Everyone’s wellness journey is unique. Of course, everyone’s wellness goals are not the same either. It’s important to remember that your own wellness goals and experiences may be different compared to others or may even feel easier, or harder compared to others. These differences are valid and normal, and therefore it’s important to recognize that each person’s wellness path may not look like yours.
Take mine, for example. I would describe my own wellness journey as having peaks and valleys. From the outsider’s perspective, one may assume I must not struggle with fitness/wellness/nutrition/mental health. This is of course, an assumption. Perhaps this is based on my presentation, personality, or college major. I’m not entirely sure. I’ve personally “struggled” with all of these things. I suppose it depends how you define “struggle.” My fitness is not always what I would like it to be, I could definitely eat more vegetables, I should certainly get into budgeting and I’ve definitely felt anxiety before. This doesn’t mean I should give up on my own wellness journey. This just means I’m normal and imperfect, like all of us. My end goal is to always keep chugging along.
I’ve worked with many people in the context of wellness: friends, patients, colleagues. I’ve heard many struggles and accomplishments. I’ve sensed the various emotions surrounding someone’s wellness goal. They range from proud, sad, accomplished and defeated. With everyone brave enough to share some component of their story with me, my goal is to try to listen and not judge. Perhaps even try to put myself in their shoes. Of course, I won’t always understand what one may be going through, but I make an effort to try. More importantly, I try to understand that their goals and journey are their own. Each person learns differently, each person has different internal struggles.
With all of this being said, remember that everyone’s wellness journey may look different than yours. Perhaps some may not even start their journey until later in life. This is all okay. People come from different backgrounds, cultures and ways of life. Whenever they decide to incorporate aspects of wellness in their life is their decision. If you notice someone just beginning their journey, be sure to smile and welcome them into the wonderful world of wellness. I’ll see you there.
Take mine, for example. I would describe my own wellness journey as having peaks and valleys. From the outsider’s perspective, one may assume I must not struggle with fitness/wellness/nutrition/mental health. This is of course, an assumption. Perhaps this is based on my presentation, personality, or college major. I’m not entirely sure. I’ve personally “struggled” with all of these things. I suppose it depends how you define “struggle.” My fitness is not always what I would like it to be, I could definitely eat more vegetables, I should certainly get into budgeting and I’ve definitely felt anxiety before. This doesn’t mean I should give up on my own wellness journey. This just means I’m normal and imperfect, like all of us. My end goal is to always keep chugging along.
I’ve worked with many people in the context of wellness: friends, patients, colleagues. I’ve heard many struggles and accomplishments. I’ve sensed the various emotions surrounding someone’s wellness goal. They range from proud, sad, accomplished and defeated. With everyone brave enough to share some component of their story with me, my goal is to try to listen and not judge. Perhaps even try to put myself in their shoes. Of course, I won’t always understand what one may be going through, but I make an effort to try. More importantly, I try to understand that their goals and journey are their own. Each person learns differently, each person has different internal struggles.
With all of this being said, remember that everyone’s wellness journey may look different than yours. Perhaps some may not even start their journey until later in life. This is all okay. People come from different backgrounds, cultures and ways of life. Whenever they decide to incorporate aspects of wellness in their life is their decision. If you notice someone just beginning their journey, be sure to smile and welcome them into the wonderful world of wellness. I’ll see you there.
