New Year's – Daily Gift of Vitality

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

Today is Friday, January 1, 2021. It’s a new year. Wishing everyone a Happy & Healthy New Year full of love, inspiration, great meaning and joy.

An inspirational quote by Roy T. Bennett. “Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.”

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

Consider setting aspirations for the new year. Here are 20 examples to start with, “In this New Year, I aspire…

To start each day with a smile to myself.
To express love and positive energy towards others.
To spread joy in the world by sending messages of appreciation when I think of it.
To incorporate moments to walk or stretch when I sit for long periods of time.
To learn what affects my sleep by observing and keeping a journal.
To learn of additional ways to communicate with others and stay connected- ie. a new language, new method, different medium.
To listen to music that I love on most days.
To explore new recipes that are health promoting.
To make new friends or reconnect with past friends.
To write.
To learn a new language of a country I hope to visit in the future.
To explore a new hobby.
To share my art/music with others.
To read books that inspire me or add to my life.
To include activities that make me physically stronger.
To collect inspiring quotes.
To mentor someone.
To contribute to a worthy cause.
To capture recharging activities in a journal when I walk/create/draw/build/dance/explore.
To immerse myself in nature whenever I have an opportunity.”

Photo by: Clement Fusil (top) & Sean Paul Kinnear (bottom) &

Use this Mindfulness Activity to activate your vagus nerve and 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.
Breathe in Energy & Blossom.
1. Take a deep breath in, feeling your lungs expand.
2. When you breath out, smile and say out loud, “Aaaaah.” Feel the vibrations in your body.
3. Repeat 2 times and notice those vibrations are different when you are smiling.

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