We’re celebrating the power of gratitude to spark joy, strengthen resilience, and remind us what truly matters. This season’s Resilience Challenges help us do just that.
DECEMBER
Move into Joy
JANUARY
Strong Body, Steady Self
FEBRUARY
Share the Love
Find your spark. Strengthen your spirit. Share your gratitude.
These small shifts aren’t just about better habits—they’re quiet acts of resilience that warm the winter months with intention, connection, and joy.
SMALL STEPS. BIG SHIFTS.
LET’S
BEGIN!
Brought to you by our Gayle Berg Center for Resilience
HELLO FROM THE CENTER!
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we’re reminded to slow down and notice the steady, quiet moments—a kind word, a shared laugh, a deep breath. Gratitude lives in these pauses, grounding us in connection, purpose, and possibility.
We’re excited to introduce new programs designed to inspire, energize, and support your well-being:
• Smart Talk: What Your Body Knows About Happiness Explore habits and mindset for greater joy, and Winning from Within boosts focus, resilience, and confidence for teens, parents, athletes, and coaches.
• Know & Grow: Life Transitions Navigate change with clarity and purpose
• Mastering Mindfulness: Transformative Breathwork with Silent Disco Headphones Release tension and restore calm through guided breathwork
• Design Your Year: A Guided Vision Boarding Experience Set intentions and map actionable next steps
Our ongoing favorites like Resilience U and so much more continue to offer space for you to connect, reflect, and grow.
This season, gratitude doesn’t have to be grand. Sometimes, it’s simply noticing what’s good or who’s beside you.
Take a moment. What are you grateful for today?
With gratitude,
Michelle Birnbaum, MPH Manager, Gayle Berg Center for Resilience
DECEMBER: MOVE INTO JOY
HOW CAN I SPARK JOY IN MY EVERYDAY LIFE?
Shake off the winter chill and rediscover joy through movement, laughter, and gratitude. Joy is something we can spark through curiosity, engagement, and simple everyday actions. Be reminded that even small moments can lift mood, foster gratitude, and build resilience.
READY TO MEET THE CHALLENGE?
To start the journey, be sure to register for Smart Talk: What Your Body Knows About Happiness!
Learn how simple habits can shift your mood, spark creativity, and reduce stress. Expect laughter and insight that will leave you feeling lighter and more connected— for yourself and the world around you.
Wednesday, December 3, 7-8:30pm $18 members / $36 nonmembers
To register, visit sjjcc.org/resilience
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
Take a brisk walk
MASTERING
MINDFULNESS:
Transformative Breathwork w/ Silent Disco Headphones Series: Part 1 4:30-5:30pm
FIRST NIGHT OF CHANUKAH
Watch twinkly lights–of the menorah or holiday decorations
R.A.I.N. Meditation Series: Part 1 7-8pm SIGNED UP AT SID
STRONG LIVING: Reel Psychology 1-3:30pm
SIGNED UP AT SID
Hum as you move through your day
STRONG LIVING: Mind/Body 1-2pm
SIGNED UP AT SID
Roll your shoulders and breathe in the winter air
SIGNED UP AT SID
STRONG LIVING: Reel Psychology 1-3:30pm SIGNED UP AT SID
TRANSFORMATIVE BREATHWORK WITH SILENT
An immersive mind-body reset using silent disco headphones in this dynamic blend of yoga, Pilates, and breathwork.
Sunday, December 7, 4:30pm, and Thursday, January 8, $90 members / $118 nonmembers
MOVE INTO JOY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
SMART TALK:
What Your Body Knows About Happiness
7-8:30pm
Send a playful selfie to a friend
Write a joyful word, in big wild letters
SIGNED UP AT SID
Laugh out loud, purposely
11 25 12 19 26 13 20 27 18 4 5 6
Express appreciation for someone through an act of kindness
Take a walk and notice the colors of the season
CRAFT A MOMENT:
Series: Part 1 2:30-3:30pm
Twirl your scarf, or yourself CHRISTMAS DAY
Watch something that makes you laugh till you cry
Spin around once–Yes. Really
Shake off stress–literally. Loosen your body, unclench your jaw
Smile at strangers and notice when they smile back
Wear something that makes you feel bold
Wrap a holiday gift with extra flair
Take “the long way” on purpose
Dance
UPCOMING
Winning from Within: Elevating Mindset, Focus, and Performance
Step into the mindset of champions and turn pressure into peak performance! This high-energy session helps athletes and parents build resilience, sharpen focus, and thrive on and off the field. Join Leah Jantzen, mental performance coach, Ironman competitor, and podcast host of Still in the Game, and Dr. Steven Frierman, Hofstra professor and sport psychologist, followed by a panel of local coaches and athletes with Q&A.
. Sunday, January 11, 7-8:15pm
$36 members per family
$40 nonmembers per family
Individual, team, and group rates
available—call to inquire
BODY, STEADY SELF
HOW CAN I BUILD STRENGTH AND STEADINESS IN BOTH MIND AND BODY EACH DAY?
A new year invites a return to balance—not through resolutions, but through reconnection. Strength and steadiness begin when we slow down, move purposefully, listen to our body, and feel more centered. READY TO MEET THE CHALLENGE?
To get your year started on the right foot, be sure to register for Craft A Moment: Design Your Year—A Guided Vision Boarding Experience! Gather images, words, and symbols that reflect your dreams, and craft a visual roadmap to inspire motivation and follow-through. Includes a guided meditation and a make-and-take vision board.
Wednesday, January 7, 7:30pm $36 members / $46 nonmembers
To register, visit sjjcc.org/resilience
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
SMART TALK: Winning from Within 7-8:15PM
SIGNED UP AT SID
Unplug for one hour and just be
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY Eat sitting at a table Write one small promise to yourself Stretch your body
RESILIENCE CHALLENGE SJJCC Lobby, 10am-4pm
STRONG LIVING: Reel Psychology 1-2pm SIGNED UP AT SID COMPLETED Drop tension you don’t need COMPLETED
Notice what feels strong today
End a task before beginning another
STRONG LIVING: Mind/Body 1-3:30pm SIGNED UP AT SID
KNOW & GROW: Helping Kids Thrive 7:30-8:30pm SIGNED UP AT SID COMPLETED
BODY, STEADY SELF
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sit in quiet–just breathe
Drink water like it matters
Walk with purpose
CRAFT A MOMENT: Design Your Year: Vision Boarding 7:30pm
Notice your heartbeat
MASTERING MINDFULNESS: Transformative Breathwork w/ Silent Disco Headphones Series: Part 2 7:15-8:15pm SIGNED UP AT SID COMPLETED
Step outside after dark–feel the air COMPLETED
Lift something light and notice your strength Straighten your spine and lift your gaze
Move slowly–feel calm return
Close your eyes and take a deep breath Put your phone down while eating
KNOW & GROW: Life Transitions Series: Part 1 7:30pm
CRAFT A MOMENT: Series: Part 2 2:30-3:30pm SIGNED UP AT SID
Let your shoulders drop-carry less today
Inhale cold air; exhale stress Drink a glass of water 1 8 22 29 9 16 23 30 10 17 24 31 15 2 3
Thank your body. It’s your home
Pause halfway through a walk, and just listen
MEDITATION SERIES to life’s ups and downs. R.A.I.N.—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture—is a simple, present, navigate emotions skillfully, and meet each moment with ease and intention.
What Are You Grateful For?
Take a moment to pause, reflect—and have fun doing it! Fill each section of your Gratitude Wheel with something that makes you smile! Add color, doodles, or words that inspire you, and come back to it over time as your gratitude grows.
FEBRUARY:
SHARE THE LOVE
HOW CAN I BRING MORE KINDNESS, CONNECTION, AND WARMTH TO OTHERS?
February is about connection. Acts of kindness, gratitude, and simple presence support resilience and emotional health. Through small, genuine gestures, we remind ourselves that care flows both ways. And when shared, becomes a powerful source of love and resilience.
READY TO MEET THE CHALLENGE?
To get connected, be sure to register your teen for the kick-off to our 2026 Resilience U! In this 3-part series, teens build ways to love themselves and others.
Tuesdays, February 24, March 24, April 28, 5:30-7pm $75 members / $100 nonmembers
Scholarships available
To register, visit sjjcc.org/resilience
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
Smile
Share something you love—a recipe, a story, a movie
COMPLETED
Let someone ahead of you on line COMPLETED Listen fully COMPLETED
Cut through clutter and create systems that actually stick. Each session offers to boost productivity, stay calm under pressure, and feel more in control of your Thursdays, February 12, March 12, April 16, 7:15-8:15pm $75 members / $100 nonmembers
SHARE THE LOVE
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
KNOW & GROW: Life Transitions Series: Part 2 Vision Boarding 7:30pm
MASTERING MINDFULNESS:
Transformative Breathwork w/ Silent Disco Headphones Series: Part 3
7:15-8:15pm SIGNED UP AT SID
KNOW & GROW: Executive Function 101 Series: Part 1
7:15-8:15pm SIGNED UP AT SID
Notice kindness when it happens–out loud
Thank a worker you usually overlook offers tools you can use immediately your day.
Send a photo that will make someone smile
5 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 12 Find a way to volunteer COMPLETED
Share something you love—a song, a recipe, a story Donate something you no longer use Treat yourself
Share a treat with others Write someone a handwritten note Say “I appreciate you”
CRAFT A MOMENT: Series: Part 3 2:30-3:30pm SIGNED UP AT SID
Share the credit on a group effort
Leave an extra gratuity
SMART TALK
What Your Body Knows About Happiness
Learn how simple habits can shift your mood, spark creativity, and reduce stress with bestselling author Janice Kaplan. Expect laughter and insight that will leave you feeling lighter and more connected—to yourself and the world around you. Wednesday, December 3, 7-8:30pm
$18 members / $36 nonmembers
Winning from Within: Elevating Mindset, Focus, and Performance
Step into the mindset of champions and turn pressure into peak performance! This high-energy session helps athletes and parents build resilience, sharpen focus, and thrive on and off the field. Join Leah Jantzen, mental performance coach, Ironman competitor, and podcast host of Still in the Game, and Dr. Steven Frierman, Hofstra professor and sport psychologist, followed by a panel of local coaches and athletes with Q&A.
Sunday, January 11, 7-8:15pm
$36 members per family / $40 nonmembers per family
Individual, team, and group rates are available—call to inquire
KNOW & GROW
Helping Kids Thrive: Supporting Confidence and Calm
Help your children feel secure, confident, and resilient while learning practical strategies to manage stress and stay present. Dr. Fallon Kane of Kane Psychology in Manhasset will guide families through modern challenges—from school pressures to social expectations—and show how to respond in positive, supportive ways.
Tuesday, January 20, 7:30pm $15 members / $20 nonmembers
Life Transitions: Navigating Change with Clarity and Creativity 2-Part Series
Life is full of transitions—retirement, an empty nest, or new family dynamics. This two-part series combines expert guidance with hands-on creativity to help you navigate change with resilience and purpose.
Part 1: Navigating Life Transitions Discussion
Learn to navigate change, find balance, and manage life’s transitions with guidance from a licensed psychologist. Wednesday, January 28, 7:30pm
Part 2: Design Your Next Chapter: Vision Boarding Workshop
Create a visual roadmap for your goals in a guided vision boarding session with Cynthia Litman of MomTime Events. Materials provided—bring personal photos or trinkets to make it uniquely yours. Wednesday, February 4, 7:30pm $60 members / $75 nonmembers
Executive Function 101: Focus, Plan, Thrive: 3-Part Series
Learn practical, brain-based tools to build habits, manage time and tasks, reduce stress, and stay focused and in control—strategies you can use immediately.
Thursdays, February 12, March 12, April 16, 7:15-8:15pm $75 members / $100 nonmembers
WINTER PROGRAM
MASTERING MINDFULNESS
Transformative Breathwork with Silent Disco Headphones 3-Part Series
Step into a fully immersive mind-body journey with silent disco headphones, guiding you to turn inward and connect deeply with your breath. Gentle yet powerful movement and transformative breathwork release tension, restore balance, and ignite renewal. Led by The Honest Yogi, Sam Gerson, this three-part experience builds over time, helping integrate your practice and expand your mind-body connection for lasting impact.
Sunday, December 7, 4:30pm, and Thursday January 8, February 5, 7:15pm
$90 members / $118 nonmembers
R.A.I.N. Meditation 3-Part Series
Cultivate calm, clarity, and confidence in how you respond to life’s ups and downs. R.A.I.N.—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture—is a simple, practical mindfulness practice that helps you stay present, navigate emotions skillfully, and meet each moment with ease and intention.
Tuesdays, December 9, January 13, February 10, 7-8pm
$75 members / $100 nonmembers
CRAFT A MOMENT
Design Your Year: A Guided Vision Boarding Experience
Set your intentions for the year through this creative vision boarding experience that blends meditation, gratitude, and goal-setting with Cynthia Litman. Gather images, words, and symbols that reflect your dreams, and craft a visual roadmap to inspire motivationand follow-through. Materials provided; participants welcome to bring personal photos or trinkets. Wednesday, January 7, 7:30pm
$36 member / $46 nonmembers
Craft A Moment Series for Adults 3-Part Series
Tap into calm and focus through guided, hands-on art. Create and reflect with painting, drawing, découpage, and beading—no experience needed; materials provided. Thursdays, December 18, January 22, February 26, 2:30-3:30pm $20 members / $40 nonmembers
RESILIENCE U
Resilience U for Teens – 3-Part Series
Help your teen thrive with brain-based strategies to manage school, activities, and social pressures. Build focus, confidence, resilience, and independence. Dinner served; scholarships available. Tuesdays, February 24, March 24, April 28, 5:30-7pm $75 members / $100 nonmembers
STRONG LIVING
This unique mix of mind, body, and film-based exploration is designed for older adults to connect, reflect, and nurture well-being. Each topic rotates weekly; each session combines guided conversation, creative activities, mindful practices, and thoughtfully chosen films that spark curiosity, touch the heart, and encourage reflection on resilience, empathy, and the human spirit.
Mind / Body:
Gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness practices help you stay grounded, energized, and connected Tuesdays, 1-2pm
Reel Psych:
Powerful storytelling with conversation to explore themes of resilience, spirit, and empathy Tuesdays, 1-3:30pm
Thanks to a generous donation, Strong Living is complimentary for Passport participants / $10 nonmembers per session
