Growing into Greatness: How to Embrace Holistic Wellness
From the Growing into Greatness Newsletter
The highlight of last week was hanging with my teenagers for Spring Break. My college student also brought friends home so I was happily parenting 5 young men. I also managed to sneak out to see the musical, Jagged Little Pill, which was great. Stress develops even when you are doing things that you love; whether you are a busy parent, high-achieving ladder climber, college student juggling many classes, or even a retiree - yes, a retiree :-). So this week’s newsletter is about holistic wellness and tips for achieving it so that you can enjoy an abundant life.
Holistic wellness is feeling healthy in mind, body and spirit. It is getting through the obstacles that life throws our way so that each day can be lived abundantly. Recently, my youngest son was sick and nothing else mattered because I only had one care in the world. But we don’t need that kind of shock to the senses to see through the weed of life, let go of stress, and get very focused on creating a life focused on holistic wellness and the things that lead to an abundant life. My challenge for you, and for me, this week is to incorporate 3 of the 10 suggestions below into your week.
Mindfulness: You already know what I am going to say. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Begin the day with a quiet moment of gratitude to set a positive tone for the day. This practice will help center your thoughts and cultivate a peaceful mindset. You don’t know what the day will bring but you are ready for whatever comes your way.
Nourish the Body: Start the day with something that your body loves and something that you love - they are not always the same. A glass of water with lemon first thing in the morning to wake your body up with zest. Or a cup of herbal tea (peppermint and ginger are my favorites). Now this is the hard part - do so before your morning coffee. Caffeine shouldn’t be the first thing that your body absorbs in the morning. Sorry, I know that hurts. Complete your morning with a healthy breakfast; add something plant-based.
Move with Joy: What brings you joy? For me it is music. I play it all day while working and rise to dance to songs that I love. Integrate joyful movements into daily life. Whether it’s dancing to reggae music, walking barefoot on the grass, or practicing yoga, find ways to make exercise a celebration of life rather than a chore.
Connect with Community: Engage in group activities that foster connections, whether through community service organizations, such as your local Rotary club, your local YMCA or ministry at your church. Even for an introvert like me, getting off the computer and connecting with good people is a boost to the spirit.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: See daily challenges as growth opportunities. I create mental calm but telling myself that God is sending me this test because he knows that I need additional testimonies. Remember the last time that you were overwhelmed, stuck, or faced a difficult challenge. Remember that you were able to triumph over it. Treat yourself with kindness and patience and look for the growth opportunity.
Seek Harmony with Nature: Spending time outdoors can be great for the mind. Try gardening, going for a walk in your community or on the beach if you are blessed to be close to it. Take a hike or step outside to watch the birds. If you have a small patio, fill it with plants and watch the flowers bloom.
Prioritize Rest and Rejuvenation: Power naps anyone? When was the last time that you slept for 8+ hours? I often wish that I lived in a country that allows a few hours in the afternoon for community fellowship and a good nap. Find a quiet place or put noise-canceling headphones on and take a power nap. This is one act that benefits the mind, body and spirit.
Engage in Creative Expression: Explore your creative side - writing, painting, crafting, playing an instrument - creativity is a powerful outlet for emotions and a source of personal fulfillment. My creative outlet is writing and I rarely miss a day.
Adopt a Spirit of Generosity: Volunteer your time, mentor, do at least one thing that uplifts someone; this will also enrich your own sense of wellness. Generosity starts at home so seek out someone that you love and give them an extra hug and show them how much you care through words and deeds.
Embrace Lifelong Learning: Stay curious and open-minded. Take the opportunity to learn something new - learn about herbal medicine, take a cooking class, read about different cultures -it will leave you feeling connected with humanity.
Hope that this helps. Remember that is a journey and it can be challenging. Start by implementing a few each week. If you would like a blueprint to an abundant life that is tailored to you, message me @ janetautherine@growintogreatness.com and we can create one together.
Motivation from this week’s PODCAST: Care for yourself in the gentle manner that you would care for a precious rose or orchid.
Sprinkle kind words throughout your mind.
Infuse your body with minerals and vegetation from the earth.
Feed your soul with mindfulness and meditation.
Train your eyes to skim most of the negative post on social media without being pulled in.
Fill your spirit with consciousness and unrestrained optimism.
Happenings in our Community:
Growing into Greatness Academy: We are cooking up some fun courses and you will be the first to know when they launch.
Interested in building your email list and creating your own newsletter? Both can be done through Convertkit (affiliate). I will share additional resources but feel free to ask me anything and I will share the tools to build.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a charitable organization that builds beds for children in need. In coordination with our church, the family and I were blessed to spend Saturday putting together the pieces of what will become 50 beds for the community.
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