A Note on Wellness....

Something I forgot, when embarking on my third Whole30, is that there are more components than just eating. Whole30 was actually built into what Dallas and Melissa Hartwig dubbed the "Whole9." The nine components of life that, when in harmony, make someone whole and happy. I like the style of the Hartwig's message, and after realizing that Whole30 has actually healed my emotional struggle with food, I knew that I had to delve deep into Whole9.

When I set out on this endeavor, I knew that Whole30 would work and I wanted to see some better results. I set goals:

1. Exercise at least 4x/week
2. No Snacks! 
3. No Cheats!
4. Whole30: Ballin' on a Budget Style.

I look at my goals now, as we are approaching the halfway point. I am really big on reflecting, and want to share this with you. Goals are really important. I don't think anything can happen without goalsetting. If we aren't always striving to be our best selves, then what is the point of being? 

I need to remember that I cannot just say, "oh yeah, I'm doing all those things!" I have to cross-check. Here come the Whole9 Principles, bolded where I am lacking:

1. Eat Good Food (check: Whole30)
2. Sleep Deeply
3. Move Your Body
4. Handle Your Stress
5. Connect With Others 
6. Get Outside
7. Be The Best You
8. Have Some Fun
9. Own Your Choices

Sleeping deeply is something I have struggled with for the last two years. It isn't something that comes easy to me anymore, and it is something I am oftentimes trying to overcompensate for. This has been remediated in nightguards, a root canal, and no caffeine after noon, but I'm still not perfect. Unfortunately, this is not due to anything inside my locus of control, so for now, I wait. 

 

Connecting with Others. I moved to OKC recently, and immediately started work. I pick my friends wisely; I don't like professional and personal lives getting intertwined too much, and I also don't like drama. I prefer to surround myself with people that are passionate, extroverted and well-traveled and read. Unfortunately, when my social life is lacking, so is that department of my life. I am working on this one; joining a yoga studio, branching out into the community, and these things take time. The first step is admitting, right?

In Oklahoma, getting outside isn't exactly the easiest thing to do, and sometimes, when you are outside, there isn't a whole lot TO do! The weather is about to turn, but this doesn't stop us from walking to our favorite Whole30-friendly breakfast place (probably not what the Hartwig's have in mind here) and oftentimes try to breathe that fresh questionable Oklahoma air. 

I realized this week, while pushing myself professionally (being the best me!) that when one ninth of my life is out of balance, the rest of my life becomes hectic and seems out of control. I didn't work out four times this week; if I work out tomorrow and Sunday I'll make it, but it hasn't happened organically. I am proud of the progress I am making, but I know that I can always improve. 

So, readers, my lesson today is this: It does not matter how much we push our bodies and minds. At the end of the day, we need to find that balance to be our best selves and live our best lives. 

For more info on Whole9, click here.

Tune in tomorrow for some food pics, What's In My Fridge, and some other exciting Whole30 things!