what does wellness mean to me?

I really hate the word “wellness” or “wellbeing” - not because of what it stands for, but for what it has become. Sometimes these words have a buzz, and then they quickly lose it’s soul meaning which in English dictionary terms is actually defined as “the state of being healthy, especially when it is something that you actively try to achieve”

I recently went to an event where the question was raised “what does wellness mean to you” and after hearing the speakers on the panel share their ideas, I started to consider mine. After leaving the networking event, I felt a rush of inspiration to journal. What followed was a flurry of manic note-taking on my phone (let's be honest).

The subject has stuck with me, and I wanted to share it with you. Here's what "wellness" means to me:

To be well, in the truest sense, means living in a state of ease, undistracted by the symptoms of "unease" or "dis-ease." Wellness is about staying centered.

Of course, expecting to always remain perfectly balanced is a tall order. No wonder so many of us often feel unwell. When we get knocked off center, we feel it—whether in our bodies, our minds, or both. It manifests physically or mentally.

If we're fortunate, we can quickly find our way back to center and shake off that unease. But if we're not, it can spiral into something deeper: stagnation, overwhelm, pain, or other lingering feelings.

Sometimes, we don't even realize we're off balance. We just sense that something is wrong, an invisible barrier between us and living with purpose and ease.

The tools to find our way back to center vary for everyone. But the key is self-discovery.

Once you find a way to re-center, the next challenge becomes maintaining that balance, walking the tightrope of wellness in a world that constantly shifts beneath our feet.

What I'm trying to say is that there are many variables in the equation of wellness. It's okay to feel unwell. And we have to nurture ourselves to create equilibrium and a sense of steadiness.

I think the definition is true, we have to be active in maintaining a sense of wellness. There is no guarantee we can control all our experiences within the world around us, but wellness itself should definitely not be endlessly pursued only through external solutions. It’s about knowing yourself, recognizing your triggers, and paying attention, every single day.

Tell me what you think, reach out at lizziehyoga@gmail.com :)