Get Inspired with #HispaFam - February 2026 Newsletter
“When we dare to dream about who we can become and work on ourselves, we gain the ability to transform whatever is necessary around us in order to reach those goals and dreams we long for.”
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
Reflection February 2026
I ended our conversation last month by inviting you to walk confidently each day, to recognize every “small” step forward, and to never stop dreaming.
Dreaming, in one of its meanings, has to do with longing for or deeply desiring something and persisting in that desire. It calls us to pay attention to our vision, places us in a position of hope and possibility, and moves us into action to achieve our goals.
These quotes capture the message I want to share with you:
• “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
• “Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start.” – Simon Sinek
I know that when we talk about dreaming, we tend to think about external things we can achieve and accomplish, which is very good and necessary. But I want to encourage you that before focusing on what you can conquer externally, your first and most important goal should be yourself. Then, everything else.
When we dare to dream about who we can become and work on ourselves, we gain the ability to transform whatever is necessary around us in order to reach those goals and dreams we long for. We will be able to maintain hope for the future while moving forward, step by step, until we make our dreams a reality.
To dream of ourselves, to look inward intentionally, and to take the time to truly know ourselves will help us face adversity, challenges, and difficulties with resilience. We will persist until we reach what we desire, because there is nothing more fulfilling than conquering ourselves.
Today, I want to remind you that you are capable of achieving your dreams, that you already have what it takes. Keep your focus steady, trust yourself, and persist.
With love,
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
Dr. Centeno Lamas Recognized with the Peggy Farrell Leadership Award
We are honored to congratulate our Founder, Dr. Centeno Lamas, who was recognized this past weekend at the Chapter Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado, with the Peggy Farrell Leadership Award.
This award honors not only leadership, but a deep commitment to service, compassion in action, and an unwavering dedication to communities that deserve care, dignity, and hope.
The award is named after Peggy Farrell, a historic leader within the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention(AFSP), whose legacy represents ethical, compassionate, and transformative leadership. Receiving an award in her name is a powerful testament to integrity, impact, and love for life.
We are incredibly proud of everything our founder has built with heart and purpose in Florida, Puerto Rico, and beyond.
Today, we honor your leadership, your vision, and your courage to serve.
Thank you for inspiring us. Thank you for leading the way. We celebrate you!
#HispaFam #AFSP #Leadership #LiderazgoLatino #SuicidePrevention #TrayectoriaConProposito #MentalHealthMatters #OrgulloInstitucional #Blessed
Walking Together for Hope: HFC at the Orlando Out of the Darkness Walk
Hispanic Family Counseling was proud to participate in the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in Orlando, standing together in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Our team hosted an educational table where we shared valuable resources and information with attendees, helping increase awareness and connect individuals to support. We were especially grateful to have our interns, clinicians, and staff members actively involved — not only representing HFC, but also walking in solidarity to honor lives impacted and to promote hope. Events like these remind us of the power of community, compassion, and collective action in the fight to prevent suicide.
HFC at the Osceola Youth and Family Summit
Hispanic Family Counseling was honored to participate in the Osceola Youth and Family Summit, where we hosted an informational table to connect with families, youth, and community partners. Our interns proudly represented HFC, sharing educational materials and resources while engaging in meaningful conversations about mental health and wellness. Events like this allow us to strengthen community partnerships and continue our commitment to supporting children, adolescents, and families throughout Osceola County.
This month at Hispanic Family Counseling, our Emotional Regulation Group came together to explore an important topic: Emotional Fatigue.
Led by Counselor Christian Arveilo, participants explored the signs, causes, and healthy coping tools to better manage emotional exhaustion. In a supportive and safe space, each member gained practical strategies to strengthen their emotional well-being.
We are proud of our community members who continue to prioritize their mental health and personal growth.
#HispanicFamilyCounseling #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalWellbeing #SaludMental #CommunitySupport
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:
The Science Behind Vision Boards: Why Visualizing Your Goals and Dreams Can Actually Help
By February, many people feel discouraged about the goals and dreams they set in January. Motivation naturally fades. That does not mean you failed — it means your brain is shifting from excitement to habit-building.
The good news?
Your brain is built to change.
And when used correctly, tools like vision boards can support that change.
Let’s look at the science in simple terms.
Your Brain Responds to What You Repeatedly Imagine
When you vividly picture yourself doing something — not just achieving it, but doing it — your brain activates many of the same areas it would use if you were actually performing the task.
This is called mental rehearsal.
Athletes use it. Surgeons use it. Public speakers use it.
Your brain strengthens connections through repetition. This ability is called neuroplasticity — your brain’s natural capacity to adapt and rewire itself over time.
The more consistently you focus on a goal in a structured way, the more your brain begins to support behaviors aligned with it.
Repetition Is What Makes It Work
A vision board works only if it is used consistently.
Inside your brain, there is a system that filters information and helps you notice what is important. When you repeatedly focus on specific goals, your brain becomes more alert to opportunities and choices related to them.
It is not magic.
It is attention training.
But here’s the key:
Visualization must be paired with action.
Thinking alone does not create change. Repeated thought + small action does.
Why Belief Matters
There is a psychological concept called self-efficacy, which means believing you are capable of handling challenges.
When you repeatedly imagine yourself succeeding in small steps, your fear response decreases. You begin to feel more capable.
And when you feel more capable, you are more likely to take action.
Belief influences behavior.
Behavior builds results.
How to Use a Vision Board in a Healthy, Realistic Way
Instead of making it about “wishful thinking,” make it about behavior and identity.
Exercise 1: Focus on Who You Are Becoming
Instead of asking:
“What do I want?”
Ask:
“Who do I want to become?”
For example:
A person who prioritizes health.
A person who manages stress calmly.
A person who saves money consistently.
Choose images that represent that identity — not just the outcome.
Your brain responds strongly to identity-based goals.
Exercise 2: 3 Minutes a Day
Once a day:
Take a few slow breaths.
Look at one image on your board.
Imagine yourself doing the behavior.
Ask: What small step can I take today?
This helps your brain connect thought to action.
Exercise 3: Start Small
Big goals overwhelm the nervous system.
Small, repeated actions calm it.
Instead of:
“I will completely change my life.”
Try:
“Today I will take one step.”
Consistency builds new pathways in the brain.
Why February Is the Right Time
January runs on excitement.
February builds discipline.
By now, your brain is deciding whether to return to old habits or build new ones.
You can always reset.
Neuroplasticity does not expire.
A Gentle Reminder About Mental Health
While tools like vision boards can support motivation and focus, it’s also important to recognize that difficulty reaching goals is not always about willpower.
Stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, and life transitions can all impact energy, concentration, and follow-through. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or discouraged despite your efforts, you are not alone.
Sometimes the most powerful step is not pushing harder — but asking for support.
At Hispanic Family Counseling, we are here to help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. Whether you are working toward personal goals, managing stress, or facing emotional difficulties, professional support can make the process feel more manageable and less isolating.
Growth does not have to happen alone.
If you feel you would benefit from guidance or support, we encourage you to reach out. Taking care of your mental health is not a setback — it is a foundation for sustainable change.
-By Sheila Burgos
Nellina Urbano - TCM
Born in Cuba, raised in Venezuela, and proudly an American citizen, Nellina Urbano is a Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager (CBHCM) dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. She combines professional structure, cultural awareness, and compassionate guidance to help clients access resources, build stability, and move toward long-term independence.
Her commitment to service is grounded in her Christian faith, which inspires her to approach every individual with dignity, empathy, and respect. Nellina’s mission is to provide holistic, client-centered support that empowers people to overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful progress in their lives.
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