Here is the official Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary explanation of Health and Wellness:
Definition of health
1 a : the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit
She is the picture of health.
; especially : freedom from physical disease or pain
nursed them back to health
b : the general condition of the body
How is your mother's health?
in poor health
enjoys good health
2 a : a condition in which someone or something is thriving or doing well : well-being
defending the health of the beloved oceans
—Peter Wilkinson
b : general condition or state
poor economic health
3 : a toast to someone's health or prosperity
Definition of wellness
: the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal
lifestyles that promote wellness
It’s interesting how many of us there are in the world and how each of us has a different idea as to what Health and Wellness is.... isn’t it?
Our ideas are formed by our society, our influences, our community, our family, our friends and our co-workers. If we don’t evaluate our ideas, sometimes our ideas are not our own. But we don’t necessarily know this. How can this be?
We have been studied as individuals and groups on a Sociological level throughout history. We’ve proven many things along the way. Just a handful of those things being…We are communal beings. We are influenced by those we see as vigorous, competent and charismatic.
As children our environment is more persuasive, as we need to be loved and seek those whom are our influencers approval. Therefore, we “follow the rules” and learn the consequences of NOT following the rules. We seek to be liked. No one comes in wishing to be alone.
As each of us grows into adulthood we bring with us our unique set of lessons, experiences, values and ideas. Which then become the basis of our “Belief System”.
Most of us are not taught that Health and Wellness are at the core of who we are and hence needs to be nurtured just like the rest of us. Which unfortunately, can lead to a life of self neglect and care, by no fault of our own.
The ones that are taught how to nurture that self-care are the ones we like to label “selfish” because of taking time out for what they need and being able to have good boundaries around themselves.
However, we ALL wear labels at times! Think about it. What are you known for? Are those not labels? Are they who you are?
Health and Wellness is what we are on the inside and not what we present to the world at large. Often times we hear of someone on the periphery of our life that has died or is presently suffering a heart wrenching disease and yet we knew nothing truly about this person. We knew nothing about who they were, what they believed, what made them laugh, what foods they liked etc. Yet the news of their passing or disease affects us.
Each generation is raised to believe a different set of life rules. Crossing this divide can be challenging at times. But we created it and we can change it. We are not limited to other people’s thoughts and beliefs unless we choose those as our own. That’s one of the beauties of this life, we have the ability to think for ourselves and to grow as individuals.
So let’s go back to Merriam-Webster’s Definition of Health. How often do we think of Health as “the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit”? And what does that mean to you personally?
I’m just one of billions of people here and I have my own opinion. How can my opinion be so vastly different than someone else’s? My life’s journey is unique. That’s how.
Just like yours!
Each of us will present with different life challenges and different beliefs on how to deal with them and ultimately make different choices. That again, is one of the many beautiful things about the world we live in. We can make choices and we can choose to change, or not.
Regardless of what the “Dictionary” says about Health and Wellness, in the long run, it’s all about what you believe.
What do you want your life to look like? Is that picture different than it is presently? Do you believe you can change your life?