Your Wellness Declaration, part 1

What is your definition of Wellness? Over the past 30 plus years much has been written and voiced about wellness. On previous occasions I have covered the tenets of wellness as described by John W. Travis, MD, MPH, as modified (with Travis’ permission) by yours truly.

This time, I would like to spend a little more concentrated time on each aspect of what Travis and I consider Wellness. The first tenet is “Wellness is a choice…. a decision you make to move toward optimal health.” Michael Arloski, PhD, our nation’s notable health/wellness coaching professional and trainer (https://realbalance.com/) defines the choice and commitment to optimal health and wellness as follows: “Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential. Wellness is multi-dimensional and holistic (encompassing such factors as lifestyle, mental, and spiritual wellbeing and the environment). Wellness is positive and affirming.”

As Arloski states, wellness is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential. That process begins with a choice. Your decision to begin your wellness journey starts with your first step toward the level of health and wellness you always dreamed about but never quite stepped up to the challenge and opportunity. So, let’s take the first step together. Get out a piece of paper and pencil. Write down a maximum of three sentences describing what you want to achieve toward your highest wellness potential.

You probably wonder why I asked you to use the old-fashioned paper and pencil and not your ipad, tablet, computer, or phone. I believe when you use a pencil and paper, you will more consciously meditate on what you will declare. Each sentence and word will begin to mean much more to you. In this fast-paced, texting world, we have lost much of that contemplative wisdom with what we write and say. And we often get ourselves into trouble too with those who hear or read our rant, that we regret later.

Here are some questions to consider. I encourage you to write down the questions and your responses.

1. What one key barrier do you see right now keeping you from seeking, reaching, and achieving your desired wellness?
2. What first step will you take this week to resolve that barrier?
3. How will this action contribute to achieving your declaration?
4. Who or what do you need to include to succeed?

Keep in mind as you write your declaration and responses . . . wellness is not only physical. It is multi-dimensional and holistic involving all aspects of your life. Once you have your declaration and responses down on paper, it’s time for you to sit with a trusted family member or friend to help you brainstorm your declaration, the questions, as well as your responses.

Give your friend permission to keep you accountable to your commitment to this first tenet of wellness. Their help can make all the difference as you choose to move toward your optimal health and wellbeing. In the next article, the tenet to be covered will be “Wellness is a way of life…a lifestyle you design to achieve your highest potential for wellbeing.” Until then, think about how your life does or doesn’t support your declaration, and how you would like to design your lifestyle to achieve your wellness dreams and goals.