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, July 16,

Shifting to Sunday, July 16, 2023. Enjoying the opportunities to find peaceful moments.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Take a moment to reflect back and make a list of 3 moments when you felt happiness and joy. Consider, what allowed that? Was it the environment? Time to yourself? Completing something? Being with a certain person or a group? After exercise? Among the trees? What made those happy and joyful moments possible?

A quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt, “Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.

Thank you to Ashe Walker for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Saturday, July 8

Today is Saturday, July 8, 2023. July is a great time to reflect on the first half of the year.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Take a piece of blank paper, the largest size you can find, and think back to the first half of the year from January 1st.

Write down all the positive things that have happened, that you have experienced, that are in progress. Think through each month, maybe even peek at your calendar to refresh your memory of all the positives, the good things.

Now, if you haven’t already, add the people that are connected to any of those positives in your life. They might have had a role to play in creating that positive moment or they might just have been there to share in it with you. Make note of the person or persons who add positive ripples into your life and let them know.

A quote by Kevin Ansbro, “Focus on an ocean of positives, not a puddle of negatives.”

Thank you to Geran De Klerk for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Saturday, July 1

Today is Saturday, July 1, 2023. Relationships activate strong feelings.  

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Notice when you spend time with others, what feelings help activate you be your best self.

A quote by Eva Gabor, “Love is a game that two can play and both win.”

Thank you to awmleer for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, May 24

Today is Monday, May 24, 2021. Walking down the street, noticing the full canopy of leaves flowing with the breeze.

During the month of May, we are focusing on routines.  Routines can anchor us, decrease stress, foster creativity, prioritize self-care, and allow time to pursue our passions!  This week we look at routines to foster our relationships.  Let’s be curious about our work relationships, family, and friend relationships.

Many of us spend the majority of our day at work with coworkers.  Building those relationships can bring satisfaction and creativity.

    • Invite someone you don’t know well to have lunch with you.
    • Start a walking group during lunch, before or after work.
    • Volunteer together for charity.

Photo by Fran Lee

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Mark Kostabi, “Out of routines comes inspiration.”

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.
    • With each exhale, use a low pitch voice and hum, “Om.”
    • Feel the vibration of your voice. Repeat 3 or more times.
    • End with a smile.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP