May 2019
THE WOMEN WHO HELPED ME PAVE MY WAY My Mentors
Watching my mom start her law career when I was a kid was a significant source of inspiration for me. I was about 2 when my mom graduated from law school. Instead of going the corporate route, she chose to open her own firm to spend more time with me. She may have had her own law firm, but she was still my Brownie leader in third grade and managed to make it to my tennis matches. Even before law school, my mom was putting her family before her career as an AT&T exec. She declined promotion after promotion that would have meant more money and a lot more travel so that she could stay close to her family. But at my young age, I didn’t understand everything she was juggling: raising me, running a law firm, and managing life as a single mother. My dad was still in the picture after their divorce, but my mom handled most of the daily responsibilities for our family. I didn’t gain perspective into my mom’s sacrifices until much later. Isn’t that always the case? It wasn’t until I was an attorney myself that I saw how every choice she made put her family first. Life teaches you, and experience shows you, how much you have to be grateful for.
My mom practiced bankruptcy and divorce law, and seeing how she helped people inspired me to follow a similar path. People came into her office distraught, upset, going through some of the worst moments of their lives, and they left with a new life image. I watched my mom make that process look seamless. She saw the entire picture and proposed different options for resolving the situation. Seeing the transformations she was part of on so many levels inspired me to go down a similar path. After law school, as I started on my own journey as an attorney, another strong, courageous woman guided me through my first few years of practicing law in a big firm. Through long days and tough cases, my colleague Ilyse gave me guidance and support, helping me be confident enough to make the best decisions. She was a sounding board for me at a time when I truly needed it. These days, I do what my mom and Ilyse did for me: I listen and offer thoughtful guidance. Allowing another person to feel heard and helping them shine a light on the path ahead is what the best mentors and representatives do. I often feel myself calling on the same kindness and compassion that these incredible women and mentors showed me. In a way, what Ilyse, my mother, and the countless other people who’ve helped me down my path did for me is what I help clients do now. My mentors taught me how to be a mentor for clients. I’ve learned how to guide people through whatever they’re facing. Navigating divorce and child custody can be very difficult. Not only is someone losing their partner, but they may also have restrictions put on time with their kids. There’s a lot at stake for people who walk through our doors. My job is to be a lawyer and a counselor for my clients. I guide them through tough decisions, advise them according to the law, and help them make the best choices they can under the circumstances. We go to bat when they need a voice in the courtroom to speak up for them and ensure their interests are not brushed aside.
We give strength and hope to people, which are the same things my mentors gave to me.
–Ashley Bruce
Chris and Ashley mentoring the kids at Disney
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Make Your Divorce Different
A Chance for a Fresh Start
In many of the cases we represent, our clients are leaving a marriage that put them in the passenger’s seat. Their spouse has been the driver, controlling how things happen, and our client has found the courage to start over. Here’s what we want anyone in this situation to know: Your divorce can be different than your marriage. If your marriage was ruled by your controlling spouse, don’t let your divorce be. Here are a few things we recommend to set yourself up for a better divorce. TAKE THE REIGNS FROM THE BEGINNING At the start, make it clear that you will not let your spouse call the shots. This might be new for both of you, but be firm where you stand. The minute you allow your spouse to rule the divorce by controlling you, the harder the entire process will be. This is your chance for a fresh start, and you get to dictate what that looks like, not your spouse. LET YOUR ATTORNEY HANDLE THE HARD CONVERSATIONS You’re paying us the big bucks, so let us take care of the negotiations. If your spouse tries to approach you with demands or ultimatums related to the settlement, don’t engage them. Tell them they can contact your attorney. In this way, you show your spouse that you are running the show and they aren’t going to control you like they did in your marriage. Filing for divorce can be the start of a new life. Remember: You get to make the rules now. While you’re free to let the divorce play out like your marriage did, this is your chance to do it differently. If you want the divorce to go better than your marriage, let your lawyer be your voice.
LEARNING TO BE GRATEFUL SOME WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN APPRECIATE THEIR TEACHERS Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 6–10 this year, and there are plenty of ways students of all ages can thank their educators for everything they do. Being a teacher isn’t an easy job, and the people who make it their profession are passionate about helping kids learn. Depending on how old your child is, they may need a parent’s help in showing their appreciation. Here are a few ways parents and children can appreciate teachers together. THANK-YOU NOTES This gesture is simple and sweet and can be very thoughtful. Telling a teacher what makes them outstanding can often be just as valuable as a gift. Help your child write an appreciative note and then write one yourself. Teachers often have to maintain the happiness of students, administrators, and parents. Your card could relieve some of the stress of that balancing act and let them know that you acknowledge their efforts. A HOMEMADE MEAL Making a homemade meal (or dessert) shows teachers that you went the extra mile to appreciate their hard work. Maybe you could make a favorite dish of yours or try to find a new recipe online. Either way, encourage your child to help you with the process so that the meal is truly a gift from both of you. DONATING SCHOOL SUPPLIES Many teachers use their own money to buy school supplies for their classroom. This is just one of the ways teachers go above and beyond on a daily basis, and buying some extra school supplies can help ease that cost. Take your child shopping with you and help them pick out supplies that you know their teacher will appreciate. Your children spend several hours a day with their teachers, so fostering relationships with them is vital. Use this day to help your children understand the importance of teachers, to teach them the power of gratitude, and to encourage them to show respect for everyone who helps them in life.
Is your friend or client in need of a guide as they prepare for divorce? our divorce strategy book can help! The book can be downloaded for FREE at ControlYourDifficultDivorce.com. 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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Adventure Awaits!
LOCAL SUMMER CAMPS YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE
FOR BUDDING THESPIANS: KRAVIS CENTER ARTSCAMP Where: Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Website: Kravis.org
The curtain is about to rise on Florida’s best performing arts program. Designed for children ages 9–11, campers spend three weeks exploring acting, dancing, singing, and technical theater under the guidance of teaching artists. At the end of the program, campers will put on an original showcase performance for parents to enjoy. This is a fun opportunity for kids who want to explore their creative side and have their time in the spotlight.
Summer vacation is great, but three months is a long time. Don’t let boredom drag your family down. Fill your summer with fun at these great local summer camps.
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: CIRCLE F DUDE RANCH CAMP Where: Circle F Dude Ranch Website: CircleFDudeRanchCamp.com
FOR FUTURE ADVENTURERS: SUMMER ZOO CAMP Where: Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society Website: PalmBeachZoo.org/zoo-camp
Looking for the authentic summer camp experience you can share with your whole family? Then Circle F Dude Ranch Camp is your summer destination. Spend a weekend in a rustic cabin, canoe on the lake, hike the trails, play some basketball, sing karaoke, and roast s’mores over a campfire. With 500 acres of rolling hills and lush oak trees, your family has the freedom to choose their own summer camp adventure. Still looking for the best summer camp for your family? Check out more great local camps at PBParenting.com/guides/cat/summer-camp. It’s easy to turn a dull summer vacation into a true adventure.
If your kids have ever wanted to meet their favorite zoo animals or learn how creatures live in the wild, then you’re in luck! The Palm Beach Zoo is hosting their annual Summer Zoo Camp. Campers ages 5–10 will enjoy up-close animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, games, crafts, science experiments, and other enriching conservation activities. Palm Beach Zoo also offers programs for older kids, including Junior Zookeepers Camp and Conservation Camp. This is the camp for kids who want to go wild!
have a LAUGH
Shrimp Sausage Skewers
ingredients
CREOLE SEASONING INGREDIENTS • 2 tablespoon paprika • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder • 1/2 tablespoon cayenne or chili powder • 1/4 tablespoon dried oregano • 1/4 tablespoon dried thyme
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1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 pound cooked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
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2 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
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2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
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Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Directions
1.
Heat your grill to medium-high.
2.
In a bowl, combine all ingredients for creole seasoning.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, zucchini pieces, and sausage pieces, and cover them with the olive oil. 4. Add creole seasoning and mix well until all ingredients are covered. 5. Load up skewers with alternating pieces of shrimp, sausage, and zucchini until they’re full. 6. Grill skewers until shrimp are well-cooked (6–8 minutes).
Inspired by PaleoLeap.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1601 Forum Pl. Ste. 1101 West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Ashley’s Perspective On the Role of Mentors page 1
Teacher Appreciation Week Is Here!
Make Your Divorce Different page 2
The Best Local Summer Camps page 3
How to Travel Sustainably page 4
Go Green
Get Out There With These Eco-Tourism Tips
Vacations can come with great expense, and not just for your bank account. According to a 2018 study published in Nature Climate Change, travel accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cut through the greenwashing and do your part to lessen these emissions by traveling sustainably. TRAVEL GREEN When possible, trains, hybrid buses, and carpooling are great alternatives to larger, more environmentally intrusive travel methods. Large cruise liners are detrimental to oceans, and airplanes emit large amounts of toxins into the air. However, you can cruise and fly with the earth in mind. Some cruise lines are working to reduce their impact by installing more eco-friendly lighting and materials, and flight experts recommend using “green” airports, choosing fuel-efficient airlines, staying longer, and traveling less. If anything, it’s an excuse to extend your European vacation! STAY GREEN Where you stay impacts the environment as much as how you get there. Hotels use copious amounts of water for bathing and laundry, and they struggle to reduce energy
because guests leave their lights and televisions on. However, many luxury resorts, woodsy cabins, and even entire countries have opted to make eco-tourism easier. If you’re looking for a region of the world committed to preserving nature, look no further than Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, which are ranked the three most environmentally friendly places in the world. DO GREEN Man-made attractions like the Egyptian pyramids and Machu Picchu are some of the world’s greatest wonders, but Earth itself is pretty breathtaking. Check out natural attractions while hiking or camping in preserved forests, or soak up all the Caribbean has to offer by snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. When you’re mindful of your surroundings and remain unobtrusive, there are endless outdoor activities you can explore. Some locations even partner with environmentally conscious organizations you can donate to or volunteer with.
Opt for a green vacation and know that while you relax, the earth is getting a little relief too.
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