Check out our April newsletter!
What’s the Worst That Could Happen? FIGHTING FEAR AND EMBRACING OPPORTUNITY April 2025 720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304, Naples, FL 34102 • www.AttorneyShapiro.com
What’s the biggest chance you’ve ever taken? Maybe it was leaving a steady job to pursue your passion or moving across the country to make a new home for your family. The chances we take often have ripple effects we could never imagine. The boldest leap of my life came when I decided to walk away from a stable law firm and create something of my own. That decision changed everything for me, and I haven’t looked back.
— neophobia. But when you give in to this fear, you limit yourself and ultimately hinder growth. I remember the first time I was asked to speak at a legal seminar. In a word, it was intimidating. Standing before an audience made me beyond nervous, but I knew I had valuable knowledge worth sharing.
So, I stepped out of my comfort zone and up to the podium. Although it wasn’t perfect, it sparked something inside of me. I found a passion for educating people about their
Decisions like these are what National Take a Chance Day is all about. Celebrated every April, this day reminds us that growth, success, and opportunity are often just beyond our comfort zones. Taking a risk is never easy, but I can confidently say I’ve gotten where I am today because I never let fear hold me back. TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH TO CHANGE. I still remember how I felt when I decided to start my own firm. It was definitely exciting but also terrifying. After all, I would be risking the career I’d built and leaving behind the stability of working for someone else. What if I failed? How would I support my family? Did I have what it takes to make it on my own? I quickly pushed aside doubt and asked myself another question: What’s the worst that could happen?
legal rights and began taking on more speaking engagements. Today, it’s one of my favorite parts of the job. DON’T ALLOW FEAR TO HOLD YOU BACK. I encourage everyone to use National Take a Chance Day to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: What have I always wanted to do but haven’t because of fear? If fear of failure, rejection, or uncertainty is getting in the way of your goals, it’s time to put those fears aside and take a chance on yourself. Not every risk leads to success, but every experience offers valuable lessons.
Letting fears get in the way of my goals would have meant never starting my firm. I would have missed the opportunity to help countless clients and create something I’m genuinely proud of. Taking a chance and trusting myself was the most important decision of my life.
Even if I failed, I could rebuild. But if I was successful, I could create something meaningful. So, I took the plunge and founded The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. Taking a big chance on myself was one of the best things I’ve ever done. The firm has grown beyond what I could imagine. I’ve helped thousands of clients across Florida while building a fantastic team that shares my passion for justice. And none of this would have been possible if I’d let doubt take control. STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE. A bit of discomfort always comes with trying something new. In fact, fear of the unknown is a natural response. We even have a word for it
WHAT COULD TAKING A CHANCE DO FOR YOU? If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t let fear keep you from seeking justice. Contact The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. today for a free consultation. Taking action could be the best decision you make. -Marc L. Shapiro
(239) 500-5000 • 1
LEAF A LEGACY AND PLANT A TREE!
CREATE LASTING FAMILY MEMORIES THIS ARBOR DAY
Arbor Day, celebrated this year on April 25, is a chance to dig deep and nurture the environment while creating lasting memories with your kids. Rooted in the love of trees, Arbor Day is a perfect opportunity to teach your little ones the importance of caring for our planet while having fun outside. With wildfires destroying millions of acres of trees annually, the need for replanting has never been greater. Planting a tree is a hands-on way to make a difference; kids love getting their hands dirty. Plus, it’s more than just a lesson in environmental stewardship — it’s an activity that promotes exercise, teamwork, and pride in watching something grow.
technical steps, like trimming roots that twist or grow in circles, kids can pitch in by scooping dirt and getting up close to nature. As you settle the tree into its new home, explain how the roots will anchor it and how its leaves will turn sunlight into energy. After planting, the work doesn’t stop! Teach your children how to water the tree properly — soaking the root ball without overwatering. Build a mulch ring together and explain its purpose in keeping the roots cool and moist. Then, it’s time to watch it grow! CHART THE JOURNEY AHEAD. Planting a tree is just the beginning of a long-term adventure. Encourage your kids to measure the tree’s growth, sketch its leaves, and write about its progress in a journal. Snap photos together to document its transformation, and talk about trees’ vital role in providing oxygen, shade, and habitat for all of us. This Arbor Day, take a moment to plant more than a tree — plant a memory. Working together as a family teaches lessons in responsibility, environmental care, and the joy of nurturing life. Plus, the smiles and laughter along the way? Those are the real treasures.
START THE ADVENTURE. Choose the perfect tree and location. Let your children take the lead in selecting a spot with the right amount of sunlight and
plenty of room for growth. Once you’ve gathered your tools — a spade, mulch, soil, water bucket, and, of course, your tree — the real fun begins. Together, dig a hole just the right size for the root ball. While the adults may handle the more
“This law firm is by far the best law firm I have ever had! Wonderful staff, they fight hard for you. Even when they are sick, they make sure their clients are first! I highly recommend them! Overall 5-star rating.” –Joshua “Thank you to The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. Going through an accident is nothing you would think about ever happening, but I’m glad I had Mr. Shawn Davey in my corner through this ordeal. I didn’t know the slightest thing about the process or what to do after the accident, but they walked me through it and had my best interest at heart during this time. I will be referring anyone I can to this law office. Thank you again for all of your help.” –Darrell “We have used The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. for a couple of different cases, and every time I have what I feel may be a ‘silly question,’ his staff always treats me with an amazing amount of kindness and respect.” –Robin “I was referred to Marc Shapiro for consultation and advice on making a claim. From the very beginning, it was clear I made the right choice! “Everyone who worked with me was extremely professional and knowledgeable about my case. Shawn Davey was especially helpful, always available to answer my questions and offer advice. The process took time, but I never felt left out of the loop. It was because of the kind, patient staff that I was able to come to an equitable agreement. I would strongly recommend Marc Shapiro and his team! They are great!” –Jud “Loved my experience working with the people here at Marc Shapiro of Naples! They were complete professionals, and I would definitely recommend them.” –Ariel
2 • www.AttorneyShapiro.com
Choosing Safety Over Distraction EYES ON THE ROAD We’ve all seen it — a driver swerving out of their lane because they’re not paying attention to the road. Whether it’s texting or just reaching over to adjust the radio, distracted driving can have devastating consequences and change lives in an instant. texting behind the wheel isn’t the only issue. Anything that diverts attention away from the road is dangerous. Even using a hands-free device creates a cognitive distraction that slows reaction time and affects brain activities necessary for safe driving.
Stay focused behind the wheel. The easiest thing we can all do to make our roads safer is to put our phones away. Keeping them out of reach and using “Do Not Disturb” mode will limit the temptation to glance down at the first sound of a notification. Once the phone’s put away, adjust your GPS and music in advance so you won’t have to while driving. And leave the multitasking for another time — eating and grooming can wait until you’re out of the car. Education is also essential. People of all ages are guilty of distracted driving, but teens
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a great time to reflect on the dangers of distracted driving and take action to make our roads safer. Many auto accidents could be prevented if we all stay aware and responsible behind the wheel. Be mindful of distracted driving in Florida. Distracted driving is a growing problem throughout Florida. A crash occurs on our roads every 44 seconds, and 1 in 7 is due to a distracted driver. Often, texting is to blame. Between 2019 and 2023, citations for texting while driving more than tripled. But
and young adults are especially vulnerable. If you have a young driver at home, lead by example and be sure they understand the consequences of driving while distracted. Get help if a distracted driver injures you. Florida law takes distracted driving seriously, but a ticket doesn’t undo the damage and neglect of a reckless driver. If a distracted driver has injured you or a loved one, you have legal rights. Contact our team at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. for help getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
Word Search
Hearty Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
• • • • • •
1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 medium onion, diced
•
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
1/2 tsp celery seed
•
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
16 oz fresh gnocchi 1/2 cup half-and-half
• •
2 tbsp chopped chives Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery seed and cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. 2. Add broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook for about 3 minutes, then stir in half-and-half and 1/2 of the bacon. 3. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup cheese, then rest until thickened, about 5 minutes. 4. Top with remaining cheese, chives, and bacon as desired.
ARBOR ARIES
CHOCOLATE DAISY DIAMOND FOOLS
GARDEN KITE RAINBOW SHOWERS
BASEBALL CHERRIES
(239) 500-5000 • 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304 Naples, FL 34102 www.AttorneyShapiro.com
Inside The Power of Taking a Chance Page 1
Planting Memories and Trees This Arbor Day Words of Gratitude From Our Clients Page 2 Spotlight on Distracted Driving Awareness Month Hearty Gnocchi Soup Page 3
Trash-Bagging Makes Rainy Days Fun Page 4
A NEW WAY TO PLAY OUTSIDE Ditch the Screens and Grab a Trash Bag
Let the Rain Do the Work: Trash-bagging is the perfect rainy day activity, as the rain naturally lubricates the hill and adds to the fun. If there is no rain, you can use a hose to create the same effect.
Looking for a fun, wholesome way to bring the family together? “Trash- bagging” is a quirky, budget-friendly activity for adults and kids alike. Combining trash bags, rain, soap, and grassy hills, this outdoor pursuit, which became popular on social media, is a great way to embrace simple fun while creating lasting memories. HOW IT WORKS Don’t let a little rain keep you from having a good time. Getting set up for trash-bagging takes only a few steps: Gear Up: Grab large plastic trash bags — at least one for each participant — and poke holes for your arms and head. These “sliding suits” keep you slick and ready to glide. Add the Soap: Using a squirt bottle, spray some soapy water onto the outside of the trash bag to create a slippery surface. Always use biodegradable soap safe for the grass and wildlife to protect the environment. Pick Your Hill: Choose a grassy hill free of rocks, sticks, and other debris. A gentle incline works best for safe and smooth sliding.
Slide and Repeat: Take turns sliding down the hill. To keep the fun going, reapply soapy water and replace sliding suits (i.e., trash bags).
WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING Trash-bagging is a unique way to enjoy quality family time. It’s incredibly budget-friendly — requiring only a few everyday items — and offers a creative alternative to expensive outings. This activity appeals to all ages, so you can get everyone involved and moving outdoors. Plus, trash-bagging is an excellent way to unplug from screens and reconnect. It reminds us that the best memories don’t require a Wi-Fi connection — just a little creativity and willingness to try something new.
4 • www.AttorneyShapiro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator