It’s been a year and a half since I started my wellness journey. When I first started, my only goal was to get toned abs. Fueled by extrinsic motivation, I wanted easy and quick results.
Initially wanting to fit the “HER” aesthetic trend on TikTok, I remember doing hours of cardio until failure and eating foods that I didn’t enjoy. I thought I would get the results I wanted and become happier by completely changing my lifestyle.
Instead, I felt defeated and didn’t feel confident because I focused on trying to fit a mold rather than wanting to be the best version of myself for myself.
I decided to reflect on why I wanted to work out and eat better. Instead of just diving into establishing a better lifestyle, I decided to establish why I am doing it. Until then, I chose not to begin a healthier lifestyle until I was mentally ready. I needed to develop intrinsic motivation.
Through some trial and error, I discovered that I needed to be confident in achieving my goals. I needed to be sure of who I currently am as an individual.
Most importantly, having a complete understanding of what wellness means.
Similar to life, wellness is multidimensional. There are multiple ways to become a healthier version of yourself.
Wellness comes in many shapes and forms. They are all key components to sharing who you are today, from emotional to cultural awareness.
From learning how to balance physical activity to learning the fundamentals of nutrition, I learned the importance of personal responsibility, which transferred over to other aspects of my life. I became more productive when it came to my academics and career goals.
Furthermore, my wellness journey became more holistic. My journey started to transform from just wanting to become fit to being more culturally, socially, and spiritually aware. This holistic approach allowed me to develop self-confidence and be in tune with my emotions.
When it comes to becoming the best version of yourself through wellness, the best part is that you become eager to try new activities. It helps shape other aspects of your life. Although it may come across as difficult initially, it’s very rewarding as you continue.
My wellness journey ultimately encouraged me to want to find myself again. Your wellness journey will make you too.
Photo by Alex Azabache on Unsplash
The moral of the story is a healthy lifestyle encompasses so many attributes. Becoming healthy is so much more than working out and eating healthy. It’s more than a TikTok trend.
It’s being mentally strong.
It’s about not losing who you are as an individual and establishing a purpose.
It’s reaffirming that you are already enough but want to learn and grow as an individual.
It’s coming to terms with the fact that patience is a virtue and that seeing results will take time.
It’s finding yourself.
If there’s one thing I learned throughout becoming a healthier version of myself, it’s that there’s no correct or incorrect way of doing so. Everyone’s journey is different. When you begin embarking on a healthier lifestyle, please note that health isn’t a destination. It’s a lifelong journey with its adventures and challenges. You will go through many emotions.
There will be days where you’ll laugh.
There will be days when you’ll cry.
There will be days when you will want to quit.
However, you’ll become physically and mentally stronger at the end of each day.
I hope you develop your own experience and story. Lastly, I hope you will discover that you deserve to become the best version of yourself.
You are capable of doing any and everything.
You deserve a happier and healthier life.