Celebrating What We Have November 2018
AND MAKING NEW TRADITIONS
Just a few minutes ago, I stepped outside my office, and I heard thunder in the distance. The heat and humidity haven’t gone away, but even when it’s stormy, I’m thankful to live here — it’s paradise, isn’t it? And luckily, there’s more to be thankful for than just the weather. As we wrap up our second year as a firm, and I am grateful to all the people who’ve been part of this journey: the people who’ve referred clients to us, the clients who trust us to guide them through challenging times, and my incredible team, including attorneys Rosalie Cruz and Charles Thompson, and our paralegals Nicole and Jennifer. I look around our office, and I’m very excited about working with these folks who bring not just experience and knowledge about family law to our team, but also compassion and authenticity to our clients. It’s incredible to see the growth that’s happened over the last two years. We have monthly team meetings, and it used to be me and Nicole. Now all of a sudden, I look around during our meetings and our conference room is almost too small! It emphasizes how our firm is growing, and that’s thanks to the people who’ve trusted us to improve their lives.
Reflecting on two years as a firm, I think about the identity and culture that have blossomed from our core since the beginning. As you know, we are a very family-oriented firm — everybody who works here has at least one child under 6, and for all of us, family is very important. We put our all into our work so we can go home at the end of the day and be with our families. That compassion and caring reflects back on our clients. We provide them with the service that we would expect someone to provide to our family members. We’re aware that we serve a very important role in our clients’ lives. We get to help them through really tough times, and that’s not something we take lightly. For Thanksgiving this year, I’ll be spending the holiday with my family. When I was younger, we went to my mom’s house every Thanksgiving, and all our family gathered there. But after a few more degrees, marriages, and kids, our family has gotten a little more scattered, and we don’t have one central gathering place. So this year, our tradition is making new traditions. Ashley, Russell, Ruby and I are heading five hours north to Jacksonville to spend Thanksgiving with my sister and her family. Remember when I mentioned our dream travel trailer? Well, Ashley and I made that dream come true, so we’ll load up the new trailer with the kids and make a trip out of it. Our plan is to stop at a few scenic spots along the route to Jacksonville, like St. Augustine, whose claim to fame is being the oldest city in America. We’re excited to see the Spanish architecture, beaches, and Anastasia State Park, which is a protected wildlife sanctuary there. Hanna Park in Jacksonville is also on our list for its hiking trails and lake. This will be our second time taking the trailer out on a major road trip, so wish us luck! I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m looking forward to making some new traditions this year. Even when things change, you get to make the holidays what you want them to be. For us, that’s the open road and time together.
How will you spend Thanksgiving?
– Chris Bruce
Ashley and the kids making s’mores!
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Turning to Mediation TO FACILITATE A SETTLEMENT If a divorce case can’t be settled between lawyers quickly, mediation is a good option for spouses to settle their case without having to go to court. In mediation, each spouse is in a separate room with their own lawyer. A third, impartial professional, usually another divorce attorney, will act as mediator and go between rooms to help the parties reach a settlement. For example, at our law firm, we meet with our client in our office and let their spouse and attorney meet in the conference room. In mediation, there’s no requirement for anyone to do anything other than show up. It takes away the pressure of having to come to an agreement — you’re just there to have a talk that is facilitated by the mediator. The duration of a mediation session varies, though most last for 2–6 hours. During mediation, everyone involved will try to prepare a contract that both parties will agree to.
BEST DIY GIFT IDEAS Looking for gift ideas that don’t break the bank but still show the special people in your life how much you care? Do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts are the way to go. Here are a few ideas to put together on a chilly night. Pull out your crafting supplies, turn on some holiday tunes, and get creative. FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
BEST DIY GIFT TO MAKE WITH THE LITTLE ONES: Handprint Apron
Having that third party who can see things differently is the defining feature of mediation. It’s different from arbitration. Everything that happens in mediation is confidential and cannot be used in court. Because everything that’s said stays with the mediator, people can talk more openly to settle a case. It creates an environment where spouses feel free to discuss and decide on a settlement. Clients should always meet with their attorney before their mediation to talk about what type of settlement makes sense. Before mediation, both parties should also exchange information that allows them to negotiate in good faith and with an understanding of the marital finances. This information also helps the attorneys. The best divorce attorneys will go into mediation with a draft of the settlement terms.
Aunties, uncles, and godparents will love a gift that incorporates their favorite little ones, and it’s a great way to get the kids in on the project. Choose some unadorned aprons from your local craft or home goods store and some acrylic paint in a variety of colors. Then get crafty! The kids can use their handprints as a starting point and add other decorations as they like. You can also find some fun ideas on the blog Little Page Turner, like painting a butterfly from your kids’ stamped footprints. Have fun with it!
BEST DIY GIFT FOR YOUR BESTIE: Personalized Mug
If you’re interested in mediation as a way to settle your divorce, give Bruce Law Firm a call today.
You only need a mug and an oven-safe or porcelain marker to create this personalized gift. Use a mug you already own, or pick one up from the dollar store or thrift store, and get expressive! You could write a sweet or funny message (“but first, coffee” or “two shots, hold the chatter”) or list their favorite beverage (“coffee, no sugar” or “green tea”).Write something that makes them think of you, or create a simple drawing. Enjoy the artistic freedom as much as they’ll enjoy your thoughtful gift.
Is your friend or client in need of a guide as they prepare for divorce? our divorce strategy book can help!
BEST DIY GIFT FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL: Memory Map
The book can be downloaded for FREE at GetOrganizedForDivorce.com.
Utilize a map, a pair of scissors, some glue, and your memories of meaningful places to create this sentimental gift. Choose map locations that are meaningful to you and your special person — where you met, where you celebrated special moments, where you first lived — and cut them out in geometric or heart shapes. Then, glue the cutouts to a piece of matboard. You can add kind words at each point, or let the places explain themselves. Place in a frame and gift to your loved one.
If your friend or client lives in the South Florida area, we will mail them a hard copy of the book upon request.
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How Connecting With Nature Benefits Us
If you want to make some positive connections, turn to nature. Research shows positive correlations between nature and human health and intelligence, and it only takes one walk in the woods to feel the benefits of nature at work. Workplaces that incorporate nature into their designs have employees who are shown to be more productive, healthy, and creative. It has been shown that patients who are placed in rooms with a view of nature heal faster. In a study done by the Wildlife Trust that encouraged people to spend time each day in the month of June in nature, participants showed increased health and happiness. And after the study ended, they had increased their connection to nature. For Dr. Miles Richardson, an author of the study, the results weren’t a surprise, but the extent to which the connection to nature increased is important to remember. “A key point was that the improvement in health was influenced by the improvement in happiness, but this relationship was mediated by the increase in connection to nature,” Richardson says. Building a relationship with nature has a positive effect on us, and
if you’ve ever looked out at a beautiful sunset or listened to waves lap against the shore, you’ve probably felt this. After all, we were made to exist here.
While it can feel like the natural world is far removed from our lives, really, there are reminders of it all around us. If you haven’t made time for it lately, don’t wait for your next vacation to connect with nature. There are a few ways you can incorporate the natural world into your daily life. Get your coworkers together for a walk on your lunch break or take a walk on the beach when you get home. There are a few natural areas around West Palm Beach, like Winding Waters Natural Area and Royal Palm Beach Pines. Urban gardens, like Mounts Botanical Garden, provide a peaceful setting to immerse yourself in.
Make it a goal this month to get outside more, and feel the happiness and health boost you get from your connection to nature.
have a LAUGH
Spicy, Creamy Sweet Potatoes
ingredients
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5 pounds sweet potatoes 1 cup canned coconut milk
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1/2 cup dark brown sugar 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon kosher salt
Directions
1. Heat oven to 375 F. On a large sheet pan, bake potatoes until very soft, approximately 75 minutes. 2. Let potatoes cool until they are safe to handle, then peel and mash. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut milk and curry paste. Once mixed, add the mixture, salt, half the sugar, and half the butter to potatoes. 4. 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 F. Spread potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. 5. Uncover potatoes and dot with remaining butter and sugar. Broil until brown, crusty, and delicious. Serve hot.
Inspired by The New York Times
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Changing Traditions page 1
The Best DIY Gifts
Mediation to Facilitate Divorce page 2
Making a Natural Connection page 3
What to Talk About This Thanksgiving page 4
Dodging Thanksgiving Awkwardness CONVERSATIONS APPROPRIATE FOR THE DINNER TABLE
2. What Thanksgiving dish can you not live without? Without going culinary critic on your grandma’s meal, gush about your favorite dish. Just like with pets, people love discussing foods and recipes. You may start a fun debate or a recipe swap with this question. 3. Dad did what as a kid? Getting to know your relatives, friends, and significant others better will only strengthen those bonds. You’ll likely hear some interesting stories you can share with others and forge a stronger connection with your relatives. 4. Stupid human tricks, anyone? Let’s see those double joints! This one might not be for the squeamish at the dinner table, but it’s a fun, goofy activity that’s best shared over a glass of after-dinner wine. 5. How about we get coffee? Sometimes part of the stress of answering your relatives’ questions stems from holiday pressures. It may force you to address your bank account, love life, and general life choices. If you really do want to talk about your job or your love life with relatives, suggest meeting up again without the holiday atmosphere. While you’re all in one place trying to enjoy a piece of pie, plan a family winery tour, beach day, or camping trip. Family situations will always be a little stressful, but without the pressure of the holidays, you might feel more relaxed.
Thanksgiving conversation is often a minefield of topics: political divides, your English degree, and Aunt Marjory’s insistence that you meet her neighbor’s cousin’s dog walker’s uncle’s son who’s a fantastic up-and-coming podiatrist. Between constantly passing the potatoes and dodging your relatives’ questions, Thanksgiving can be an exhausting holiday. But it’s a day to be grateful for what and whom you have in your life, so why do so many people leave their annual gatherings feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood? This year, when the conversation begins steering in an awkward direction, try these conversation starters for a more relaxing and fulfilling holiday. 1. What’s your pet been up to? Maybe Fluffy learned a new trick or Oscar is undergoing some intensive grooming next week. Whatever the case may be, people love to talk about their pets.
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