By DOROTHY HARDEE
“What consumes your mind controls your life” … Anonymous
We are reminded daily about COVID, unemployment, businesses closing, civil unrest, political issues and more. The focus on all that is wrong currently overshadows the positive things happening all around. Yes, there is good out there and it is time to change the lens in which we are viewing for our mental health and well-being.
As a young mom, I empathized with the dilemmas my children encountered. Being the sounding board as they would vent was appreciated. But they both knew that in exchange for listening I also expected they brought a potential solution and steps to achieve. It was important they understood the actions that got them in the situation, took responsibility for the results and took time to find a solution rather than expect their parents to step in to fix the issue. You may agree or disagree with my method of parenting, but I can assure you that I have two adult sons that appreciate, respect and emulate this practice today.
What does this have to do with changing the lens to focus on the positive? It means that we each must make a conscious decision to make a change and choose to focus on the good, passing it on along the way. A positive attitude when dealing with obstacles personally and professionally makes it easier to keep moving forward. It also allows you to enjoy your life more fully leading to career success and personal satisfaction in addition to helping others.
Considering the pandemic, we saw many of our member businesses quickly pivot finding ways to support the community staying viable as a business. They made masks, shields and hand sanitizer to assist, when others panicked causing shortages. They provided meals to essential works and those less fortunate, inspiring others to join the efforts.
Indeed, recently shared a few ways to keep a positive attitude:
- Be aware of the good things in your life – “Attitude of Gratitude”
- Push yourself to do more each day
- Describe yourself and your life with positive words
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Start meditating every day
- Try not to expect results
- Try to make other people feel happy – A giving heart
- Forgive others for their limitations
- Focus on what you get to do instead of what you must do
- Practice dealing with rejection
Staying positive and giving back not only helps you feel good but is good for you physically and mentally. In fact, a study by the Cleveland Clinic proved it showing that the health benefits included:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Increased self-esteem
- Less depression
- Lower stress levels
- Longer life
- Greater happiness and satisfaction.
Ready to take the first step to a healthier, more positive outlook? Join the East Orlando Chamber on November 11th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM for our annual Local Charities Luncheon, featuring Beat Kahli, President and CEO of Avalon Park Group. He will share his story of philanthropy, its impact on charities and the community, as well as the value your support will offer our five highlighted nonprofit organizations: American Cancer Society; Black Orlando Tech; CareerSource Central Florida; Embrace Families; Harbor House of Central Florida.
Learn more about each and fulfill a small but significant need displayed on our Giving Tree during the event. Our “Lights, Camera, Action” theme will put a spotlight on the needs giving you a chance to be part of something bigger. Start your holiday season off right. Register today.
The Local Charities Luncheon, “Lights, Camera, Action” is November 11, 2020 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Holiday Inn East – UCF Area. Tickets are $35 for EOCC members and $40 for non-members. Help us make this season bright for all those these nonprofits serve in OUR community. For more information call (407) 277-5951 or visit our website at eocc.org. The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce everywhere East of I-4.
Dorothy Hardee is the administrator of the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce
UPCOMING EVENTS
Coffee Club East Live & In-Person
(1st Thursday of the month)
“Networking Monopoly”
Thursday, November 5, 2020
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Bonefish Grill Lake Underhill Road
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando, FL 32828
FREE to EOCC Members | $10 for Non-Members
(2nd Tuesday of the month)
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
9:00 – 11:00 AM
East Orlando Chamber office
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Ste. 245, Orlando, FL 32828
Sponsorships Available (2-3 doz. Donuts)
Ribbon Cutting WellMed at Semoran
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
2:00 – 4:30 PM
WellMed at Semoran
5575 S Semoran Blvd. Ste 26, Orlando, FL 32822
RSVP
Local Charities Luncheon featuring Beat Kahli
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Holiday Inn East UCF Area
1724 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826
Healthcare Council Collaborative Virtual Peer-to-Peer Referral Forum & Breakout
Thursday, November 12, 2020
8:00 – 9:00 AM
Powered by Powernet
Free to Healthcare professionals
Misters & Sisters Great Lunch Adventures – Your Pie Lee Vista
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Your Pie Lee Vista
6889 Eagle Watch Drive, Ste. 220, Orlando, FL 32822
Coffee Club Nona Live & In-Person
(3rd Thursday of the month)
“Business Card Bingo”
Thursday, November 19, 2020
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Sam’s Club Lake Nona
11920 Narcoossee Road, Orlando, FL 32832
FREE to EOCC Members | $10 for Non-Members
Coffee Club East Live & In-Person
(1st Thursday of the month)
“Who Am I?”
Thursday, December 3, 2020
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Bonefish Grill Lake Underhill Road
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando, FL 32828
FREE to EOCC Members | $10 for Non-Members
