Tag: appreciation

Wednesday, February 3

Today is Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Brisk walk, swinging the arms, really getting into it. Chuckling at how silly I feel, and totally embracing it.

An inspirational quote by Dr. Seuss, “If you keep your eyes open enough, oh, the stuff you will learn. Oh, the most wonderful stuff.”

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with warmth.

Make a list of people, places and things that increase how much or how often you laugh. The list may include people, books, quotes, memories, photos, games, characters, shows, movies, TV series, etc. See if you there are ways you can integrate more high laughter opportunities into your life (or others).

Photo by Daiwei Lu

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.
      • Roll your shoulders back and lace your fingers behind you-like you are holding your own hands behind you. Let your chest puff out and take a deep breath in.
      • As you breathe out, bring your chin down gently and feel the release in the back of the neck and shoulders. Take another long breath in and out.
      • Release your hands, bring your head back to neutral, and smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, February 1

Today is Monday, February 1, 2021. Worldwide, the shortest month of the year has a special day to appreciate and celebrate love. Sitting by the fire, reflecting on the regenerative effects of love and connection.

An inspirational quote by Jane Goodall, “Empathy is really important. Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our full potential.”

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with warmth.

Take a moment to recall a time that you felt appreciated and cherished. Consider what contributed to allowing you to feel that way. Think about someone you appreciate and cherish. Reach out and connect with a note, find creative ways to spend time together or share a treasured recipe, book, music, workout, etc.

Photo by Ergyn Meshekran

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.
    • Roll your shoulders back and lace your fingers behind you-like you are holding your own hands behind you, let your chest puff out and take a deep breath in.
    • As you breathe out, bring your chin down gently and feel the release in the back of the neck and shoulders. Take another long breath in and out.
    • Release your hands, bring your head back to neutral, and smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, January 29

Today is Friday, January 29, 2021. Walking along the path, noticing the quiet, seeing a still pond.

An inspirational quote by Ann Landers, “Warmth, kindness, and friendship are the most yearned for commodities in the world. The person who can provide them will never be lonely.”

The Joy of January. This is a symbolic month to launch the new year to lay the foundation for a brighter future. 

Looking ahead to this weekend, and then February, find a moment to pause and reflect on January. Take a moment to make a list of all the things that were wonderful in January. Include the things you are proud of, that you feel good about, who you appreciated, what you learned. An end of the month Positivity Briefing is a nice way to capture life’s wonderful-ness so you can return to at any time in the future. Over time, you will have a collection documenting your personal growth, joys and the positivity in your life.

Photo by Robert Thiemann

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.
    • Now, after a deep belly breath, breathe out with a gentle mouth generating a deep vibration saying, “aah” …
    • Take another deep belly breath and breathe out humming “mmm” with a deep vibration.
    • Finally, take another deep belly breath and let out all the air in your lungs with a releasing sigh.
    • Shimmy your shoulders and shake out your arms. Smile.

Recharge yourself and spread love when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am aware of myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP