What Is Your Vision Of Wellness?

Time seems to pass by with a blink of an eye. At the end of the day, I always think to myself if I only had more time I would have done more for myself today. I would have done that meditation before I arrived at work; I would have completed my workout before I dropped the girls off, or I would have written morning journal entries and my daily affirmations. But the truth is, even if I had an extra hour or an extra day, it would have ended the same. It’s hard to admit that time is not the problem, but its lack of vision and prioritizing my vision that consistently yields the same results.

Why do I put myself last? Why do I put the needs of my family before my own? Do I subconsciously believe that putting them before me will make me a better wife or a better mother? Why do I feel like my health is optional? What will it take for me to obtain my vision of wellness? These are the questions I asked myself before I decided to make a change.

I can’t answer what will be the event or moment that will lead you to create your vision of wellness, but I would like to share mine.

I remember one day sitting on the other end of the exam table seeking medical attention for shortness of breath and chest pain accompanied by elevated heart rate and elevated blood pressure readings. I remember at that moment feeling helpless and just wanting to feel like myself again. For several days I couldn’t walk up the stairs or take a shower without feeling short of breath or without feeling my heart racing. After a few diagnostic tests were completed, one of the first questions the doctor asked me was how much I weighed. I remember thinking to myself that this question at that moment was irrelevant to assisting me with my immediate concerns. But I am grateful for that moment, because it was then that I said to myself never again will I allow my weight to be a determining factor on what the next steps of my treatment would be.

Now as I have mentioned before, wellness is more than a number on the scale. It is your personalized view of what you want to look and feel like. No one can determine it for you and no one can make it happen but you. However, I am happy to share some tools that I have found along the way.

When that moment comes that pushes you to make a change, I want you to keep these five tools in mind when writing and prioritizing your vision:

Take time for reflection: Reflect on what you want to look and feel like. Not what others see in you, but what you see in yourself. Don’t place limits on yourself. Now, this may take some more time than others, depending on how disconnected you are with yourself. Take the time you need, but don’t linger in this step forever.

Write your vision down on paper: Writing your vision down validates that your thoughts are real. Once your thoughts become real, they become achievable.

Determine what actions are needed daily to accomplish your vision: Don’t underestimate the power of small wins. Being intentional with accomplishing daily wins is a great tool for achieving larger goals. Be sure to celebrate your wins.

Establish your why: There will be times when you don’t want to eat healthier choices or make time for a therapy session. It is during those times, you have to remember why your vision is important to you and what you risk if you don’t accomplish your goals.

Allow room for your vision to grow: As you celebrate small wins, it is ok to expand your vision. You have permission to change your vision, don’t seek validation from others.

You have the tools, you have the vision in the back of your mind. Now write it down and get to work. You won’t regret it. Always remember to make wellness your best accessory.

Your Sister in Wellness,

Lauren