FareWELL!

For My Last Blog Post of this class I am to compare my original “assessments” from the beginning of this course to how I would rate myself in these areas now….

Week 3: Physical – 8 –I am 3 months pregnant, running 3-4 miles a day and lifting weights (within safe parameters for pregnancy). The majority of my diet consists of lean meat, veggies and fruits all of which I choose organic to protect my growing baby from pesticides and growth hormones. I rarely eat processed food containing preservatives or food colorings because they have been researched to contribute to learning disabilities and allergies. I take it very seriously. The “8” rating is because I am also human (and pregnant); I go out to lunch with friends and share dessert, sneak leftover Halloween candy or finish my kid’s grilled cheese at restaurants.  I do the best I can, and I am proud of it.

Goal: Keep on! I am happy with my physical health .. well maybe less Halloween candy ;)

Week 10: Physical –8 – 7 weeks further along in the pregnancy and I am still sticking to a steady diet and physical routine. I have stuck to my goals in this area.

Week 3: Spiritual – 6 – to me spiritual health means my personal connection with all of life.  For most people spiritual health is fulfilled by religion or a connection with a “higher” being or power. I am spiritual in the sense that I appreciate the world I am in. I love being outside and appreciate nature, I love to travel and experience the world and I am grateful for the blessings I have been given in my life. The “6” rating is because more often I should take a step back from reality and actually “see” life.

Goal: Start a daily gratitude journal even if it is something small.

Week 10: Spiritual – 7 – Although I am yet o start a gratitude journal I still feel as though I am more aware of my spiritual health and needs. I am also aware of how my mental wellness can affect my growing baby. My goal will remain to start a gratitude journal .. how about now? .. Today I am grateful for a healthy family and that we all recovered from the flu last week! 

Week 3: Psychological – 4 – I have a type A personality. I have road rage, I like things in my control, I am stubborn and I get stressed way too easily.  This is my area of improvement. Usually running and exercise will “reset” me – as mentioned in last week’s post – and is my de-stress method. The “4”rating is because I need to change the way I deal with things. 

Goal: "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." -  Saint Francis of Assisi.  Very well said St. Francis, very well said. I will try to simply not allow things to bother me, the next time I get cut off by a minivan on the beltway I will turn up the radio and drive on.

Week 10: Psychological – 6 – I have done a few things to de-stress my life. Especially being pregnant I made some changes to allow myself more time for rest and to remove some things from my “plate”. I hired a cleaning crew that some of my friends use which was the greatest decision ever, they do in one hour what would take me all day. I tasked my husband with small things like emptying the dishwasher in the morning or pulling clothes out of the dryer. And I give myself a “deadline” to be in bed by to ensure I am getting enough sleep. My new goal is to continue these practices even after the baby arrives.

I am a believer in “practice what you preach”, In order to be successful in health and wellness professionally a practical experience base is necessary in all areas. I am not saying that I need to be a perfectly balanced, spiritual being in order to help others, but an understanding of the importance of these areas is necessary.

As I bid farewell to this course, I feel very positive about my future in health and wellness. Look for more in this blog!

Pursue!

Michelle