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IDEAS you're new to Naples (or not!), the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

11. Take a moment to learn about the community around you. If
offers a wealth of information, advice, tours and programs to learn
more about the unique Southwest Florida environment and those
amazing creatures that share this home with us. The von Arx Wildlife
Hospital assists thousands of injured native creatures every year. Find
out how you can minimize your impact and lend support to this
organization, by educating yourself and helping wildlife thrive.
12. Pause. Respond, don't react. Quite possibly you'll save yourself
a few headaches in doing so.
13. Rest. Meditate. Watch your breathing. Do nothing for
2 minutes. Then three... or more.
for looking on the bright side joke. I'm hoping to see comedian Nate Bargatze next month. Maybe
14. Laugh out loud. Watch a funny movie. Read or tell a funny
I'll see you there and we'll laugh together!
15. Reread a favorite book and share your suggestion with a friend.
Or share a favorite passage. I'd love to hear from you if there's a quote
that bears repeating.
Happy New Year! 16. Ixnay on the negativity. Happy people beget more happy
by Karen Coney Coplin people. We can't be Pollyanna all the time but we can look on the
e all have hope for the best year ever - bright side. We can look for the silver lining. We can remember
whether or not that is true may depend that tough times don't last but tough people do. And that support
Won how you view "the best," so let's start is out there if you are in need. The Collier Resource Center is one
by making the most of each day of your life in organization which can point you in the right direction if you are
Naples. feeling a bit lost or at a low point. There are so many avenues to
Here are 24 suggestions for 2024 : resources in our wonderful community. Should you need guidance,
1. Start your day right. Rise with the sun when please reach out for help and encouragement.
you can, make your bed, and drink a large glass of 17. Florida may be the Sunshine State, but sometimes we will have
water. cloudbursts. But rainy days often bring beautiful changes to the sky
2. If your schedule permits, it's hard to beat watching the sunrise and keep our plants, trees and flowers happy. If you haven't been to the
over Baker Park. Naples Botanical Garden, please put that on your list for this year, or
3. Many among us are trying intermittent fasting and those that even this week.
aren't are having a protein packed breakfast. Take your pick or your 18. Oranges emblazon many Florida license plates. Did you know
doctor's advice! smelling citrus fruit scientifically is shown to boost your mood? It's
4. Have a pet? A morning walk or exchanging a little affection is time to take a whiff.
always a day brightener. 19. Have a creative break. Many times people say they aren't
5. Speaking of pets, there are many organizations devoted to the imaginative, but look back to your childhood to see what you enjoyed
care and shelter of animals awaiting adoption. Domestic Animal doing, making, playing. Adult coloring books are everywhere, but
Services and the Humane Society Naples are just two that come to certainly there is inspiration from your past or new directions for your
mind. Blankets, bowls, towels and treats are among many items on future.
their wish list. 20. As to creativity, embrace works produced by others. Art is
6. Is it time for a coffee break? I'm going to give a smile and a where you find it and there are countless art organizations and galleries
shout out to one of my favorite people, Imani Nyumbwe, from the dedicated to supporting our local artists as well as those with national
downtown Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru. His positive attitude and acclaim and beyond.
winning smile (as well as his great colleagues) ensures my day starts 21. Write it down. I'm certainly at a point where list making is
right when I am able to visit. a daily routine, but I also want to remember the random things that
7. There are many others who cross my path or yours, sometimes pop into my mind that would otherwise float away unless I take pen
fleeting. I'm pledging to be more intentional; thanking those who to paper. Do you journal? Many scientific studies tout this as a surefire
have brightened my day and doing my best to make theirs a joy, too. way to lift your spirits, especially if you journal about gratitude.
Even a heartfelt thank you can make all the difference in the world. 22. Plan a trip. Even as many elsewhere are planning travels to
A compliment, sincerely paid, will have a similar effect. Naples, understand that anticipation about a future pleasant event is
8. Time in nature always does us a world of good. If you are always good for us.
inside at work or reading this at home, take a break and step outside. 23. Be present with loved ones, colleagues, friends and
Look up. Look around. I just did this and delighted in the sound of acquaintances. The gift of time and attention is truly priceless. It
birdsong and the whisper of rustling palm fronds. reminds me of the saying that there is no time like the present.
9. Other friends and my daughters go to their favorite music for Also, the present is a gift. Even if you can't be with people you love,
a mood boost and it's a great reminder to put those favorite tunes on take a moment to call, text, or even drop a snail mail letter to them.
blast or replay. If music isn't a universal language, I don't know what is. Today. Now. That's a gentle reminder to myself, too.
10. Speaking of music, this is an invitation to break out and 24. End your day in Naples with a sunset on the Gulf.
dance. If you haven't recently, I promise you'll be glad to shake it off! Time to reflect, then, back to lucky #13, above.

Email Karen with your article ideas concerning Life in Naples (especially as to local charities and their activities): Napleskcc@gmail.com.
Follow her on Instagram for more vignettes about Life in Naples: @naplesbythenumbers

46 Life in Naples | January 2024