I would say that I believed I had a decent level of wellness the majority of my life. I’ve managed to survive 33 years in this world (consider that in some parts of the world, individuals don’t even reach their tenth birthday). So, I guess from that perspective, I’m well. I’ve only had a hairline bone fracture; I’ve never had any known allergies. I’ve never had a cavity, never needed glasses. So, one might say, if you looked at me standing straight, I am very healthy and well.
However, one’s level of wellness is most certainly not all visible. And, it may not show up in lab results either… sometimes, it’s much harder to quantify one’s state of wellness, if you consider all aspects of the mind, body and spirit.
And yet, the human body is capable of managing what happens to it, and maintaining a level of equilibrium, in order to survive. So, more accurately, I was surviving up until 6 years ago. And 6 years ago, I figured out, I needed to not just survive, but LIVE!
What happened to me 6 years ago is not really relevant. What is relevant is I admitted to myself that my body was merely surviving, and there was a good chance, it might not be able to survive too much longer if I didn’t take some action to give it a break!
So, I did.
And, that’s when the notion of wellness really came into the forefront of my mind. And that’s when I started the most important hike I’ll ever do. Ever since that day, in June of 2008, I continue to absorb as much information about wellness, as my brain can hold. And each day, I make conscious decisions to improve my wellness.
Things like:
- Weight training
- Playing with my cat and dog
- Eating clean meals
- Taking multivitamins
- Reminding myself daily how fortunate I am to have clean clothes, a warm bed, a job, a family who loves me, and purpose
- Helping others who need help
- Reading
- Learning
- Playing video games
- Drinking as much water as I can stomach
- Putting on makeup every now and then
- Getting my toenails done
- Trying to make my partner laugh with my dumb jokes
- Playing volleyball, snowboarding, biking
- Playing the piano and writing music
- Telling my mom at the end of EVERY phone call, I love her
- Sleeping in
What I continue to learn is wellness is not a destination you reach. Wellness is a winding, sometimes rough, sometimes crazy steep, sometimes downhill, hike that is different for each of us, but each step on that hike, brings us from a state of surviving, to a state of living. It’s not a matter of if you’re well, or unwell. It’s not a matter of if you’re sick or healthy. It’s what level of wellness are you at presently, are you able and willing to take steps on your trail, to improve that level of wellness? Of course, don’t go hiking without some sort of map/guide. Your map might be apps for your phone. Your map might be info you’ve received from people or websites you trust. Your guide might actually be your doctor/personal trainer/nutritionist/spouse/minister/friend/teacher/even pet. Ultimately, even in the tough spots, enjoy your hike. Just remember, stay hydrated, and breathe deeply. Honestly, this will help on MANY levels both mentally and physically. Now, go have a glass of water, and improve your wellness. Maybe I’ll see you out there on the trails. Don’t worry, I’ll share my GORP. It’s healthy, promise!