For every year that I have made New Year's Resolutions, I have studiously avoided any real commitment to wellness.
Wellness is complex. It takes a lifetime, right? That, and I have always wanted to focus more on my holistic experience of wellness, rather than the numbers. Setting a goal weight may work for some people, but for me, my weight has always felt like a side-step around a true facing of my own physical body, mental state, and overall wellbeing. I am actually in better shape than ever, thanks to a combination of traveling, living rurally, cooking at home, and having the mental space to meet my own emotional needs. But this year feels different. 2017 is bursting with unwelcome hurdles, beckoning my better self forth. Next year, I have the opportunity and obligation to do my best work, to benefit myself and my community. I have to fight hard. I want to fight hard. My wellness needs to be vivid, thriving, overflowing. I want to have the energy, stability, flexibility, and strength to face the uncertain future (or very certain enemies). I want enough to share with others who are more vulnerable. I feel that I have much to offer this year, if only my physical and mental wellbeing can support me. My 2017 theme is ILLUMINATION. Bringing bright light to dark spaces, sitting with the dark spaces and finding inner light. So, it's time to find a physical manifestation of this inner velocity. Can I walk the path only in spirit? How can I bring my body along, too? What have I been missing in this mind-body-spirit trifecta? So many people have inspired my understanding of wellness. For instance, my friend Hannah and her inspiring medieval armored combat. And numerous friends in my secret feminist Facebook group who share their mental health journeys. This was also the year that I truly came to grips with my sensory processing issues, which has made them much easier to handle (with immense gratitude to my patient and compassionate partner). Wellness is complex, and every person has a unique recipe for wellness. For you, it might be allowing yourself to eat that food that makes you feel guilty. Because maybe those extra few pounds are more healthy than a mind that taunts and torments you. For another, it might be buying that gym membership instead of pretending you like to run outdoors in the rain. For others, it might mean taking the time to sit in silence every night, alone in the dark. No? Just me?? Wherever you find yourself on this New Year's Eve, I hope you take a quiet moment to re-imagine what your wellness could look like. Wellness is a gift that only you can give to yourself. Wellness affects everything else in your life. And you can start now. In 2017, here is my vision of wellness:
What's yours? Wishing you all a joyous and peaceful end to 2016, and here's to a rambunctious, revelatory, and rejuvenating 2017.
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eating: nutmeg butternut squash ravioli from Edinbane Inn on the Isle of Skye
making: recordings of Christmas songs to send to family & friends reading: undecided -- just finished Naomi Klein's book on climate change, and seeking a dose of fiction wanting: a meaningful community & meaningful challenges at work deciding: where to push, and where to relax enjoying: traveling on a remote island and enjoying quality time with my partner wondering: when it will finally be time to meet my future cats! watching: all the Christmas movies noticing: the ways in which happiness is simple and effortless helping: others to stay furious in a way that's healthy What's happening for you this week? |
Bonnie J StinsonPoet, installation artist, feminist media consultant. Archives
March 2017
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