When I look at those around me who speak about wellbeing, positive living, mindfulness etc. It can sometimes feel overwhelming or frustrating that I am not doing more in that moment. And that can lead to feelings of guilt or anger at my life my situation. They sometimes look like they have wellness and positive living down perfectly, and that can lead to judgement in myself on why I am not better at this, or living a more well life.
Over the past few years I have learnt however that putting yourself and your mind or body first does not always lead to immediate results, but you are still taking a positive step, that others may not be able to see yet. You can also start telling yourself “yes, I will do that meditation”, but then not get round it it immediately. This does not mean you have failed yourself, This does not mean you have let anybody down, and this does not mean you are not well because of this. Saying Yes does not need to be immediate. Instead, recognise that you have taken such a positive first step in saying committing to that activity, and that is a move forward, and a move towards yourself.
Wellbeing can never be completed. Imagine it this way, each time you take a step towards yourself, whether that is making a list of goals, finding time for something that calms you, or committing to a exercise class, each of those things are progress, they take you to a higher level of wellness, like in the video game of life. You are finding your way through the maze, the struggles, the challenges that life throws at us, and you may find some things more difficult to overcome or to achieve than others, but you will keep going and you will get through, in your way. The difference in this video game though, is that with each level you grow, but there is no final level. You cannot “complete” wellness in the same way you can “complete” other games, because this is an ongoing personal journey for you. A journey that will last a lifetime, and help your grow and thrive throughout.
So, next time you look at those instagrammers or those people around you who look like they have everything perfectly together, try to not project what your perceive as their perfection into your frustrations, because you do not know where they are on the game of life, or where they started from, and they do not know where you are. Instead, look within yourself and ask yourself, how can I say yes to something today, to help myself move positively forward tomorrow…
Sunflower Coaching 