Wednesday, January 19

Today is Wednesday, January 19, 2022.  Feeling invigorated by the fresh cool air.

A quote by a Zen Proverb “Obstacles don’t block the path; they are the path.”

Photo of K2 by Ghulam Hussain

With the launch of the New Year, for the month of January, we focus on clarifying and connecting with our vision for 2022. 

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhance our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

As we continue to explore our vision for 2022, let’s examine our path towards our vision; every obstacle you face will bring you one step closer to your vision.

    • How do I define success?
    • What boundaries have I set and are they working?
    • What is one fear I want to overcome?
    • How did I overcome difficult obstacles in the past?
    • What do I need to hear right now? Talk to yourself with a compassionate heart.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
      • When you inhale breath in your vision.
      • When you exhale, exhale out the obstacles to your vision.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, January 17

Today is Monday, January 17, 2022.  Today we celebrate the birth, life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  “If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all.  And so today I still have a dream.”

Photo by: Davide Cantelli

With the launch of the New Year, for the month of January, we focus on clarifying and connecting with our vision for 2022. 

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhance our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

As we continue to explore our vision for 2022, today, let’s reflect on our vision for Peace, Love and Hope.

    • Consider extending an apology to someone you had a misunderstanding with.
    • Express gratitude
    • Take some time to get to know someone new.
    • Volunteer your time.
      • Shovel someone’s snow.
      • Pick up groceries for a neighbor.
      • Walk someone’s dog for them.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
      • When you inhale breath in your vision.
      • When you exhale, exhale out the obstacles to your vision.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, January 14

Today is Friday, January 14, 2022.  Reflecting on the gifts a balance point can bring.

A quote by Nido Qubein: “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go.  They merely determine where you start.”

Photo by: Deniz Altindas

With the launch of the New Year, this January, focus on clarifying and connecting with your vision for 2022. 

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhance our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

Let’s spend this week reflecting on our vision of health for 2022. Consider the following journal prompts:

    • The most important thing for my health right now is:
    • 5 reasons I want to focus on my health:
    • What activities make me feel alive?
    • What can I do to integrate enjoying life and promoting my health?

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
      • Massage your left hand starting with your palms, then work your way to the ends of each finger.
      • Massage your right hand the same way.
      • Clasp your hands together, then release and shake out your hands and let your hands be loose.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, January 12

Today is Wednesday, January 12, 2022.  Midweek, getting in the groove.

A quote by astronaut Chris Hadfield, “Life is full of so many small, unexpected pleasures, not just in space but right here on Earth, and I think I see them more clearly now than I used to because microgravity insists you pay attention.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD, Boats off the coast of St. Martin at Sunset

With the launch of the New Year, for the month of January, we focus on clarifying and connecting with our vision for 2022. 

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhance our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

Let’s spend this week reflecting on our vision of health for 2022. Ask yourself:

    • What or who causes me to laugh out loud?
    • What or who makes me feel great about myself?
    • What or who is so special and holds a special place in my heart?
    • What or who do I appreciate?
    • What or who adds positivity in the world?

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
      • Massage your left hand starting with your palms, then work your way to the ends of each finger.
      • Massage your right hand the same way.
      • Clasp your hands together, then release and shake out your hands and let your hands be loose.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, January 10

Today is Monday, January 10, 2022.  A new week to learn from others.

A quote by Andrew Weil, “Genuine happiness comes from within, and often it comes in spontaneous feelings of joy.”

Photo in Paris, by Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

With the launch of the New Year, for the month of January, we focus on clarifying and connecting with our vision for 2022. 

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhance our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

Let’s spend this week reflecting on your vision of health for 2022. Ask yourself:

      • What does “health” and “being healthy” mean to me?
      • What are potential barriers to my best health, that I can influence?
      • What do I do that promotes my health and well-being?
      • What makes it easier for me to take care of my health and well-being?
      • Who positively influences my health and well-being?

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
      • Massage your left hand starting with your palms, then work your way to the ends of each finger.
      • Massage your right hand the same way.
      • Clasp your hands together, then release and shake out your hands and let your hands be loose.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, January 7

Today is Friday, January 7, 2022. Seeing more clearly, noticing what is right in front of me.

A quote by Ekhart Tolle, “Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.”

Photo by: Sergei Remarenko

With the launch of the New Year, for the month of January, allow yourself to focus on clarifying and connecting with your vision for 2022. 

The vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhance our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

Review your reflections from Monday, January 3rd and Wednesday, January 5th. Feel free to write in your journal or sit quietly reflecting while you continue to clarify and connect with your vision.

Ask yourself:

    • What is important to me?
    • What do I need in my life to feel satisfied and complete?
    • Who do I want to share this with (can be one or many)?
    • What is the idea that never leaves me?
    • Who can I share the journey with?
    • What is next thing I can do to move towards that vision?

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • As you continue to breathe picture your vision.
    • Smile to yourself.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, January 5

Today is Wednesday, January 5, 2022.  Finding joy and happiness all around us.

A quote by Michael Altshuler: “The bad news is time flies.  The good news is you’re the pilot.”

Photo by Vetdoctor

With the launch of the New Year, this January, focus on clarifying and connecting with your vision for 2022. 

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhance our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

Another strategy to connect with your vision is choose a word to anchor to this year.  Begin with a brain dump writing down words that inspire you.  Choose one or more words that aligns with your vision for 2022.  When faced with difficult decisions or challenging times, try using this word to anchor yourself.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • As you continue to breathe picture your vision.
    • Smile to yourself.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, January 3

Today is Monday, January 3, 2022.  For many, today is the first work day of the new year, feeling energized for the opportunities ahead.

A quote by Munia Khan: “New Years is the glittering light to brighten the dream-lined pathway of future.”

Photo by: yanikap

As we start the New Year, let’s reflect on our individual visions for 2022. 

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. Let’s take some time this month to explore our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

Let’s begin this first week reflecting on your vision for 2022. Consider the following journal prompts.

Ask yourself:

    • What am I inspired to do?
    • What would I want to do more than anything else even if I was never paid for it?
    • What do I love so much that I could forget to eat or sleep?
    • What is the idea that never leaves me?
    • What does my desired future look like, feel like?

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • As you continue to breathe picture your vision.
    • Smile to yourself.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, December 31

Today is Friday, December 31, 2021. Enjoying quiet time this morning to reflect and dream.

A quote by Goran Persson, “Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.”

Photo by Moritz Knöringer

We close the year with December Delights. This December we focused on gifts of Love and Joy- to self and others.

Take a moment to reflect on the past year and write down everything you are proud of, happy about and satisfied with for the past year. Looking back at a calendar may help remind you of all the people, the events, the good stuff to include.

Next, write down notes about what you have learned this past year. Include some lessons learned from the mistakes, the unexpected events, or the tough times. Be kind to yourself as you reflect.

Finally, think about your dreams for the next year:

      • Who do you want to be in your life? Why?
      • What do you want to be a part of? Why?
      • What can you do to move forward towards your dreams? Then break it down into smaller chunks: What can I do in the next month? What can I do in the next week? What can I do in the next day? What can I do now?

Review your list of the good stuff and continue to add to it as you remember more of the wonder of the past year.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

  • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
  • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
      • Breathe in through your nose. Then, pause.
      • Slowly, breathe out through your mouth…and pause.
      • Repeat 3 times and with each breath out, release what you need from 2021 to start the next year fresh and renewed.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, December 29

Today is Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Walking the unknown trail, grateful for those who have gone before me.

A quote by Holly Branson, “Just imagine how different the world could be if we all spoke to everyone with respect and kindness.”

Photo by Daniel Schuh

We continue with December Delights. This December we focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to self and others.

Take a moment this week to appreciate someone who has knowingly or unknowingly contributed to your life- maybe making your life easier, more wonderful and/or more meaningful. Let that person know with a written note that can be reread over and over.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

  • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
  • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
      • Breathe in through your nose. Then, pause.
      • Slowly, breathe out through your mouth…and pause.
      • Repeat 3 times.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP