Word of The Year: Wellness
To start 2018, I chose a word of the year, something I have never done before. But then again, a word never so clearly presented itself in such perfect timing before. If you missed my January 1st Instagram/Facebook post (on my personal @juliagracehay), my word of the year is "wellness."
Why? 2017 and I shared a journey of great personal growth, however, it ended with a humbling reminder that I am not invincible. On December 27, I found myself in the emergency room with immobilizing back pain after simply bending over to take off my shoes and socks at yoga. I wish it were a cooler story, but that's it. I didn't even get to practice yoga. Unfortunately, after leaving the ER, the immobilizing pain continued in the following days despite the medications prescribed, and the strict schedule in which I took them. On December 28, just two days before my 21st birthday, I borrowed a shiny blue walker from my gram so I could get from the recliner to the bathroom on my own. Seriously, talk about humbling. (See picture below).
So, on New Years Day as I reflected on the past year and set goals for the coming year, I couldn't think of a better mantra for 2018 than wellness of mind, body, and soul.
I hope to never use a walker again in my life, let alone again in my 20s. So I'm focusing on increasing my physical strength and wellness, and paying special attention to my spinal health. As I said above, I saw more personal growth in 2017 than I've recognized in myself ever before. It was a tough year though -- a mentally tough year -- so not only is it important for me to focus on physical wellness, but also mental wellness. Lastly, to complete the triad, I'm working on growing spiritually, closer to God who strengthens me.
I know that all sounds like A LOT. Even as I re-read that last paragraph, I kind of sighed and thought "wow, that's a lot", but I am serious about this, which is why I'm acknowledging that it will not be easy.
At the start of the year, I began making subtle changes to my daily habits, morning/night routines, and diet. To my elated surprise, Nolan had his own "wellness adventure" planned for 2018. To document my methods for myself and anyone else that's wondering what I'm doing, I will be writing a series of blogs over the next few weeks to share the routines I'm adapting and other subtle, yet helpful changes I have made so far. And maybe a little of what Nolan is doing too because if you know him, you'll be shocked!
I am enthusiastic and excited for what this year has in store. I can just feel it, 2018 is going to be my year! With the right mindset, it can be yours too.
