“Sometimes, that small shift in perspective can change the way we see things and make room for hope to blossom within us once again.”
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
October 2026 Reflection
Last month, I ended our conversation by sharing that sometimes, being there for someone can be the beginning of a different story. But have you ever stopped to think that a new story can also begin when you decide to be there for yourself?
That invitation to be there for yourself with love takes on a special meaning as we embrace the changes and opportunities that come with a new season. With the arrival of autumn, nature reminds us that every change of season can open the door to a new way of seeing, feeling, and experiencing life.
Personally, I love this time of year. Its colors inspire me. I enjoy the cool breeze mixed with the warmth of the sun, and I look forward to the days of celebration and special moments ahead.
Yet, so often, we find it difficult to slow down and appreciate the beauty of each season. As human beings, we tend to focus on our losses, the difficult moments, the things we feel are missing from our lives, and the challenges we face.
This is not an invitation to deny our struggles or ignore what hurts. It is about learning to bring our attention back to the here and now, recognizing what we do have, and appreciating what we can still enjoy and build.
Every new season offers us an opportunity to see life from a different perspective, to find beauty in the simple things, and to discover reasons to be grateful, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Sometimes, we deeply miss someone we love who is no longer with us. And it's okay to feel that absence. But we can also allow ourselves to remember, with gratitude, the moments we shared, the smiles, the hugs, and everything their presence brought into our lives.
Sometimes, that small shift in perspective can change the way we see things and make room for hope to blossom within us once again.
Give yourself permission to enjoy the colors of this season, to smile, and to be present without feeling guilty for finding joy along the way.
Enjoying life doesn't mean forgetting those we miss. It can also be a way of honoring their memory and continuing to love them with gratitude.
This season, start with yourself. Allow yourself to live each day with gratitude, hope, and self-love. Give yourself the space to feel, to heal, to enjoy life, and to choose joy whenever you can.
You deserve to smile. You deserve to enjoy the little things and give yourself the chance to recognize the beauty that still surrounds you.
With a hug,
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
🎀 October, We Wear Pink!
This October, our Hispanic Family Counseling employees and providers came together wearing pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 💗
More than just a color, pink represents hope, strength, support, and solidarity with those who are facing breast cancer, those who have overcome it, and the loved ones we remember.
At Hispanic Family Counseling, we believe that awareness, compassion, and community make a difference.
Together, we wear pink. Together, we stand in support.
#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #OctoberWeWearPink #ThinkPink #HispanicFamilyCounseling #HFC #StrongerTogether
From Compassion to Action: Inspired by Chef José Andrés
Our founder had the honor of meeting Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, whose humanitarian work has brought food and hope to communities affected by crises, including Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and, more recently, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela following earthquakes.
One idea from his talk connected closely with our mission: doing good also means being thoughtful about how we help. Listening to communities, understanding their needs, and finding solutions that work for the people receiving support. At Hispanic Family Counseling, this message encourages us to keep learning and finding solutions alongside our families. Thank you, José Andrés, for sharing your passion for service and inspiring us to turn good intentions into action!
You can read more about this experience here.
#HispaFam
#WorldCentralKitchen #CommunityImpact#ServingOurCommunity #HumanitarianWork#HelpingWithPurpose#TogetherWeMakeADifference
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FAITH OVER FEAR | FREE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENT
On Saturday, October 17, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc. (HFC) was honored to be represented by Edna Rodriguez, MCSW, at Faith Over Fear, a Breast Cancer Awareness Event hosted by Bethel Christian Church in Orlando.
Featuring expert speakers, this meaningful event brought our community together to raise awareness, share valuable information, and offer hope, encouragement, and support to women facing a breast cancer diagnosis and those supporting a loved one through their journey.
At HFC, we believe that education, compassion, and emotional support can make a meaningful difference. We are grateful for opportunities to connect with our community and promote awareness, emotional well-being, and healing.
Help us spread awareness and hope! Share this post to encourage others to prioritize their health, support those affected by breast cancer, and remind every woman facing this journey that she is not alone.
Together, we can face challenges with faith, strength, and love.
#FaithOverFear #BreastCancerAwareness #HispaFam #CommunitySupport #HopeAndHealing #BreastCancerSupport #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #MentalHealthMatters
Solidarity Across Borders | Humanitarian Aid to Venezuela
Over the past several months, Hispanic Family Counseling, in collaboration with Nona House Foundation, joined efforts to provide humanitarian aid to communities across Venezuela.
This initiative began in Florida with the collection of donations made possible by the generosity of individuals, families, organizations, and community partners who contributed food, clothing, medications, medical supplies, hygiene products, children’s essentials, and other basic necessities.
The project required months of dedication and coordination—from organizing collection centers and sorting donations to arranging international transportation, navigating customs procedures, and coordinating distribution efforts in Venezuela. As part of this initiative, 41 pallets of supplies were shipped from Miami, additional medications were transported by air, and medical equipment and other essential items were purchased directly in Venezuela.
Liza Colón traveled to Venezuela on behalf of Hispanic Family Counseling, joining the volunteer team and working directly in the organization and distribution of humanitarian aid.
Relief efforts reached communities in La Guaira, Caracas, Tucacas, and Boca de Aroa, supporting families and individuals affected by hardship and displacement. Medical supplies were also delivered to healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals, including essential items to support the care of children.
In Tucacas and Boca de Aroa, the initiative also included a beach cleanup, bringing together community support and environmental stewardship.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nona House Foundation and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Casselberry, which generously opened its doors as a donation collection center and provided invaluable support throughout this initiative.
We also thank Dr. G Medical Center, Holy Cross, Women’s Leadership Impact Initiative, Centro de Salud de Apopka, Dr. Wanda Berríos-Díaz, Treasure Island Resort Wear & Gifts, and Fundación Cáritas Venezuela, as well as every volunteer, donor, and community partner who contributed their time, resources, and commitment.
Behind every donation were people willing to help, and behind every delivery were many hands working toward the same purpose.
Solidarity knows no borders. This initiative reminds us of how much we can accomplish when communities come together to support those who need it most.
#NonaHouseFoundation #AyudaHumanitaria #Venezuela #Solidaridad #CommunitySupport
Stronger connections, stronger communities!
Hispanic Family Counseling was proud to participate in Encuentro 2026, hosted by Hispanic Federation, represented by our CEO, Dr. Nidia Medina Ruiz, and our Founder and President, Dr. Denisse Centeno Lamas. Connecting with fellow community leaders and organizations reminds us of the power of working together. These opportunities to learn, share ideas, and build relationships strengthen our commitment to accessible, culturally responsive mental health care for Hispanic families. Thank you, Hispanic Federation, for bringing us together and creating space for collaboration and community impact. ¡Juntos seguimos creando caminos de paz, esperanza y amor! #HispaFam #HispanicFederation #Encuentro2026 #MentalHealth #Comunidad
Celebrating Hispanic Entrepreneurship and Community Growth
At Hispanic Family Counseling, we are grateful to be part of spaces that celebrate the growth, perseverance, and positive impact of Hispanic entrepreneurs in our community.
Our Founder and President, Dr. Denisse Centeno Lamas had the privilege of attending this special Prospera event, celebrating businesses and entrepreneurs whose hard work and vision continue to open doors and create opportunities for others.
Congratulations to all the businesses recognized, and thank you to Prospera for its continued commitment to supporting and empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Together, we continue to grow, support one another, and build a stronger community!
Connecting, Empowering, and Supporting Our Latino Community
Hispanic Family Counseling was proud to be represented at the 3rd Cumbre de Sueños Latinos 2026, a wonderful event focused on connecting, empowering, and supporting our Latino community.
Our intern, Gabby Rivera Rodríguez , had the opportunity to share information about our services, provide guidance, and connect attendees with resources available through our organization.
We are grateful for opportunities like this that allow us to be present in our community, build meaningful connections, and ensure that individuals and families know where to turn when they need support.
Thank you to Matiz Internacional for the invitation and for continuing to create spaces that inspire growth, connection, and opportunity within our Latino community!
If you want to learn more about our work and impact on communities, follow us on our social media platforms.
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➡️ Finding Beauty in Change: The Science of Noticing the Good
Fall reminds us that change is part of life. But it can also remind us to pay attention to what is still beautiful along the way.
As the seasons change, we begin to notice small differences around us. The days may feel shorter, the air a little cooler, and familiar places take on a different appearance. For some, fall brings excitement about upcoming celebrations. For others, it may bring memories, difficult emotions, or a sense that time is moving too quickly.
Life is rarely just one feeling at a time.
When we're dealing with stress, loss, or uncertainty, it's easy to focus on what's going wrong. And there's a psychological reason for that.
Why Do We Notice the Negative First?
Psychologists have studied something called negativity bias, our tendency to give greater attention and weight to negative experiences than to positive ones.
This tendency can help us recognize threats and respond to challenges. But it can also make it harder to notice the good things happening around us, especially during stressful periods.
Think about a day when several things went well, but one unpleasant conversation stayed on your mind for hours. You might barely remember the kind gesture someone offered you that morning.
The negative experience wasn't necessarily more important. It simply captured more of your attention.
The encouraging part is that we can practice paying attention differently.
The Science of Noticing the Good
In positive psychology, researchers use the term savoring to describe the intentional act of noticing, appreciating, and sometimes extending positive experiences.
Psychologist Fred Bryant has studied how savoring contributes to emotional well-being. Research suggests that deliberately appreciating pleasant experiences can support positive emotions and psychological well-being.
And it doesn't require anything extraordinary.
It might be enjoying a favorite meal, listening to someone laugh, noticing the colors of the sky, or taking a moment to appreciate a conversation with someone you love.
The key isn't simply having a positive experience. It's giving ourselves enough time to recognize it.
Finding Beauty Doesn't Mean Ignoring Pain
There's an important difference between noticing the good and pretending everything is fine.
We can miss someone deeply and still enjoy a family gathering. We can feel overwhelmed by responsibilities and appreciate a quiet morning. We can be uncertain about the future and still find something meaningful in today.
Positive and difficult emotions can coexist.
Noticing a beautiful moment doesn't erase our struggles, and it shouldn't become another expectation we place on ourselves.
Instead, it gives us permission to experience more of life, including the moments that offer comfort, connection, or hope.
A Different Way to Welcome the Season
This fall, consider giving yourself a few seconds to notice something you might otherwise overlook.
Maybe it's the warmth of your morning coffee, the sound of rain, a familiar song, or a conversation that makes you smile.
Pause. Notice what makes that moment pleasant. Allow yourself to enjoy it before moving on.
You don't have to change how you feel or force yourself into a positive mood.
Sometimes, it's enough to recognize that even during difficult seasons, meaningful moments can still exist.
Change may be inevitable, but so is our ability to discover new moments worth appreciating.
A Little Fall Challenge for You!
Want to practice noticing the good? Download our free Fall Joy Hunt in English, Fall Joy Hunt in Spanish, a playful activity designed to help you discover small moments of beauty, comfort, and connection throughout the season.
Scientific References
Baumeister, R. F., et al. (2001). Bad Is Stronger Than Good. Review of General Psychology, 5(4), 323–370.
Bryant, F. B., & Veroff, J. (2007). Savoring: A New Model of Positive Experience. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Bryant, F. B. (2021). Current Progress and Future Directions for Theory and Research on Savoring. Frontiers in Psychology.
By Sheila Burgos
Get to Know Dr. Cristina Paz, Ph.D
Therapist - Evaluator
Cristina Paz is a psychologist, researcher, educator, and advocate for human well-being,
with 40 years of professional experience in psychology and related fields, including seven
years in the United States. Originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela. She holds a degree in
Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Rafael Urdaneta University in
Venezuela. She also earned a Doctorate in Human Sciences and completed postdoctoral
activities at the University of Zulia, Venezuela, focusing her research on family violence.
Throughout her career, Cristina has developed extensive experience in psychological
assessment, therapeutic interventions, family dynamics, and psychological conditions
associated with medical illnesses and interpersonal challenges. Her professional approach
emphasizes understanding individuals within their family and social environments while
promoting resilience, emotional well-being, and healthier relationships. Her academic
experience includes serving as an Associate and Retired Professor in the undergraduate
Social Work program at the University of Zulia, where she taught General Psychology,
Family Psychology, Human Development, and Cognitive Processes. She also taught
psychology-related courses at Ana G. Méndez University in the United States.
Cristina created the Family Violence course at the University of Zulia, taught at undergraduate,
graduate, and postdoctoral levels. Her expertise also encompasses Systemic Family
Therapy, Research Methodology, and Positive Psychology. Since 1999, she has researched
family violence, presented at scientific events, and published articles in indexed academic
journals. She has also collaborated with La Nota Latina magazine, writing educational
articles on family psychology to promote awareness and prevention. Cristina's professional
mission is to reduce human suffering, promote psychological well-being, and encourage
human flourishing.
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! 💖📱
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