I’m teaching CORE 103, a first-year life-skills class at Drury University, and post my weekly blog focused on the class content.

Wellness encompasses many areas of our life. By looking at the complete picture of wellness, you’re able to build a more comprehensive plan to move yourself toward a healthy life.  You can see my personal wellness goals for this year on my Theme Year page.

Career

You have to start somewhere, and ever experience you have teaches a life lesson–whether it be what not to do or improves your career skills or goal.  Always focus on positive relationships, because every person matters.  They matter in what you can learn from them, what they can learn from you and how you can collaborate together.  My first big-girl job was in retail and at the time, I thought it was a waste.  But guess what? The job I have right now, I’m much better at it because of my retail experience–every job teaches you something.

Family

When you have a decision in front of you to choose things or to choose people, always choose people.  Family matters.  Whether it’s the family you’re born/adopted into, the family you create for yourself or your community of friends; Family matters. Invest your time, energy and love into making your family unit a safe, caring place for everyone involved.

Financial

Spend less than you earn. When you practice financial wellness, you are able to make lasting decisions in other areas of your life.

Mental

Spend time with what you enjoy.  Things that will relax you, things that will push you, things that will empower you.  I love to read and devote my relaxation time to this practice.

Physical

Eat the good foods first, so they fill you up.  If you can, make water your go-to beverage.  Exercise at least 30 minutes per day.  Walk everywhere and when you have to drive, park far away.  Find reasons to make yourself more physically active and a healthy eater–your body will thank you and once it’s a habit, you’ll feel like a weight has been lifted off of your chest.

Social

Spend time with others in healthy  positive relationships.  Eliminate the negative people from your life; it’s hard at first, but makes a world of difference in your health and well-being.

Spiritual

Discover what you believe and share it with others.  Meet others where they are to help them understand where you are coming from.  Devote time to mindful reflection and study to strengthen your understanding of your beliefs.