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What is health and how do you find it? If it’s a journey, when and why do you start and how do you progress? Is there a destination in sight, and just what does it look like? Everyone’s progress is unique and so is yours, so take a look at this blog post and let’s see if you get inspired to discover your own right path to health and wellness as a result.
Are you ready to take that some new steps in the right direction?
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~~~Know yourself~~~
Where are you now? Are you struggling with anxiety or suffering from pain? Maybe you look over the landscape of your life and recognize that you aren’t quite as healthy as you want to be or you used to be; maybe, you realize, things could be a whole lot better. What you want is to feel calmer and more grounded–not quite so wound up–and you want to sleep better or have robust digestion. You want to lose a little weight. Maybe you have a more serious concern and you want to empower yourself so that you can deal with it from a position of strength. Whatever it is, you want to be happier. You want to feel good inside your body and you really want to make some lasting connections within.
A direct line from mind to body to spirit and back around again is one of life’s primal cycles. You want yours to be smooth, coherent, and nourishing. So how do you get there? And where do you start?
~~~Strategize~~~
If your number one hope is to lose some weight, maybe start thinking about what you can change at the grocery store. If you live with chronic pain, maybe you can start looking at ways to reduce inflammation and anxiety. (And certainly, in chronic conditions, self-kindness and a realistic attitude towards what can be accomplished is crucial; that said, lowering anxiety and inflammation levels, if possible, can be a huge step in such contexts). No matter your situation, it’s true that sometimes, going around the concern and working on it indirectly at first can be the catalyst for real change. So can the choice to make a meaningful effort to reframe one’s narrative. Everyone can use a self-check when it comes to internal messages and the way we frame things. Is this an “issue” or a “problem” or a “challenge,” when you think about it?
Past history is a great predictor of future success. If you’ve repeated the same story over and over and over, now might be the time to try something completely different.
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~~~Just go!~~~
Clichés about the journey of a thousand steps starting with the first one resonate for a reason. Truly, you just need to get started. Depending upon how determined you are, that might mean you start by searching out information regarding your options. It could be that you sit down and make some lists and write a few goals out on your calendar. You might want to throw some things away or take them to your local Goodwill. Maybe you are best served by acquiring some things, like a gym membership or a new pair of running (or walking) shoes.
Whatever that first step is, no matter how small or large, make note of it. Social support can make a huge difference–is there anyone you can talk to about your first steps in the right direction? Or would you rather start a journal? Whatever that first step is, commit to it…and commit to the steps that follow.
~~~Rest stops and refueling along the way~~~
Of course, my answer to self care is always going to be something along the lines of “Try acupuncture!” or “Have you ever heard of traditional Chinese bodywork therapy? Tui na is fantastic for just about any condition!” If you’re nervous about needles, bodywork and other modalities can give you all the benefits of TCM without the needles, as you can see. I’m also a big one for health coaching as an add-on or on its own. I’m still certified as a personal trainer but I no longer take PT clients. Instead, I refer or suggest my blog post on how to find a trainer that is just right for you.
Whatever you do, it’s important to factor rest stops and refueling into your program. It’s a big deal to make lasting change in your life. You deserve support, healthy treats along the way, and acknowledgment for your efforts. It is a thousand-step journey. You will get tired and you may find yourself discouraged at times. But if you pick yourself up and keep going, imagine how proud and happy you will be once you get to your destination.
Think about it. See it. Feel it. Move towards it. Feel your success, and visualize your joy.
You got this, so get ready…and just go!
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Paula Bruno, Ph.D., L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, an AOBTA-CP traditional Chinese bodywork therapist, a health coach, and an author. She maintains an active and growing practice at her Austin, TX offices. Dr. Bruno is also available for distance appointments for wellness consultation or coaching.
In her first career, she was a Spanish professor.
Dr. Bruno’s specialties as a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner include: • Musculoskeletal health (acute or chronic pain relief; Ehlers Danlos syndrome & hypermobility support) • Digestive support, gut health, and weight loss • Aesthetic treatment, including scar revision • Men’s health • General preventative care and immune support for all persons.
She is the author of Chinese Medicine and the Management of Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: A Practitioner’s Guide. Dr. Bruno also maintains a second website, holistichealthandheds.com, with resources and information curated specifically for people with hEDS and HSD.
When you are ready to discover what traditional medicine plus a vibrant and engaged approach to holistic health can do for you, either contact Dr. Bruno or book an appointment online.
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Note: Material on this web site is not intended to replace your treatment or care provided by an MD. It is for educational/entertainment purposes only. A TCM practitioner in Texas identifies syndrome patterns but does not diagnose illness. Always consult your primary care doctor for health concerns.
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Two Hearts Wellness 