Tag: appreciation

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, 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, August 13

Today is Sunday, August 13, 2023. Loving those friends who create safe space.   

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Take a moment in the week to pause and appreciate some aspect of nature. It might be the flower in a vase, the sunlight peeking through the leaves, the birds chirping, the ripples in the water, the color of the sky as the sun sets. Take that moment and capture that appreciation. Jot a note about what you notice, write a poem, draw the image, take a photo. Now, you can return to that memory of appreciation any time you want. It’s good for your brain and body.

A quote by Vivian Greene, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD, for sharing this photo, Tidal pools of Lake Champlain.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Saturday, June 10

Today is Saturday, June 10, 2023. This week is a great week to “see” the wonderful.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Start noticing when you make choices that support you and your health. Examples might be: getting outside and moving in place of sitting inside in front of a TV; drinking water instead of a sugary beverage; reading a good book instead of watching the news; talking with a friend instead of scrolling through social media. Give yourself credit for those choices.

A quote by Albert Schweitzer, “Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.”

Thank you to Dave for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, December 19

Today is Monday, December 19, 2022. Noticing that the birdhouse is occupied.

A quote by Ernest Hemingway, “Courage is grace under pressure.”

Photo by: Stefania Tolin

December marks progress through another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Start the week reflecting on those people or events that may have rekindled your spark.  Consider reaching out to those who have re-energized you and share with them your appreciation.

Practice this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  • Focus your attention on your right great toe. Tap it up and down.
  • Shift your focus to your right elbow and notice where your elbow is.
  • Glide your focus to the center of your chest and breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need.
  • Continue to breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need, for as long as you like.
  • Smile when you are ready to move forward.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness and 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, September 16

Today is Friday, September 16, 2022. Feeling the cool winds in the early hours.

A quote by Ella Fitzgerald, “Forgive me if I don’t have the words. Maybe I can sing it and you’ll understand.”

Photo by: Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

September, marks change and the final third of the year. It’s a great time of year to appreciate what you are doing so well. Think about all the ways you have learned, all the new experiences this year, how you and those around you have grown. Take some notes to record your progress. What will keep you moving towards your dreams, your aspirations, what’s important to you?

Practice this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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 exhale, picture blowing out bubbles.
  • Exhale your gifts to the world in those bubbles.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness and 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, June 29

Today is Wednesday, June 29, 2022.  The trees grow lush with sunshine, rain and all the in-betweens.

A quote by Hal Borland, “If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees.”

Photo by Sa Oku

Finding Joy in June. Launching the second half of the year, we focus on ways we can find and create joy.

The middle of the week is a great time to try a day of “Appreciation Awareness” to create moments of shared joy out of appreciation. For one day, with every encounter with someone, pause, reflect and genuinely appreciate something and share it with that person.

    • “I appreciate having a moment to talk to you.”
    • “I appreciate your sharing with me.”
    • “Your art is inspiring.”
    • “I appreciate this sunny day.”
    • “At least we get to work together on this.”
    • “I appreciate how you have taken care of …”
    • “This class is fun!” “The [theatrical/musical] performance is moving.:
    • “I am glad we have each other. We are stronger together.”

Practice this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • Thinking of your physical body as your home, where you reside, think of deep breathing as like opening the windows on a bright sunny day with a nice breeze.
    • Become aware of how every breath that fills your body is like having wide open windows, filling your home with fresh, clean air and every breath out clears out and releases so that your home is a refreshed space for you to be in.
    • Experience the happy moment of being in your clean, refreshed home.
    • Smile, knowing that you can take moments to open and be present in this space, anywhere you are. Your body is your home.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness and 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 

Friday, December 17

Today is Friday, December 17, 2021. Warm days are so appreciated in the midst of a cool season. Feels so good.

A quote by Desmond Tutu. “We are each made for goodness, love and compassion. Our lives are transformed as much as the world is when we live these truths.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD. “Joshua Tree”

December Delights is here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

  • Warm others with your kind thoughts and acknowledgement.
    • Smile to the person helping you check out at the register.
    • Tell a customer service representative, how much you appreciate their help.
    • Remind coworkers why you enjoy working together.
    • Send a cheerful greeting to far-away family and friends.
    • Spontaneously contribute to a charitable cause.

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.
    • For a quieting meditation before sleep, include Box breathing.
    • Continuing to Belly breath, inhale for the count of 4; hold your breath for the count of 4.
    • Then, exhale for the count of 4; and again, hold your breath for a count of 4.
    • Continue to repeat this pattern at least 4 times or until you are feeling more relaxed and ready for sleep.

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 

Monday, December 6

Today is Monday, December 6, 2021. The windy day reminds me that difficult times are temporary.

A quote from Pablo Picasso. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

Photo by Jeremy Bishop

December Delights is here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Share a token of appreciation through the mail or drop it off at home or leave it on their desk.

    • Send a pretty picture postcard.
    • Write a friendly note.
    • Deliver a plant.
    • Share some fresh herbs.
    • Gift a favorite book.
    • Wrap a box of delicious tea for someone.

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.
  • Lean and rest your head towards the right shoulder and hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch. Then, repeat on the left side. Feel a gentle stretch.
  • Bring your chin to your chest and look down. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch.
  • Lace your fingers behind your lower back and gently lift your chin and look up. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch and then return to neutral & roll the shoulders back and down. Smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner strength, I can absorb and magnify the love and 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