Sunday, December 24

Today is Sunday, December 24, 2023. Think of all the love in the world that is possible with all the people in the world. It can spread and generate even more love.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, look for all the ways we can send out love and joy: creating and sharing art or music, laughing together, holding hands, talking together, experiencing a new location or cuisine with another, teaching, mentoring, recognizing, and appreciating someone else. There are so many ways.

A quote by Vera Nazarian, “Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing this photo, “Farm/Garden, Garfield Conservatory.”

An extra gift from Nicole Siparsky, MD, Dahlia, Chicago Botanic Garden.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, December 17

Today is Sunday, December 17, 2023. The squirrels seem to go with the flow and enjoy the weather.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, pause and make a list of all the people who have had a positive impact in your life. The list might include family, friends, loved ones, teachers, students, mentors, coaches, colleagues, and so on. Then, continue by adding the people who you might not know, the person who paved the road, the customer service rep, the farmer, the utilities worker, the engineers who designed your transportation, etc. Appreciate how connected we are to each other and how we can add to others’ lives too.

A quote by John Lennon, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is a reality.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing this photo, “Townsend’s Solitaire, Montana.“

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, December 10

Today is Sunday, December 10, 2023. It seems so cozy when it is warm inside and the outside is chilly.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, practice considering balanced perspectives. Whenever you find yourself feeling negative emotions or seeing things in a negative light, see if you can find the sliver lining or what good might come of it. For example, ask yourself, “what can I learn from this?” “What’s another way to think about this that gives me hope, that empowers me?”

A quote by Francis Bacon, “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.”

Thank you to Christine Kozak for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, December 3

Today is Sunday, December 3, 2023. Remembering long-distance friends.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, send a note, a photo, a postcard to a friend or relative or previous acquaintance who lives far away. It is a nice surprise when someone thinks of you and reaches out.

A quote by Sogyal Rinpoche, “True spirituality is to be aware that if we are interdependent with everything and everyone else, even our smallest, least significant thoughts, words and actions has real consequences throughout the universe.”

Thank you to Rémi Bertogliati for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, November 26

Today is Sunday, November 26, 2023. Learning and sharing all weekend.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, get to know something new about someone you work with or go to school with or that you see around. Listen, ask questions, share stories. Reach out to connect with those around you. Social connectedness is associated with longer (& healthier) lifespan.

A quote by Rachel Naomi Remen, “Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing this photo, Pacific Northwest Tidal Pool (Low Tide).

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, November 19

Today is Sunday, November 19, 2023. Thankful every day.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, notice the people you see regularly and really “see” them. Give them a great big smile and let them feel how much you genuinely appreciate them.

A quote by Mary Kay Ash, “Everyone wants to be appreciated, so if you appreciate someone, don’t keep it a secret.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing this photo, Lazy Fall Sunday in the City.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, November 12

Today is Sunday, November 12, 2023. Cooler weather, mornings for thinking.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Use an activity monitor and take notes this week to see what your weekly activity level looks like. Some people use calories burned, others use total daily steps, repetitions and weights, and yet others monitor distance traveled. Whatever it is, before the winter, become aware of your baseline physical activity level.

A quote by Seneca, “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing this photo, Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, November 5

Today is Sunday, November 5, 2023. Foliage, still beautiful.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Add a nutrient flavor boost topping to a favorite stew or savory dish. Finely chop parsley, about ¼ cup chopped. Add 1 clove finely minced chopped garlic with lemon juice and zest from ½ of a lemon. Add a pinch of salt to taste and stir it all up. Let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to blend and then add a small pinch on top of your soup or stew for added flavor.

A quote by William Cowper, “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing her series of photos- this one, Gahuti Trail Overlook, Fort Mountain State Park, Georgia.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, October 29

Today is Sunday, October 29, 2023. Nature immersion feels so good.  

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Practice breathing to stimulate the vagus nerve and reflex to calm the body. When you breathe in, let your belly rise. When you breathe out, let your belly relax. Repeat.

A quote by Thich Nhat Hanh, “Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing this photo, Fall Pumpkins.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, October 22

Today is Sunday, October 22, 2023. Autumn colors brighten the days.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Try a new routine for 1 week and see what happens. Wake up. Smile to self. Drink water. Stretch muscles and fascia. Meditate. Journal. Listen to the sounds of nature or pleasant music. Think of the day ahead focusing on what is in your control and that can make your day a better day: Connecting with a friend or colleague. Exercising. Learning something new. Taking the scenic route. Pausing and reflecting in silence.

A quote by Sakyong Mipham, “The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.”  

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing this photo, Russell Pond Trail, Baxter State Park, Maine in Fall

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP