The first half of spring was full of flowers in bl The first half of spring was full of flowers in bloom and cool breezes. The second half has been violent daily storms that make the sky look like something out of a sci-fi movie. I’m just remembering to get my walks in early during the day so I can be home for dinner and a storm in the evening. 

🌿 Spotted some rainbow flares on a walk through the woods. 

🌿 Saw the cutest little guy walking around downtown Celebration. 

🌿 I love all the nature and architecture in Winter Park. 

🌿 Happy Mermaid week!

#springtime #intentionalliving #slowliving #naturewalks #cozyliving #intentionalmovement #cozyvibes #greenery #naturelovers #orlandoliving
Plants. Rainbows. Flowers. Tacos. #theseareafewofm Plants. Rainbows. Flowers. Tacos. #theseareafewofmyfavoritethings 

Also, if you are wondering where our review mirror is in that second photo, it’s so hot here that the connector piece just melted off that morning. 🫠 

#springtime #springflowers #plantlover #plantlife #pottery #plantpot #plantlove #flowerstagram #rainbow #rainbowaesthetic #nature #intentionalliving #slowliving #tacos #vegantacos
We have a little over a month left of spring and I We have a little over a month left of spring and I plan to spend it intentionally enjoying so much of what this season has to offer. April was a whirlwind of family emergencies and stress so this May, I’ve really been taking the time to slow down, live in the moment, and focus on joy. Every season I have a hygge bucket list of things I want to do at least once (but usually often) during that season. So many people write down and prioritize goals for their career or their body but it’s important to also create goals around your mental health and well being. 

How To Enjoy Hygge This Spring: 

🌷  Explore your neighborhood. 
🌷 Visit a botanical garden. 
🌷 Gift plants to your friends and neighbors.
🌷 Learn a new iced drink recipe.
🌷 Start a garden (or get one new plant).
🌷 Have a picnic. 
🌷 Eat seasonal vegetables and fruit.
🌷 Play an outdoor sport. 
🌷 Enjoy the natural light in your home.
🌷 Read on a hammock or bench outside. 
🌷Donate items you aren’t using often.
🌷Go to the farmer’s market.
🌷Do something creative.

How do you plan to enjoy the last month of spring this year?

#springtime #spring #springflowers #springflower #hygge #hyggelife #hyggestyle #hyggeliving #intentionalliving #intentionallife #joyfulliving #joyfulmoments #findingjoy
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a 10 out of 10! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a 10 out of 10! As we all know, I love the MCU as a whole but the Guardians are my absolute favorite. James Gunn did not disappoint. This was a very satisfying end to one of my favorite trilogies of all time. 

🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

#guardiansofthegalaxy #guardiansofthegalaxyvol3 #marvel #marvelmovies #mcu #marvelcinematicuniverse #marvelcomics #amctheaters #disneysprings #nerdlife #marveluniverse #marvelfan
The saying April showers bring May flowers really The saying April showers bring May flowers really describes how I feel about the transition from last month to this month. May is already going much better than April and I can’t wait to see what other wonderful things happen this month. 🤍🌸 

#spring #flowers #springflowers #springweather #springnature #springdecor #hyggelife #intentionalliving #naturelovers #greatoutdoors #springinflorida #floridaspring #blueskies #slowliving #happymoments #serotoninboost
I’m so thankful to this sweet little girl for ge I’m so thankful to this sweet little girl for getting us through this crazy month. She kept us laughing and helped us manage our stress even on the more challenging days. I love her personality, even if she is a bit spoiled. 😅 I’m so glad we get to live in a world where dogs exist. 

#doglover #dogsarethebest #pitbulldog #pitbulladvocate #pitbullsofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #pitbulllove #emotionalsupportanimal #emotionalsupportdog #pitbullgram #cutedogs
Scenes from a earth day celebration with @disneyki Scenes from a earth day celebration with @disneykismet + @mmalikaj. 🌍🤍

#earthday #explore #earthdayeveryday #lovetheearth #loveourplanet #planetearth #animalkingdom #disneysanimalkingdom #dak #earthdaybirthday #wdw #orlandoflorida #floridalocal
Come check out my some of my favorite coffee shops Come check out my some of my favorite coffee shops in Central Florida with me! ☕️🧋🍵🫖

First up? @xocoffeeshop ! This gem is in Kissimmee, Florida, just a short drive from WDW for those of you who are visiting. The menu is creative + always changing, they do fun events for locals, and it’s the perfect place for a three hour coffee date (I would know). 

📍Location: 4965 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
Kissimmee, FL 34746
😎 Vibe: Warm, cozy, local, plants
🤍 Perfect for: work, friend date, reading a book
🌸 Seasonal Menu: Yes
☕️ What to order: Butter Brew or Mango Black Tea 


#coffeeshopvibes #coffeeshop #orlandolocal #localorlando #orlandofl #orlandoflorida #tealover #teatime #cozyvibes #hygge
✨💕🎀 Imagination, life is your creation. 🎀💕✨

💘 Keep swiping for a fun surprise. 

#barbie #barbiemovie #barbiegirl #barbiedoll #barbiestyle #barbiegram #barbiecore #heartshaped #sunglass #blackbarbie #blackbarbies
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
    • Life
    • Travel
    • Well Read
    • Wellness
    • Business
    • Photography
  • Contact

Charismatic Concepts

  • Life
  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Wellness
  • Business
  • Photography

Personal · June 20, 2016

Pulse Vigil in Downtown Orlando

I prefer to cry in the shower.

Or at night, after John has gone to sleep.

I’ve never been the type that cries in front of others. Don’t get me wrong, I cry during Disney movies or final episodes of TV shows, but when it really matters, when it’s personal, I cry alone.

The day of the shooting at Pulse changed this. I cry in front of people now because I have so many tears and I have to get them out. They won’t stop coming and I can’t stop them. It started the day of the shootings. The more information that came in, the more friends I talked to who had missing loved ones they still hadn’t heard from, the more the tears started to fall.

Eventually I found myself openly sobbing in John’s arms in the middle of our living room.

It has continued the days after the shooting. Close friends have received the news they were hoping not to hear. I try to say the right thing, the comforting thing, but I’m afraid I don’t have the answers this time. I have sorrow, I have disbelief, I have anger, and I have tears.

After a week of helping, volunteering, and consoling, during breaks from crying, I went to Downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola. I stood with over 50,000 people to mourn the deaths of those stolen from us at Pulse, celebrate their lives, and vowed to work towards a future where tragedies like this don’t happen.

As I stood with my city, I saw people in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Upon entering the event I was offered water, flowers, food, and more from volunteers from every religious background. Everyone stood together regardless of race, religion, color, gender, or sexual orientation.

Before the moving speeches and heartfelt performances took place, I looked up at the sky and saw part of a bright and vivid rainbow. Many others around me noticed it at the same time and clapping and cheers erupted from around the entire lake. Almost as if we had encouraged it, the rainbow started to grow. The louder our cheering, the further it went. My hand flew up to cover my open mouth and tears fell down my face as I watched the rainbow grow.

I had never felt more at home.

What followed were wonderful speeches from our city leaders, beautiful performances from some of our talented citizens, and a candlelight vigil that renewed my faith in humanity.

After the vigil, we walked around the entire lake to pay our respects at different memorials, hug old friends, meet new friends, and celebrate the lives of those who were lost in the City Beautiful. It’s important to remember that 50,000 people who love are much greater than 1 who hates. I am not great at math but I know that much. And that is all the motivation I need to keep these tears at bay and continue fighting for a brighter tomorrow.

orl1 orl2 orl3 orl4 orl5 orl6 orl7 orl8 orl9 orl10 orl11 orl12 orl13 orl14 orl15 orl16 orl17 orl18 orl19 orl20 orl21 orl22 orl23 orl24 orl25 orl26 orl27 orl28 orl29 orl30 orl31 orl32 orl33 orl34 orl35 orl36 orl37 orl38 orl39 orl40 orl41 orl42 orl43 orl44 orl45 orl46

In: Personal · Tagged: Downtown Orlando, orlando, Orlando Pulse, orlando shooting, orlando strong, Orlando United, Orlando Vigil, Pulse, Pulse Shooting, Pulse Vigil

join the club

You’ll Also Love

Summer Bucket List
Fall Bucket List
Anthropologie at Disney Springs
Next Post >

#OrlandoStrong: Born and Raised and Proud

Hi! I'm Charisma, a creative entrepreneur who loves to help others reach their full potential. I'm a photographer, a writer, and the owner of Kismet + Charisma, an online boutique that pairs minimalist, cozy, boho style with activism. In my little corner of the internet you'll find my latest travels, what I'm currently reading, how I practing Black joy as resistence, and how I'm finding hygge in my daily life. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea, and stay awhile.

join the club

Categories

  • Life
  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Wellness
  • Business
  • Photography

Reader Favorites

  • Portraits | Jacob Tobia
  • The REAL Wizarding World: Victoria Street AKA Diagon Alley
  • 10 Reasons You Should Never Be Bored

trending now

  • Portraits | Jacob Tobia
  • The REAL Wizarding World: Victoria Street AKA Diagon Alley
  • 10 Reasons You Should Never Be Bored
  • Women In Business | Mo Seetubtim, Founder of The Happiness Planner

instagram

Follow @charismaokeefe

The first half of spring was full of flowers in bl The first half of spring was full of flowers in bloom and cool breezes. The second half has been violent daily storms that make the sky look like something out of a sci-fi movie. I’m just remembering to get my walks in early during the day so I can be home for dinner and a storm in the evening. 

🌿 Spotted some rainbow flares on a walk through the woods. 

🌿 Saw the cutest little guy walking around downtown Celebration. 

🌿 I love all the nature and architecture in Winter Park. 

🌿 Happy Mermaid week!

#springtime #intentionalliving #slowliving #naturewalks #cozyliving #intentionalmovement #cozyvibes #greenery #naturelovers #orlandoliving
Plants. Rainbows. Flowers. Tacos. #theseareafewofm Plants. Rainbows. Flowers. Tacos. #theseareafewofmyfavoritethings 

Also, if you are wondering where our review mirror is in that second photo, it’s so hot here that the connector piece just melted off that morning. 🫠 

#springtime #springflowers #plantlover #plantlife #pottery #plantpot #plantlove #flowerstagram #rainbow #rainbowaesthetic #nature #intentionalliving #slowliving #tacos #vegantacos
We have a little over a month left of spring and I We have a little over a month left of spring and I plan to spend it intentionally enjoying so much of what this season has to offer. April was a whirlwind of family emergencies and stress so this May, I’ve really been taking the time to slow down, live in the moment, and focus on joy. Every season I have a hygge bucket list of things I want to do at least once (but usually often) during that season. So many people write down and prioritize goals for their career or their body but it’s important to also create goals around your mental health and well being. 

How To Enjoy Hygge This Spring: 

🌷  Explore your neighborhood. 
🌷 Visit a botanical garden. 
🌷 Gift plants to your friends and neighbors.
🌷 Learn a new iced drink recipe.
🌷 Start a garden (or get one new plant).
🌷 Have a picnic. 
🌷 Eat seasonal vegetables and fruit.
🌷 Play an outdoor sport. 
🌷 Enjoy the natural light in your home.
🌷 Read on a hammock or bench outside. 
🌷Donate items you aren’t using often.
🌷Go to the farmer’s market.
🌷Do something creative.

How do you plan to enjoy the last month of spring this year?

#springtime #spring #springflowers #springflower #hygge #hyggelife #hyggestyle #hyggeliving #intentionalliving #intentionallife #joyfulliving #joyfulmoments #findingjoy
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a 10 out of 10! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a 10 out of 10! As we all know, I love the MCU as a whole but the Guardians are my absolute favorite. James Gunn did not disappoint. This was a very satisfying end to one of my favorite trilogies of all time. 

🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

#guardiansofthegalaxy #guardiansofthegalaxyvol3 #marvel #marvelmovies #mcu #marvelcinematicuniverse #marvelcomics #amctheaters #disneysprings #nerdlife #marveluniverse #marvelfan
The saying April showers bring May flowers really The saying April showers bring May flowers really describes how I feel about the transition from last month to this month. May is already going much better than April and I can’t wait to see what other wonderful things happen this month. 🤍🌸 

#spring #flowers #springflowers #springweather #springnature #springdecor #hyggelife #intentionalliving #naturelovers #greatoutdoors #springinflorida #floridaspring #blueskies #slowliving #happymoments #serotoninboost
I’m so thankful to this sweet little girl for ge I’m so thankful to this sweet little girl for getting us through this crazy month. She kept us laughing and helped us manage our stress even on the more challenging days. I love her personality, even if she is a bit spoiled. 😅 I’m so glad we get to live in a world where dogs exist. 

#doglover #dogsarethebest #pitbulldog #pitbulladvocate #pitbullsofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #pitbulllove #emotionalsupportanimal #emotionalsupportdog #pitbullgram #cutedogs
Scenes from a earth day celebration with @disneyki Scenes from a earth day celebration with @disneykismet + @mmalikaj. 🌍🤍

#earthday #explore #earthdayeveryday #lovetheearth #loveourplanet #planetearth #animalkingdom #disneysanimalkingdom #dak #earthdaybirthday #wdw #orlandoflorida #floridalocal
Come check out my some of my favorite coffee shops Come check out my some of my favorite coffee shops in Central Florida with me! ☕️🧋🍵🫖

First up? @xocoffeeshop ! This gem is in Kissimmee, Florida, just a short drive from WDW for those of you who are visiting. The menu is creative + always changing, they do fun events for locals, and it’s the perfect place for a three hour coffee date (I would know). 

📍Location: 4965 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
Kissimmee, FL 34746
😎 Vibe: Warm, cozy, local, plants
🤍 Perfect for: work, friend date, reading a book
🌸 Seasonal Menu: Yes
☕️ What to order: Butter Brew or Mango Black Tea 


#coffeeshopvibes #coffeeshop #orlandolocal #localorlando #orlandofl #orlandoflorida #tealover #teatime #cozyvibes #hygge
✨💕🎀 Imagination, life is your creation. 🎀💕✨

💘 Keep swiping for a fun surprise. 

#barbie #barbiemovie #barbiegirl #barbiedoll #barbiestyle #barbiegram #barbiecore #heartshaped #sunglass #blackbarbie #blackbarbies
Starting the first Monday in April off with some a Starting the first Monday in April off with some art. 🖼️🎨 

Spring is such a great time to enjoy outdoor galleries and the one at @disneysprings is one of my favorites because it always celebrates diversity. If you are looking for something fun and free to do this spring, add this to your list! 

#spring #outdoorart #celebratediversity #disneysprings #artwalk #artgallery #visitorlando #orlandoflorida #blackgirldisney #orlandofl #disneyworld #wdw #springday #springactivities #springmood #orlandoart #springlover
https://www.instagram.com/charismaokeefe/

Explore

  • About
  • Podcast
  • Services

join the club

On the Blog

  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Photography
  • Business
  • About
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 Charismatic Concepts · Theme by 17th Avenue