Hey, sweet friends! Let's talk wellness. But first I have a question for you? Ever feel like wellness is like an unreachable idea, wrapped in buzzwords and glossy Instagram posts that is just floating around? Like what actually is it?

And how do we as Christian women, define wellness in a way that honors both our faith and our everyday realities? I’ve wrestled with this too balancing ministry, family, work, and sneaking in some "me time" (which, for me, sometimes can turns into doom-scrolling YouTube oops!).

Take a deep breath with me, grab a mug of coffee (or tea, if that's your thing), and I want us to figure this out together. We are redefining wellness for what it truly is: a holistic, God-centered way of living that nurtures not just our bodies but also our minds and our spirits.

What Is Wellness, Anyway?

First of all, we need to bust the myth that wellness is all about fitting into a pair of skinny jeans or achieving some impossible standard. Those things might make us feel good temporarily, but they barely scratch the surface of what true wellness really means.

True wellness is so much deeper. It’s about caring for every part of yourself, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, spiritually, financially, intellectually, and environmentally so you can thrive in all areas of your life.

Think of it as a tapestry where each thread matters. If one is weak or frayed, the whole picture loses its beauty and strength. But when all the threads are strong and vibrant, your whole life can shine!

Now, let's see what at how the world defines wellness:

 M Merriam-Webster: "The quality or state of being in good health, especially as an actively sought goal."

 Cambridge Dictionary: "The state of being healthy."

 Dictionary.com: "An approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating disease."

Okay so, these are good starting points, but they come across, well… a little clinical, don’t they? Wellness is more than the absence of illness. It’s about thriving, feeling peace in your mind, strength in your body, and joy in your soul. It’s really about living the abundant life God wants for us (John 10:10).

DefiningYour Wellness: The God-Given Blueprint

Here is the exciting part my sweet friend, you get to define wellness for yourself! Not social media, not a dictionary, not even your thoughtful best friend. Chasing someone else’s idea of wellness is exhausting and unsustainable. It's like trying to squeeze into shoes that just don’t fit.

I would love for you to take some time to reflect on your own needs and your own values. This is where the wonder starts. To help you get there, I’ve put together a list of questions to guide you as you prayerfully create your God-given blueprint for wellness:

Pro-Tip: Grab your favorite notebook and pen, you know the one that feels special to you (mine's pink and sparkly, just sayin'!), and get real with ourselves. Ask yourself these questions and dont rush, this is a process not a checkbox. Remember to write your answers wholeheartedly and pray about them.

1. What does it mean for me to feel well? (Not what society tells me it should be, but what my soul craves.)

2. When have I felt my best in the past? What was I doing? Who was I with?

3. What would make me feel my absolute best now?

4. What things drain my energy and make me feel less than my best?

5. What's holding me back from feeling my best? (Be honest with yourself!)

6. What are my core values? (What truly matters to me?)

7. What does God say about health and wellness? (Dig into His Word! It's full of wisdom.)

8. What makes me feel confident, content, and at peace?

9. What am I missing when I have bad days?

10. What am I doing when I have good days?

11. What am I craving more of? (Energy? Rest? Fun? Peace? Order? Confidence? Don't be afraid to be specific!)

12. How do I need to start living to regularly feel my best? (This is the big one!)

This is a lot to ponder here, I know! Don't feel like you have to figure it all out in one sitting. You can start jotting down notes today, and keep revisiting them over the next few days, weeks, or even the whole month. Your definition of wellness will evolve as you grow and learn.

Conclusion

Remember, this journey to wellness is not a race, it's a marathon (or maybe a leisurely stroll or whatever feels right for you!). There will be ups and downs, twists and turns. But the important thing is to keep moving forward, leaning on God for strength and guidance. What is really important is to keep moving forward with intention that is grounded in faith.

Start small. Maybe it’s committing to a 10-minute walk every morning to clear your mind and connect with God. Maybe it’s setting aside one evening a week to unplug, journal, and reflect. Maybe it’s swapping self-criticism for self-compassion whenever that critical voice creeps in.

Every small step matters. And when you hit roadblocks (because we all do!), remember to lean on God’s grace. You are not walking this path alone. He is right there with you, guiding you and cheering you on.

I want you to picture a woman sitting by her window, with her Bible open, a journal in her hand, and a steaming cup of coffee or tea sitting on the table. Her face is peaceful. She knows this is her time to recharge with God as her strength. That woman is you!

Because I know this process can feel overwhelming and I want to support you on this amazing journey, I have created something to help you take those first steps with our free "Finding Your Wellness" Workbook that is filled with prompts and exercises to help you clarify your vision for a healthier, more joyful life. It’s like a roadmap for the heart and soul.

I believe in you, friend. I really do. Wellness isn’t about achieving some perfect standard or checking items off a to-do list. It’s more about creating a life where you feel confident, peaceful, and alive both inside and out.

Now go shine the light of Christ within you!