Day 64: Sleep + Support Group

Today I learned...
...I need more sleep. So tonight I'm going to bed at 9:00 pm. Rick's orders.

Today I am thankful for...
...the women in the support group I lead. They are strong, they are committed, and they are compassionate. I am proud to walk beside them through their journeys.

Day 59: Final Moments + Honorable Mention

Today I learned...
...that people can hear you even when they are minutes from death. I sat with a patient today who was imminently dying. He was unconscious, breathing in a labored fashion, and unresponsive. And he was alone. So I sat there for almost an hour and I talked to him. It's a little embarrassing even to say here, but I told him that he didn't have to be afraid. I told him that his angels were with him. I told him that he didn't have to wait for anyone or anything. And then, because some people wait for someone to be near and some people wait to be all alone, I told him, "I'll be right back" so he would know I was leaving, and I went out. He died within 5 minutes. I truly believe he heard and wanted to take his last breath in peace.

Today I am thankful for...
...this email I received!

Dear Arielle,

It is with pleasure to inform you that you have received an Honorable Mention for the Polizzi Award for this year. Congratulations! Phyllis & I nominated you with the attached nomination write up. Voting was done via all faculty from all of our MSW programs at our last meeting. Your honorable mention recognition will be presented to you at the Spring Field Colloquium in Scranton on Wed. March 27th & you will be recognized along with the MSW Polizzi Award Winner at this year's Graduate Hooding Ceremony. We are honored to have you as the honorable mention recipient of this award! I am hopeful that you will be able to attend to receive the recognition that you so deserve at each venue! Congratulations! I am copying your field liaison and current & past field instructors on this announcement as well to share this good news! Thank you for all you do as an MSW student & soon to be social worker! Congratulations!


The Polizzi Medal is awarded to a graduating MSW who overall in the SSWAS stands out in class, in field, and in the social work profession and community, etc. The award recognizes the student for outstanding educational performance and service in the filed of social work. The Word document that was attached to the email (the nomination essay itself that was composed by the faculty) was so long and touching and so filled with kind words that it brought tears to my eyes. I am not sharing it, because I'm too embarrassed and it made me blush. The person who won the first place award goes to school in Scranton (a couple hours away) so is unknown to me...as I was unknown to many of the faculty up there who vote on this recipient of this award. As per a conversation I had with Dr. Black a few days ago, I think Dr. Black (Phyllis, the director of my social work program) was a little upset that I did not win, because the instructors on the other campus don't know me. BUT I WAS SO HONORED JUST TO BE NOMINATED let alone win the honorable mention. I tried to impress this upon her. I really am blessed.

Day 40: My Message + Nana

Today I learned...
...that I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to say to girls out there. While I was busy writing papers this morning, I received an email from someone asking for advice on how to talk to a 12 year old girl about body dissatisfaction, comparisons to others, and negative self-worth. It got me thinking - like REALLY thinking - so I filmed an 8 minute video, specifically for girls. You know...those wonderful little creatures who grow up to be women. I couldn't even continue what I was doing until I made this video. Do you have a daughter? A grand-daughter? A niece? A little sister? A student? If there is any girl in your life, this is what I want to tell her. This is what she needs to hear. It's not even really about eating disorders. It's about self-love. It's about life. 

Today I am thankful for...
...being able to celebrate my Nana's birthday with her. Most of the family went out to dinner tonight and it was nice to just look at my grandmother from across the table, sitting there in her red shirt and her salt and pepper hair, and just smile...and watch her smile back.

Day 36: Surprise Sincerity + a Nomination

Today I learned...
...that a lot of people really look forward to the letters I leave for strangers that I post about on Mondays. Multiple people have stopped me throughout my day on a Monday to ask me excitedly where I left my letter. Multiple people have told me that my Letters on Monday is one good thing about Mondays now! Multiple people have thanked me for doing it, because it inspires them or makes them feel good. And multiple people have told me that they pretend the letters I leave for strangers (and then post) are for them.

All of this makes me so happy. And yet, I am surprised every time I learn about another person who is waiting for the announcement of the next letter. It's such a learning experience. I am surprised by the sincerity and straightforwardness with which people approach me about this. I am taken aback when they express excitement or eagerness and ARE NOT AFRAID TO SAY SO OUT LOUD. I love that. And yes, I will always tell you where I left my Monday letter - though you may have to wait until it appears on Facebook or my personal blog. And yes, it IS one good thing about Mondays now! That's part of the point. I like to put a positive spin on things that aren't always seen so positively. And yes, I love to inspire and make you feel good. You can do what I'm doing. I'm not special. :-) And yes, the letters are as much for YOU as they are for the people who find them. That's the reason why I post photos of the actual letters I leave instead of just saying that I left another letter. If you read it and it speaks to you, take it to heart. It's for you.

Today I am thankful for...
...the nomination for the Love Warrior 2013 award. The EDRS (Eating Disorder Recovery Support, Inc.) nominated 5 women and I am honored to be among them, because quite frankly, they all rock! The winner will be announced at their annual conference on Feb 7th in California. I was invited to the event, but unfortunately due to cost of travel and crazy schedule, had to decline. Regardless of outcome, I am so appreciative for the recognition and the thanks. I feel so blessed these last few weeks!

Day 35: Recognition + Important Words

Today I learned...
...that my hard work does not go unnoticed. I was recognized THREE times today and it felt almost magical and connected. The first was my small bit on the news. The other two recognition instances were total surprises and really made me blush. I won't elaborate just yet...but to be nominated for something special by people I respect means a lot to me.

Today I am thankful for...
...Channel 69 News airing the NUMBER ONE thing I would want aired. Of all the footage they took of me speaking at my home, they could only show a brief clip and what they chose was me saying, "If someone out there is struggling or they know someone who is struggling, there is hope. Recovery can be achieved." Yes, yes, and yes! THANK YOU.

Day 30: A New Term + a Safe Arrival

Today I learned...
...that the role I've been trying to live and embody and exude is that of a Servant-Leader. I never heard this term until tonight in my graduate Policy class. Yes, I want to be a leader... but not just a leader - a Servant-Leader. Don't know what one is? Check it out: Servant-Leadership

Today I am thankful for...
...getting home safely in the torrential rain, fog, and flooding. My drive home from class tonight was a bit treacherous, but I made it. If it wasn't the wall of rain making it difficult for me to see, it was the dense fog near Northampton. At one point, my brakes didn't really work, but I said "thank you" when I skidded safely to a stop.