Get Inspired with #HispaFam - March 2025 Newsletter
Perhaps it’s time to redefine our ideas and perspectives. Maybe a small shift in our mindset is all it takes to free ourselves and appreciate the most valuable things within us and around us.
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
Reflection March 2025
Have You Heard These Phrases? Life is one, and it is beautiful... You have to live life to the fullest... Every day is an opportunity to reach your goals or dreams.
Have you ever stopped to think if there’s any truth to these words? I ask, is life truly beautiful? What does it really mean to live life to the fullest? Is each day truly an opportunity to achieve our dreams? We all have our own answers.
The reality is that we all go through experiences that shape our perception of life’s beauty. We have faced challenges and difficult moments, but we have also enjoyed wonderful and joyful times. And you know what? None of these define our worth or who we are. They neither diminish nor add to the beauty of our being. Simply by existing, we carry a unique and immeasurable value.
Perhaps it’s time to redefine our ideas and perspectives. Maybe a small shift in our mindset is all it takes to free ourselves and appreciate the most valuable things within us and around us. When this happens, a curtain of truth will lift, allowing light to shine on our path. We will begin to see the beauty within ourselves, recognize the beauty in others, appreciate the wonder of each day, and embrace the opportunities that life offers. Only then will we truly understand what it means to live life to the fullest.
So, what if you highlight your strengths instead of focusing on your “weaknesses”? What if you look in the mirror each day and speak words of encouragement, compassion, and love to yourself? What if you brighten someone’s day with a simple smile?
Life is beautiful because you are part of it. Your qualities, strengths, and even your struggles—someone out there needs them. Look around, cherish the simple things, recognize your worth and that of others, and in doing so, you will pave the way to achieving your dreams.
Take a moment today... Give a smile. Speak words of encouragement and love to yourself.
And remember, life is beautiful because you are part of it.
Puerto Rico Day in Tallahassee
✨ Our CEO, Dr. Medina, proudly represented us at Puerto Rico Day in Tallahassee 🇵🇷—a meaningful gathering dedicated to celebrating our rich culture 🎶🌺 while advocating for the rights and well-being of our community ✊🏽.
In moments like these, we are reminded of the power of unity, representation, and resilience. Our voices matter, and through collective action, we continue to break barriers, uplift our people, and fight for a future where every Puerto Rican has the opportunities and support they deserve. 💪🏽
With determination and heart, we stand firm in our commitment to amplifying our voices, honoring our heritage, and ensuring that our community’s needs are heard and met. Together, we create change. Together, we make a difference.💙🌍
#PuertoRicoDay #RepresentationMatters #StrongerTogether
Wellness roundtable
HispaFam had the privilege of participating in an enriching wellness roundtable, a dynamic space for dialogue and connection where dedicated mental health professionals came together to share experiences, strategies, and knowledge.
During this event, the importance of ensuring access to essential services was highlighted, and new initiatives were explored to strengthen the overall well-being of our community.
We are proud to be part of this collective effort, working every day to make mental health a priority in every corner.
#MentalHealthForAll #Wellness #SaludMentalParaTodos #Bienestar #HispaFam
HAPBWA-Swearing 2025 Change of Command.
Hispanic Family Counseling had the honor of attending the swearing-in ceremony of the new HAPBWA (Hispanic American Professional & Business Women’s Association) Board of Directors at the HAPBWA-Swearing 2025 Change of Command.
During this heartfelt ceremony, we bid a grand farewell to the 2023-2025 board and warmly welcomed the new Board of Directors—an inspiring group of professionals and businesswomen who will lead this new era from 2025 to 2027.
Additionally, we celebrated the remarkable careers and unwavering commitment to community service of distinguished and admirable individuals, including Adolfina Ortiz, Luis Martínez Alicea, founder Gladys Casteleiro, Eva Pagán, and Daly Hernández.
We congratulate the new Board of Directors and wish them great success in their leadership. We remain committed to supporting the leadership and empowerment of our community!
#HAPBWA2025 #HispaFam #Leadership #ProfessionalWomen
Amazing experience at Out of The Darkness with UCF!
Our intern Ena Rivera had the opportunity to connect with incredible people and hear inspiring stories. Plus, Hispanic Family Counseling was invited for a private tour of Central Florida Behavioral Hospital!
#OutOfTheDarkness #HispaFam #MentalHealthMatters #UCF #CFBH"
GrowFL
We are proud to share that our founder participated in the prestigious GrowFL Leadership Institute, exploring the theme “Building a Lasting Legacy.” This transformative experience brought together visionary leaders to discuss leadership, resilience, and creating a meaningful impact that endures over time.
We are excited to apply these insights as we continue to grow, innovate, and make a difference!
#GrowFL #Emprendimiento #ConstruyendoUnLegado #HispaFam #CrecimientoEmpresarial #Resiliencia #DesarrolloLiderazgo
Collaborative Meeting
At Hispanic Family Counseling, we believe in the power of community. We participate in the Collaborative Meeting to organize and advocate for housing, health, education, economic development, and opportunities for our Latino youth.
Together we move forward!
#UnidosPorNuestraComunidad #FuturoLatino #HispaFam"
Support Group for Depression
This month of love and friendship, we want to remind you that you are not alone. In our support group, we work together to understand and manage depression through psychoeducation and the learning of useful and effective techniques.
Join us in this safe space where we share, learn, and grow together.
Once a month, our therapist Christian Alverio, with the assistance of our intern Frances Lopez, brings us specialized topics to improve our emotional well-being.
Because together, we are stronger. We look forward to seeing you!
#HispaFam #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealth #LoveAndFriendship #SupportGroup
#NoEstásSolo #SaludMental #AmoryAmistad #GrupoDeApoyo
If you want to learn more about our work and impact on communities, follow us on our social media platforms.
➡️ Read the new blog post: Embracing New Beginnings: The Connection Between Spring and Mental Health
March marks the arrival of spring a season of renewal, growth, and transformation. Just as nature begins to bloom after the stillness of winter, we, too, have the opportunity to embrace new beginnings in our lives. At Hispanic Family Counseling, we believe that this time of year is a perfect reminder that change is not only possible but necessary for personal growth and mental well-being. Spring as a Symbol of Renewal
Spring represents a fresh start. Trees regain their leaves, flowers blossom, and the world feels more vibrant. Similarly, in our personal journeys, we can use this season as an inspiration to shed the weight of the past and step into a more hopeful, positive mindset. Whether it’s letting go of old fears, healing from past experiences, or simply choosing to prioritize self-care, spring encourages us to embrace transformation.
Mental Health & New Beginnings
Just like the seasons, our emotions and mental health go through cycles. There are times when we feel stuck, much like winter's cold and stillness, but spring reminds us that change is always possible. It’s a time to plant new seeds—whether they are new habits, healthier routines, or a renewed commitment to therapy and self-care.
Here are a few ways to welcome this season of renewal into your mental health journey:
🌿 Practice Self-Compassion – Just like a flower doesn’t rush to bloom, give yourself time to grow at your own pace.
🌞 Embrace Positive Changes – Try a new hobby, journal your thoughts, or set small goals that bring you joy.
🌸 Seek Support – Just as nature thrives with sunshine and water, we thrive with connection and care. Therapy and support groups can help you navigate challenges and find renewed strength.
🌱 Let Go of the Old – Release negative thoughts, past mistakes, or anything that no longer serves your well-being.
A Time for Growth and Healing
At Hispanic Family Counseling, we understand that change isn’t always easy, but just like spring, growth happens little by little. This season, we encourage you to take small steps toward mental wellness. Whether it’s reaching out for help, starting therapy, or simply practicing self-love, remember that every effort you make is a step toward a healthier, happier you.
This March, let’s welcome the beauty of new beginnings and embrace the opportunity to grow, heal, and thrive. 🌷💙
If you or a loved one needs support, we’re here for you. Contact us to learn more about our mental health services and how we can help you on your journey.
-By Sheila Burgos
➡️ Read the new blog post: Self-love, an invaluable treasure!
Once upon a time, there was a caterpillar named Esmeralda. She was known for being very happy. She loved watching the sunrise and sunset. One day, while walking through the forest, she looked up at the blue sky and noticed two butterflies flying with their beautiful, colorful wings. Esmeralda became excited and tried to fly, but she quickly realized she had no wings. At that moment, Esmeralda felt sad.
The next day, she no longer enjoyed watching the sunrise or sunset as she used to. She started questioning herself: Why can’t I fly? Why don’t I have colorful wings? Why can the butterflies reach the blue sky while I can only see it from my little spot on the ground? She had so many questions, and in the process, she began focusing on her differences instead of the beautiful qualities that made her unique.
Until one day, while watching the sunset, she asked herself, Why do I focus on my differences? I may be a small caterpillar, but I am important! I am valuable, I am unique, and I am different. Maybe I can’t fly, but I can walk and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
This realization filled Esmeralda’s heart with joy. That day, she returned to her little spot, enjoyed the sunset, sang her favorite song, and went to sleep. That night, something unexpected happened—while she slept, her body began to transform. When she woke up, she looked at herself and saw two beautiful, colorful wings. Esmeralda was overjoyed! She flew above her little spot, happy for who she was and who she had become. She realized that she had valued herself even before having wings, and now, with her beautiful wings, she continued to love herself.
Moral of the story:
Self-love is essential in our lives. It teaches us that we are important and valuable. In every stage of life, we can embrace faith and the commitment to move forward, always remembering that life is a precious gift to be valued and appreciated.
Let’s be like Esmeralda—let’s focus on our strengths rather than our limitations or differences. Let’s value ourselves at every step of our journey, always keeping in mind that we are important and worthy. And because of that, we can smile and, just like Esmeralda, enjoy the sunrise!
Thank you for existing. You matter. You are valuable! 💙✨
If you or a loved one needs support, we’re here for you. Contact us to learn more about our mental health services and how we can help you on your journey.
- By: Celibeth Rodriguez
Yamira Ayala, Psy.D., LMHC, Clinical Supervisor
Yamira was born in Puerto Rico. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology and then pursued her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology in the Pontifical Catholic University of PR. Her doctoral dissertation was directed to the Mental health of the Chronic Pain Population who are commonly impacted by their symptoms and usually misunderstood. In 2009 Yamira relocated to Florida and started working in a Backer Act unit offering support to children and adolescents going through difficult times. Later, she started working as a therapist offering services at school, home, and in office. Yamira has had the pleasure of working in different agencies where she has gain experience and training in MATCH and Trauma Focus CBT. Yamira is currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that has worked with a variety of mental health challenges including but not limited to Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism, Trauma, Impulse Control, and Mood Disorders. Yamira believes that everyone should give themselves the opportunity to heal, grow and become the reason for their own happiness
Download Our Positive Message for Your Phone Screen
Brighten your day with an inspiring message! Download our positive wallpaper for your phone and carry motivation with you wherever you go.
Click the image below to download and embrace self-love and care! 💖📱
Click here for English version.
