Friday, July 11, 2014
Final Project
It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically so that they can personally experience what they are implementing to others. Trying on shoes before you wear them, tasting the recipe before you serve it, or spraying a perfume before you purchase. Anytime that you give advice or guide a person through their life you should have the experience to do so. “To become agents of a more expansive health, we must begin with our own life.” (Dacher, 2006, pg. 167).
The two areas that I need to develop in order to achieve optimal psychological, spiritual and physical wellness are the implementation of regular meditation and daily exercise. My overall psychological, spiritual and physical health will improve if these areas are developed.
This class has made me explore my life in each domain. Unfortunately, I think it has made me depressed about my life. I have realized that I am not happy with myself psychologically or spiritually. Physically, I am doing better than I have in years. The other two both need improvement.
My physical goal will be to stick to exercising three times a week. I have slacked off recently and I think it is because I often feel guilty about leaving the kids alone after they have been alone all day. I need to stay motivated. My psychological goal will be to get out of this depressive state that I have been in. I truly think I need some time for myself. Working two jobs, seven days a week, and three classes this term has taken its toll on me. I need to fix this. My spiritual goal is to start doing yoga or meditation. I am going to really try to do this in between this term ending and the next beginning.
To foster growth physically I am going to be more aggressive about my actions. I am going to take a few breaks during my workday and take two fifteen minute walks. I am going to get my kids back on a bedtime schedule, so that I can fit in at least a 30 minute bike ride before it gets dark outside. To be more stable psychological I am going to seek ways to deal with my sadness. If I improve myself physically then it will help me psychologically. I will start deep breathing techniques to relieve the stress in my life. I also need to deal with a few family issues that are going on in my life. To foster my spiritual growth I am going to seek somebody/something to believe in. I wasn’t raised in a religious family and I think I am drawn more towards Buddhism. I am going to explore this and also start to concentrate on meditation. There are retreats in my area that I have looked into and I WILL attend one in the near future.
I am going to sit down and write out a plan. Things to get rid of and things to add. Out with the negative and in with the positive. This list will be my guide to improvement within my soul. My bucket list. Once this is accomplished I will have no problem maintaining this improvement because it will be my new lifestyle.
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Hi Billie,
ReplyDeleteIts hard to believe that we have come to the end of this course. I can here in your blog that you are physical and spiritual drained. I can’t imagine working two jobs and taking three classes. I love that you have such a great plan to correct the things that you feel need attention. I want to encourage you from a far. Keep the faith and notice the lessons along the way.
Billie,
ReplyDeleteIt is a tough time for you, that is clear! But....you will come out shining on the other side! I hear you, being a single mom trying to stay afloat, doing everything you can to make your ends meet, trying to improve your situation so you don't always have to struggle so much, I understand completely, it is EXHAUSTING!!! And because we're mothers, we have that guilt when we aren't focusing 100% of our energy on our children, we're not 100% involved in their lives and present for everything that happens. For me that is the major source of my low points, I feel like an awful mother when I don't know what is going on with my kids. But you have to get over that - at least find a way to push it down for a bit because they will be ok so long as they know without a doubt that you love them, and understand exactly why you are doing what you do. I was always told not to share my financial info with my kids, but you know, they didn't understand why I had to work 2 jobs so I showed them, I shared the reality of our life with them and they understood and were better able to be supportive and encouraging because I have them the knowledge they needed and they felt more a part of our life (it also stopped the constant asking for things at the store lol). Everyone said that it would stress the kids out, but it did just the opposite, it helped them understand why I had to do what I was doing and kept them from thinking the worst (mom hates us and doesn't want to be here) and building up resentment. Once they understand that stuff, and see you as willing to share, they are more apt to understand that you need some time for your sanity too and they become more willing to do little things to help you, like pick up without being told, not argue about bedtimes, etc. With my kids, it turned them into my little helpers, partners in our life together rather than just being dragged along a road they didn't understand or even want to be on.
As for the rest, I think when you do find that time for yourself (without guilt) the path will open up, Buddhism is a wonderful way to help find peace and calm, help you weather the storms that life throws at us, because truly, that is all it is - a storm, and storms pass eventually.
I wish you the very best of luck! You'll be fine, and that elusive happiness will shine down on you, don't worry :-)
Hi Billie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your examples for having to try something and have the experience to teach or help someone. This class has also helped me examine the domains of integral health and how they relate to me and my life. I learned in this course that I need to develop myself and my psychological health. I learned here that I am not as mentally strong as I thought and incorporating meditation into my daily routine will help and has been helping me.
Great project!
Courtney
Billie,
ReplyDeleteI have been impressed with your development and journey over the past two to three terms that I have had class with you. I admire your determination and perseverance. You have been able to lose weight and become active, that is something to be proud of. I like you did not like what I saw when it came to looking inside of myself. I knew that I did not sleep well and that I keep things bottled up too often. I did not know, however, that I was so off balance with my spiritual life. I knew that I had quit praying and reading my Bible but I didn't realize the effects that it was having on my psychological health. At first I was like you and I started feeling sorry for myself and lazily working out. Then I just woke up and realized that I was doing more damage than good by slacking off. Now not only had I given up spiritually but I had also began to give up physically.
You can continue fighting the good fight Billie. Refocus your mind. Think of all the things that you have accomplished instead of all the things your are struggling with right now. Get your kids involved with your activity periods. If you feel like you are missing your family turn some of your walks or bike rides into family time. You can do this Billie.
Billie,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that you are depressed. However I think admitting that to yourself is the first and hardest step. You never want to admit that something is wrong with your life. It's easier to be left in the dark (at least that is what I think). But accepting what is wrong and trying to fix that is a great plan! You have kids and I am sure they are your first priority and being a mom you let yourself fall to the back burner. Trying to put yourself as a priority, if you are not healthy this in turn affects your kids. Yoga has saved my life! I have started to do 90% yoga/Pilates as my workouts and I can tell with my body, my diet, and my behaviors. I feel healthier now than I did when I was sweating and dying in boot camp 4 days a week. I highly suggest you try yoga. I work out at home so I have signed up for yogadownlaod.com. It is pretty awesome! They have over 400 different workout videos and have many beginners. They also have meditation videos. I found a groupon for a year unlimited for $30. Hope this helps! And good luck with everything, 3 classes in a term is hard core!
Hi Billie, thanks for sharing your very personal thoughts and state of mind. I really felt your pain and hope you're successful in your plans to schedule more time for you. I do not have children, but can only imagine how nice it will be for you to get them to bed a little earlier and treat yourself to more "you time!" Best wishes : )
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