Health and wellness. Two words that typically go together, right? But are these two concepts really the same? It's more than just ticking off boxes like drinking enough water, getting regular exercise, and eating our fruits and veggies. Wellness encompasses the intricate web of our personal relationships, our mental and emotional states, and our ability to navigate the complexities of life.

Think about it – how often do we stop to consider the impact of our personal relationships on our overall well-being? How often are we having honest conversations with ourselves about the things that we truly enjoy doing and those things that we might be doing out of obligation? And even taking it a step further and imagining a different kind of life when we are feeling unhappy with the status quo. Recognizing that we have the ability and power to change our circumstances and find a different path to happiness. 

Health and wellness is so much more than getting out in the sunshine or getting out in nature. I think we all understand that we should be moving for 30 minutes a day. We understand that we should choose water over soda. We know that eating fresh items from the farmer’s market is better than devouring a box of highly processed cookies or other snacks. We understand that these are the healthy things to do. 

What we don’t always understand are the effects that the stress and anxiety caused by toxic relationships can have on our bodies. We don’t always consider that these difficult feelings and emotions can manifest in physical symptoms like gut issues and heightened levels of stress. We often overlook these triggers, focusing instead on more superficial aspects of health.

It’s also important to think about how, as parents, our decisions not only affect our own well-being but also that of our children. Are we mindful of the example we're setting with our screen time habits? Do we prioritize meaningful interactions over fleeting distractions? These questions force us to confront the reality that our actions ripple outward, shaping the health of our families and communities.

But it's not just our personal relationships that influence our wellness. Our professional lives play a significant role too. A stressful workplace culture, strained interactions with colleagues or managers, and the pressure to perform can all contribute to a life of unwellness. It's time we recognize the toll our jobs take on our overall health and make conscious choices to prioritize our well-being.

And then there are the deeper, more nuanced aspects of wellness – our relationship with substances, our sense of purpose, and our ability to find joy in everyday life. It's about asking ourselves tough questions, like why we do what we do and whether it truly fulfills us.

So maybe health and wellness is much more than movement and water. 

To all of you out there navigating the messy terrain of health and wellness, I want you to know that I see you and I’m thinking of you as you work to balance raising your children and using your talents while also struggling to maintain your own well-being and nurture your relationships. 

And I want to tell you this: Keep going. Keep looking forward while simultaneously looking inward. Keep questioning, keep evolving, and above all, keep prioritizing joy. Because true wellness isn't found in the latest fad diet or Instagram-worthy workout routine. It's found in the messy, beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-care. And that, my friends, is where the real magic happens.

I’m always here, cheering you on. 

Love, Quinn