Reflecting Again

In early June, I decided to take a break after writing weekly Reflections for more than two years. First, I took a month off.  It felt good to have one less deadline, but I missed connecting regularly with my virtual community of wellbuddies.  In July, I began to re-publish past issues from summer 2009, and have been gratified by your warm response.  I expect to resume a regular writing schedule in the fall.  Meanwhile, it feels good to be back in contact!    

August 9, 2009 Re-run:  Wellness is a DIY Project

 A key principle of coaching is expressed in the mantra: "It's not about me" (the coach).  It is about the client.  Your wellness journey is about you.  You pick the destination, design the itinerary, elect a mode of transportation and style of lodging. You decide whether progress will be leisurely or intense, who to take along, and how to deal with the unexpected.

The first step in the wellness journey is to take a look at where you are, then to determine where you want to go. I am often asked, "What do you mean by wellness?"  The following assessment points to the answer by asking the question in various ways.

Adapted from the Wellcoaches® Quickie Well-being Assessment....

1. I am crafting a life that has meaning and a sense of purpose - it is a work of art.Y/N
2. I put high octane fuel (healthful foods) in my tank most of the time to keep my energy and performance high. Y/N
3. I exercise my body with vigor more days than not so that I'm fit, strong, and ready for whatever life throws my way. Y/N
4. I smile to myself when faced with stresses and say, "I can handle this."  Y/N
5. I keep my energy high from morning to night, so I am rarely too tired for anything. Y/N
6. I have a positive and optimistic "can-do" outlook: I believe that I can accomplish whatever I set my mind and body to do. Y/N
7. I am satisfied with my weight; I feel in charge and competent. Y/N
8. I look for ways to say "thank you," and to do unexpected good deeds. Y/N
9. I plan and control my finances so they don't control me. Y/N
10. I watch carefully for emerging obsessions or addictions (e.g., being right, smoking, drinking, drugs, work, exercise, eating, gambling, shopping).  If they arise, I work diligently on overcoming them, getting help if I need it.  Y/N
11. I am responsible when it comes to getting medical tests, seeking medical advice, and managing any health issues.   Y/N
12. I make time regularly to recharge my batteries and have fun.  Y/N
13. I work hard to connect with people and build great relationships. Y/N
14. I understand my life's journey as striving to be my best--by developing my strengths, continually learning, and viewing setbacks as the best growth opportunities of all.  Y/N

Of the 14 questions, how many did you answer with "yes"?  Where are you strong, and where would you like to be stronger?  Did you find any aspects of wellness that had not occurred to you?  Were you surprised by any of your responses?

The journey begins where you are.  An assessment like this is a kind of GPS unit, helping locate you in space and time.  Where will you go from here?  Please, take me along.