Written by: Aimee Clark, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Wellness is an expansive topic. It’s something I’ve usually associated with things I could actively ‘do’ to feel better. For example, I often considered practicing meditation, prayer, exercise, or healthy eating as defined and concrete ways of moving me closer to being well. And while I still feel that these aspects of life are vital to well-being – I also see wellness through a less obvious lens – one of acceptance.
The ability to accept yourself and your life situation – in the present moment – is extremely important. There are times, when what we need to know is that we are ok as we are. We don’t have to act differently, feel differently, or be different. We don’t need to focus our attention on improving ourselves in any specific way. We are perfect as we are; whole and complete in our current being; living in a moment that is always helping us whether we fully understand it or not.
As a former social worker and current wellness coach, I appreciate an insightful book, podcast, and article about how to improve, heal, and change. I have spent countless hours utilizing these resources to help myself and experience life in a wide variety of ways. And, at the same time, I see the strength and necessity of accepting life and ourselves as we are – knowing that this very moment is where we are meant to be in our journey. Wellness doesn’t always mean consciously feeling happy, content, or blissful. There are times when we need to feel pain, sadness, anger, fear, and loneliness. As hard as it may be, I believe there is great purpose in these emotions and experiences. Each one is designed to be a light post on our path. Each emotion teaches us something new about ourselves and about the world around us. Even if we cannot understand the purpose in the moment – there is still meaning and learning going on through the many parts of our being.
To me, wellness includes being open to where life takes us, doing our best to move forward through the challenges, and utilizing the resources we have to be our best selves. And it also incorporates feeling resistant, frustrated, hurt, and fearful. In our awareness, instead of actively trying to change a situation – we can lean into it: expressing anger, sitting with sadness, and opening ourselves to embracing our pain. There are times when these life teachers – can help us uncover a lesson and the significance of a specific experience. Other times, we may not be able to comprehend the meaning. In these moments – revisiting the experience at a later time or accepting its goodness despite not having it clearly defined, can help.
Thankfully, we can know that everything in life is designed to help us. Life is working on our behalf. When we think about how we can be well – let’s consider that our path of wellness is a journey, not a destination. Sometimes we may be cognizant of the changes taking place in our lives. We may even strive to implement those changes. However, we can also dwell in the truth that we are good, whole, and perfect as we are – having faith that whatever we may be feeling, experiencing, or living through is purposefully shaping, guiding, and helping us.
Aimee Clark, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Aimee Clark is a Wellness Coach with Giggle More Wellness. Her area of interest involves guiding people to recognize their innate self-worth, amazing brilliance, and powerful purpose. She offers structured coaching sessions with an emphasis on self-discovery, seeing purpose every day, and creating fun and joy in life. As a wellness coach, Aimee hopes to partner with people to value and appreciate all aspects of life ‒ to see how struggle and joy work together to craft our inner-core. Her passion is to help people not only see their greatness ‒ but to live in that truth every day. Enjoying the journey is imperative to our well-being. Aimee is confident we can learn to do this through the tough times and easier experiences ‒ as we move forward in our lives.
