Our Life's Style is Why We Should Do What We Do

When my health and wellness journey began, I was initially uncertain about the importance of exercise and nutrition. My understanding of nutrition was limited to what I learned from Suzanne Somers' informercials, emphasizing the significance of consuming a colorful diet. At that time, I disregarded sleep and lacked physical activity. However, my desire to learn snowboarding sparked an interest in fitness, although it seemed like an unattainable hobby until my enlistment in the Army.

Discovering Exercise in the Army:

Exercise became a mandatory part of my life during my time in the Army. Regardless of personal preferences, physical fitness was non-negotiable. Surprisingly, I excelled in physical training, consistently achieving high scores on fitness tests. Unbeknownst to me, exercise was masking underlying mental health issues, further compounded by the copious amounts of alcohol consumed during my military career. It was also during my college years that I began to delve into nutrition, understanding the reasons behind dietary choices. This period of self-discovery expanded my perspective on wellness, revealing the interconnectedness of sleep, mobility, and mindfulness, which collectively aid in navigating societal challenges and lead to personal growth.

Transformative Perspectives on Wellness:

Initially, my fitness journey revolved around the desire for a chiseled physique. However, as I matured, my perception of wellness evolved, shaped by the diverse roles I assumed and the responsibilities that came with them. I started recognizing unhealthy coping mechanisms stemming from anxiety and a need for societal validation. Engaging in excessive drinking became a way to silence self-criticism, but it only exacerbated my situation by clouding judgment and misinterpreting social cues. As I confronted high-stress situations, I realized the importance of self-care and the need to prioritize personal well-being to avoid detrimental consequences for those around me.

Behavior as a Reflection of Beliefs:

Observing individuals' beliefs and behaviors can provide insights into their overall health and lifestyle habits. Verbal claims about personal wellness should be taken with caution, as actions often reveal a clearer picture. Unhealthy thought patterns often lead to unhealthy behaviors, even when someone appears to be "doing well." Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations shape our choices, and accumulated understanding of a person's words and actions illuminates the underlying reasons behind their behaviors.

Moving from External Validation to Personal Growth:

Choosing habits merely to conform to societal norms or appear cool can hinder genuine enjoyment and fulfillment. Drawing from my experience in snowboarding, I initially pursued the sport for the image it projected rather than the joy it could bring. However, my perspective shifted when I began challenging myself and focusing on personal goals. Fun emerged from the growth process, highlighting the importance of aligning actions with intrinsic motivations. This realization extended beyond exercise to nutrition, information consumption, and career choices. Intentionality in all aspects of life enhances overall well-being and defines our life's style.

Accepting Natural Consequences of Choices:

Each choice we make carries natural consequences that cannot be evaded. Whether we refer to it as karma or some other term, our decisions, actions, and contributions shape our outcomes. We do not have control over everything and everyone in our lives. Individuals facing significant challenges, such as drug addiction, untreated mental health issues, or poor physical health, often struggle to succeed without external support systems. In contrast, high achievers tend to adopt precise lifestyles, aligning their choices and habits with their goals. As they grow and evolve, support mechanisms may change or be removed, allowing for continued personal development.

The journey towards wellness is a transformative process that encompasses exercise, nutrition, sleep, and self-care. It goes beyond mere physical appearances and external validation, focusing instead on personal growth and intentional living. By understanding the consequences of our choices and aligning them with our intrinsic motivations, we can cultivate a lifestyle that supports our overall well-being. Embracing this journey enables us to navigate life's challenges with purpose and intention, fostering continual growth and fulfillment.