfully and Look After Yourself” by Claire Chamberlain. It’s not long or complicated, but it’s packed with meaningful reminders that apply to our homes, routines, and even how we experience our outdoor spaces. Here are five takeaways that stood out to me. Create pockets of stillness. Whether it’s a shaded bench, a tucked-away garden corner, or a sunny front porch, we all need quiet spaces. The book encourages us to find a place to pause and just breathe — even for a few minutes a day. Move with the seasons. Fall is the perfect time to take inventory of your landscape and life. The changing light, cooler mornings, and slower growth in the garden are nature’s way of saying, “It’s okay to slow down.” The Serenity of Slowing Down WHAT LANDSCAPING (AND A BOOK) REMINDED ME ABOUT LIFE
GAVIN’S GUYS Fields and Faith
It’s been brutally hot at times this summer, hasn’t it?
As some of you know, I’ve been helping my dad on the farm this season. Although I’ve been going down there with him as much as possible, the heat’s been making it hard to do farming every day. We’ve taken down all the trees at this point, so the area is basically 40 acres of open land in the sun right now — not the most comfortable place to be when it gets super-hot! Still, I work there whenever the weather is safe. Fortunately, I’ve had cooler ways of keeping busy as well. I love helping my dad on the farm, and I really love trying to give back and help other people, even if they’re complete strangers. Earlier this summer, I went to Vacation Bible School at the church near our house. After the week, I volunteered to go back for a second week and serve as a counselor to the younger kids there. After training, I spent the next few days helping the kindergartners get from station to station and answering their questions. That week was more about work than just having fun, but I’m glad I thought of doing it. It was nice to help the younger kids enjoy their time there as much as I had the week before. My mom and dad said they thought it was cool that I wanted to do it without being asked. It was
no problem; I wanted to do it and am glad I made that decision on my own. I’m used to being around younger people and helping them out, thanks to being with my little sisters, Ella and Juliet, a lot. I’ve had a lot of practice being a helpful, bigger kid!
Until next time, have fun, stay cool, and help someone wherever possible!
2
407.702.7905
LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
We Love Referrals — and We Appreciate You! Most of our best clients come from word-of-mouth, and we truly appreciate your support in growing our client family. If you know someone who could use our services, we would love the opportunity to help them!
Build small, intentional habits. It doesn’t take a huge lifestyle shift to practice self-care. Watering your plants, taking a walk around the yard, or sipping coffee outside counts. What matters is that you do it with intention. Let nature reset you. Spending just five or 10 minutes outside can reduce stress and help you feel more grounded. Even observing seasonal changes in your yard can shift your mindset. Lastly, try this … Choose one overlooked part of your landscape and turn it into your personal reset zone. Add a chair, a potted plant, or soft lighting — something simple that invites you to slow down. If you’re thinking about refreshing your landscape to better support how you live and unwind, we’re here to help. Reach out anytime — we’d be glad to assist.
Referring is easy! Just share our contact info: Robert@blgenvironmental.com 407-702-7905 BLGenvironmental.com Or simply have them scan this QR code to get in touch instantly!
Thank you for trusting us and for being part of our client family. Your referrals mean the world to us!
Robert Burns
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST!
“When we purchased our winter home in Orlando, we expected challenges in finding a residential landscape professional we could develop a long term relationship with like we had at home in Canada. Our objective was
HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS? “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” JAMES 1:19–20 (NIV) “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” EPHESIANS 4:2 (NIV) “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” MATTHEW 7:1–2 (NIV)
to have extensive work done to our back yard, pool area, and around our custom bocce court. Of the three contractors interviewed, Robert Burns of BLG Environmental was the only one who took the time to truly understand our needs and then provided some suggestions that further enhanced the concept we provided. The work was completed on time, within budget, and to our satisfaction. We would not hesitate to recommend BLG Environmental for any landscape requirements.” –Albert D. TAKE A BREAK!
EASY OUT
3
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM 407.702.7905
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
P.O. BOX 521090 • LONGWOOD, FL 32752
Schedule a Free Design Consultation with Robert Burns
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
1
Kindness in the Chaos
2
Book Spotlight
Heatwaves and a Helpful Spirit
3
The Good News
Hear From Our Clients
4
Hurricane Season Travel Tips for Older Adults
HOW OLDER VACATIONERS CAN NAVIGATE HURRICANE SEASON STORM-SMART TRAVEL
The sandy beaches of the Southeast are irresistible to many fall travelers, including a growing number of older adults. And more seniors are planning to travel to hurricane-prone areas this year. According to AARP’s annual travel survey, some 70% of adults ages 50 and over say they are planning a 2025 trip, compared with 65% in 2024. Top destinations of choice include Florida, Latin America, and the Caribbean — areas where 13–19 named storms are predicted for the hurricane season ending Nov. 30. Older adults often face greater safety risks during harsh weather because of their reduced mobility and increased health care needs. If you are venturing into storm-prone areas this fall, here are a few strategies for staying safe.
Take stock of the risks at your vacation destination, including exposure to storm surges, high winds, heavy rainfall, or flooding. While most people think of ocean shores as the most vulnerable, inland areas can be hit by flooding, too. As a precaution, check local government websites for maps of evacuation routes and possible shelters. If you stay at a resort or hotel, don’t assume the staff will care for your needs during a storm. Keep items you might need in an emergency on hand, including extra medications, a paper list of local contacts, and backup chargers for medical devices and phones. Prepare a survival kit with bottled water, food, toiletries, flashlights, and extra batteries. If you must evacuate, carry cash and your ID, such as a passport and driver’s license.
Consider buying evacuation, weather, or traditional travel insurance to guard against weather-related costs or expenses. Read the fine print on these policies before you buy; they vary widely in what they cover and the terms of that coverage. Finally, don’t assume that because you rode out a hurricane in the past, you can do so again. Every storm is unique. Follow orders from safety officials in your location. Don’t try to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Instead, as the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) warns, run from the water and hide from the wind! We hope that you will never need to implement any of these tips. But knowing you are prepared can give you peace of mind throughout the storm season!
4
LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
407.702.7905
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator