Prenditi Cura Della Tua Bella Mente

Today I want to tell a story about my best friend, Bella—my dog, who is more like a wise, furry life coach.

Bella is deeply caring, energetic, and outgoing. She’s the kind of friend who ensures everyone feels happy and content. With a heart bigger than anyone I know, she embraces the mantra of “work hard, play hard.”

She’s a great listener during meetings, loves long walks, and shares her humble opinions when asked. Bella is in amazing physical shape but is also a big-time foodie. Italian cuisine is her favorite (no surprise there), and she even has a soft spot for beer!

But during COVID, everything changed. Bella, an extrovert at heart, started to feel disconnected from her usual routines and the people she loved interacting with. To cope, she turned to beer—too much of it. She even joked that if alcohol could clean hands, maybe it could clean her mind too! The dopamine boost made her feel like life was the same as before.

But it wasn’t. She started missing walks, feeling sluggish, and becoming more stressed during work meetings. She stopped being the great listener she once was and, worst of all, drifted away from her authentic self.

Thankfully, Bella is a champion of self-reflection and had the support of me and her loved ones. She realized what was happening and began making changes. She rediscovered herself and rebuilt the habits that brought her joy.

Now, Bella embraces balance. She eats healthy (no more beer!), feels better than ever, and goes on daily strolls with me. Her new mantra is “work hard—and even harder when no one’s watching.”

Bella, my dog and my best friend, teaches us all an important lesson. We are blessed with a Bella Mente—a beautiful mind. It’s up to us to care for it, nurture it, and create environments where we can thrive as our best selves.

As Mehmet Murat İldan wisely said, “The kindest mind is the most beautiful mind.”

So, take a moment today to ask yourself: Are you nurturing your Bella Mente? Are you making choices that help you think clearly, feel your best, and show up as the best version of yourself? Small, mindful changes can make all the difference.

Happy Thoughtful Tuesday to you, and remember to always take care of your Bella Mente!

© Nuri Dimler 2025