WELLNESS

What is wellness?

Wellness is being healthy both inside and out. Both physically and mentally. Wellness isn't just about keeping your body healthy and in shape, it is also about what you eat, your thoughts, your beliefs, who you associate yourself with, your words, morals, values and your actions. I used to tell my yoga students at the end of each class when they were preparing for savasana; to do their best to live life with intention. To take responsibility for their lives, live proactively and to be the best version of themselves that they possible could. To set and intention to live with intention.

So many of us think that we need to control everything. Simply put....that is impossible. Just stop trying. Stop it! Living with intention means that we are in control of our own lives only, instead of trying to control everything else around us. It is determining and setting a direction that we want to head in....and going there! Don't just sit and let life happen. Don't just let life pass you by. It also doesn't mean putting up with what you don't agree with. Stop dealing with the burdens, opinions and advice of others. Stop being manipulated by the world and go and get what you want out of life.

Deal with your traumas, emotions and what is weighing you down. CHANGE YOUR LIFE. In order to do that...you need to understand who you are. To do this...you need to dig down deep in order to learn about yourself. Your needs, your wants, your goals and aspirations, what motivates and inspires you. Doing this shows you what you should focus on and what you need to let go of and leave behind. Sometimes this hard work can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary.

Routine is one of the most effective ways to impact your life. Out of routine comes habit. Just as easy as it is to develop a bad habit....a good habit can form. Routines are done on a consistent basis and can have a powerful influence on your life. Once a routine becomes habit...it doesn't take as much effort and you're able to make room in your mind for other productive changes and positive energy! For example: Taking a few moments each night to think about what you are grateful for. Once you climb into bed and find yourself comfortable, think of 2-3 things about your day that make you feel happy or blessed. Even if you have to leave a note on your bedside table until the routine sticks....you do what you need to do.

Inspiration and motivation are key to wellness. These can be found everywhere if you just look. If you find that you're being drawn toward something; an idea, a thought, something or someone that interests us...that powerful feeling that doesn't quit....that is inspiration. The force that pushes you to complete the idea or go through with the thought...that is motivation. Inspiration and motivation pave the way for growth and change. In order to have wellness in your life, you need to allow for growth and change; even when they may feel uncomfortable of difficult. These are both positive steps down the path to live with intention. So while you're doing the work on your inner self...you need to be aware of who and what you're surrounding yourself with. If you chose people who are pessimistic, unhappy and cynical...that is what you will likely become. These people are often triggers for past traumas, negative feelings and self-doubt. They are often master manipulators. If you surround yourself with people who are positive, outgoing and intelligent....your life will change. Your environment and company have a huge influence on your wellness. You cannot grow where there is no light. You must create your own positive environment and supports in which to grow. Don't compromise when it comes to getting the life that you truly want. You deserve to live a 'well' life.