PERSONAL NOTE

I love nature with a capital N! That beautiful feeling you get walking by majestic trees, like those in Riverside Park near my home in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is truly energizing. I often stop to hug them—it lifts my mood, sparks joy, and even inspires new ideas!

ARTICLE

I love reflecting on the deep meaning of words that resonate with me, like vitality. Exploring its origins helps me understand why it’s so powerful. I discovered that vitality comes from Latin vitalitas, meaning “vital force” or “life.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary indicates its "lively and animated character, power of enduring, the peculiarity distinguishing the living from the nonliving, it’s the capacity to live and develop." The vitality I feel is indeed the essence of being alive, yet it's easy to take for granted. I learned that developing self-awareness about how I feel and think allows me to intentionally maintain and increase vitality. This intentionality is crucial for enduring challenges and achieving growth.

Through my journey, I’ve discovered three key areas to focus on to enhance vitality:

  1. Immerse Yourself in Nature

Remember, we are part of nature. Spend intentional, distraction-free time outdoors—whether through walks, runs, hiking, or simply sitting quietly in a park. Immersing yourself in nature’s beauty replenishes energy and restores well-being.

  1. Include Self-Discovery in Self-Care

Caring for yourself isn’t just about healthy eating or regular exercise—it’s also about including self-discovery in the way you nurture yourself. Explore what brings you joy and sparks curiosity. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and interests, as if you’re getting to know yourself deeply, like when falling in love. This blend of self-care and self-discovery helps you build a richer, more fulfilling relationship with yourself. In fact, you are the most important person in your life.

  1. Align Your True Motivations and Cultivate Joyful Expression

Check if your true motivations in life are aligned with your commitments. This awareness helps ensure that your efforts reflect what truly matters to you. Additionally, cultivate hobbies in the arts or any activity that allows self-expression simply for the joy of doing it.These pursuits encourage self-discovery, regenerate energy, and rekindle the joy of play, nurturing both creativity and vitality.

I’ve experienced firsthand that when we lose intentionality and fall into autopilot patterns, vitality diminishes. Breaking free from repetitive habits renews our energy and life force. Discovering that neuroscience reveals our brain’s neuroplasticity—its ability to regenerate and grow—is activated by learning or creating something new was transformative for me.

These three primary ways to monitor and increase vitality—immersing yourself in nature, including self-discovery in self-care, and aligning true motivations with joyful expression—are essential. You can embrace them to the degree of your capacity but prioritizing them is key. When we get stuck in behavioral patterns on autopilot, we lose vitality. Reflecting on vitality as the life force shared with nature and all forms of life in the biosphere—a constant dance of regeneration—connects deeply to our well-being and reminds us of its profound importance.

“One of my flower arrangements—a joyful moment of creativity.”

e.g., "For me, dancing and creating flower arrangements are two ways I cultivate joy and self-expression. These activities renew my energy and remind me of the importance of play and creativity." 

INSPIRING RESOURCES TO EXPLORE

These resources have deeply inspired me, and I offer them to help you understand the perspective I bring and to encourage reflection on your own life. Explore them—starting with whichever resonates most with you:

  • David Strayer’s TEDx Talk:Restore Your Brain with Nature
    Discover how time in nature enhances well-being and productivity by recharging your brain through cognitive restoration.
    Watch the video
  • Arlin Cuncic’s Article:The Inner and Outer Self
    Learn why understanding the tension between your inner and outer selves is essential for reducing stress and increasing vitality.
    Read the article
  • Lara Boyd’s TED Talk:After Watching This, Your Brain Will Not Be the Same
    Gain insights into the brain’s incredible ability to adapt and change through neuroplasticity. This talk highlights the importance of challenging yourself with meaningful activities to boost growth and vitality.
    Watch the video

UPCOMING EVENT

Join me for a free workshop:
"The Vital Shift Roadmap: Recharge Your Life"

In this interactive session, I’ll guide you through The Vital Shift Roadmap, a tool I created to help you:

  • Refocus on what truly matters in your life.
  • Recharge your mental and physical energy by breaking free from patterns that drain you.
  • Align your actions with your deepest values and aspirations.

You’ll leave with actionable strategies to enhance your vitality and a personalized framework to sustain your growth. My coaching approach combines proven neuroscience principles with tailored, compassionate support to ensure you can implement changes confidently and effectively.

Save your spot today! 

CONNECT WITH ME

If this resonates with you, stay connected and updated! Follow me on these platforms. I also invite you to share your stories and insights to the conversation. Together, we can expand our awareness and cultivate a healthy lifestyle.

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