natalini 11/19/21 natalini 11/19/21

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

Choose a moment this weekend to share a personal story with someone about a kind gesture another person bestowed upon you.

This can be brought up in a casual conversation starting like, “Did I ever tell you the time when ______ did _______ for me and it how grateful I’m whenever I think of that time?” Chances are the person you share your story with will be reminded of one of their’s to share.

The purpose of this exercise is to recall a moment of unexpected abundance that you experienced to keep your mind in an open state of receiving. This mindset attracts even more greatness into you already beautiful life. If you’re struggling with receiving, repeat “I am worthy, I am worthy, I am worthy,” throughout the weekend. Eventually you’ll believe it so stick with it especially because it’s challenging. Happy abundant, grateful, weekend of receiving!

natalini 11/17/21 natalini 11/17/21

More Please,

ABUNDANCE, that is! More greatness, more kindness, more generosity and more love. Gratitude is where more of anything is generated. Look around and find greatness to get into a mental state of awe. There are so many priceless moments happening every second of the day; a baby giggling, puppies doing anything, someone holding a door for you, finding money on the ground (we’ve all lost and found money, it’s in constant flow). Abundance is everywhere and is meant to be shared, keep it going.

The best time to do something of service for someone else is when we are at our lowest. Think about that for a second. If you’re struggling right now use whatever life force you can gather to say something kind or encouraging to someone who you know is also struggling. They will light up and you will feel lifted with a small sense of purpose. When we are down we lose focus of who we are and why we exist. There are billions of other humans rotating through these emotions and experiences so do or say what you can to ease someones else’s pain. You will reap the emotional reward through a dopamine surge to help you move on to what’s next.

natalini 11/15/21 natalini 11/15/21

Art + Mental Health

Design and art impact mental health in numerous ways. The act of creating art releases dopamine from the brain causing euphoria, concentration, and enhanced motivation. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that delivers a dose of euphoria throughout the body followed by a sense of accomplishment upon completing a task or project. Regular creative activity aids in preventing depression and reducing anxiety while keeping hormones in balance. Creating artwork does not replace conventional medical treatment, however, it can enhance the progress of achieving consistent mental wellness. Creative activities allow an individual to take responsibility and participate in their own healing process. Painting, pottery, music, and crafting will not override or interfere with conventional healing modalities so it is important to keep an open mind when exploring creative outlets. Creativity is a spark capable of igniting the mind and body in which together has unlimited healing power.

Choose a creative activity to get lost in the process and then relish in the completion detached from the outcome. Over time a creative practice may work its way into your daily routine even for just a few minutes.

natalini 11/12/21 natalini 11/12/21

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

Make some time to go for a crisp fall walk or hike in nature! Take deep breaths of fresh air, hold it…then exhale completely. Go alone to practice pivoting negative thoughts when they try to hijack your peaceful moment or drag a friend, partner or pet along for the adventure.

When you get home, make your favorite drink and write down some of the thoughts you had or conversations with others. Sometimes great ideas or solutions to annoying issues are resolved when we step away.

Enjoy the fall, it will be freezing soon…unless you’re in San Diego where it’s always perfect. Whatever.

natalini 11/10/21 natalini 11/10/21

Grateful for My...

Photo by: Gabrielle Henderson @gabriellefaithhenderson

Has a stranger ever asked you why you were so happy? Well, that happened to me this week. I smiled at a gentleman and he asked what I was so happy about, and I blurted out, “I’m alive!” I truly am grateful each and everyday for my beautiful life from my family, friends, home, bed, water, food to my hair, health, fingernails and any minor ache and pain because it’s all part of my human experience. Time goes by so fast so that I take as many mental snapshots of moments. In the morning, no matter what grizzly beast is starring back at me, I grit my teeth and say, “I love you…no matter what.” Self love is a windy road with plenty of potholes, so I have chosen to throw up my hands and say “weee,” going over them to bring a bit of lighthearted silliness to a seemingly rough day.

What are you grateful for in your life? Think about all of the conveniences that allow you to enjoy your life, the people who teach you lessons, those who make you laugh and the health and psychical abilities you have in this moment. You may be surprised at how abundant your life truly has been.