Changes - unit 9 Blog

Introduction

Ordinary life often presents an individual with extraordinary challenges, complexities, setbacks and hardships.  Psychological health concerns itself with how you cope, how you are doing in response and whether you find life to be interesting and enjoyable.  Although life is better when we feel good, there is no avoiding the fact that there will be ups and downs.

The spiritual wellness involves seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe.

Physical wellness involves eating well and being physically fit. It would not make sense for an overweight doctor or person to explain to a client how make the necessary changes before disease starts. Practice what you preach!

For myself, I need to work on all these areas myself. Psychologically, I need to free myself of the toxic relationship I’m in and change jobs. I have a lot to do in order to change my attitude as well. The number of life experiences in the recent past (5 years) has taken a toll on me, so I feel as though I am ready for changes right now. I feel as though life has done a domino effect on me. The psychological wellness had taken effect on my spiritual wellness as well. I don’t have much faith for relationship with my son’s father or much else. So with that, I know I need to really utilize meditation, yoga, counseling, and attending church. Lastly, I have physical wellness halfway down. I eat right for the most part, slipping in some junk foods too. I’m almost 2 years from having my son and still have the baby weight on. I could really make use of putting in more activity and/or walking to start. I also like to take care of myself by taking baths, doing my own manicures and pedicures.

Assessment

In my own assessment on a scale of 1 – 10, with 1 being low and 10 at the highest I rate myself psychologically at a 5. I still have my opinions, values, and beliefs. Changing attitude is not an easy thing to do. Some may say if you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. With that said, I’d like to make the changes for both reasons. My son deserves a happier momma.

Spiritually, I think I rate myself about the same as psychologically- at a 5 because my life is meaningful and I do feel I have a purpose. I do have deep feelings, but the problem is expressing them.

Physically, I rate myself at 8. I eat generally well most of the time, but could use a bit more activity. I could also integrate much more fruits and vegetables in my diet as well.

Goal development

With the New Year upon us, I almost always make some goals for myself for the upcoming year. In my psychological development, the first goal to be done is free myself from a bad relationship. As soon as I do that, I can make better changes in other areas as well such as moving back to Massachusetts to be with my family. A goal in my spiritual development would be to become happier. Physically, my goal is to lose 20 pounds.

Practices for personal health

A couple strategies that I would implement to foster my psychological growth is raising my aspirations by embracing and living by higher values and getting some counseling. I need to reach out for help with a professional who knows about family laws and also to the few friends I do have where I live. Having higher values for personal growth would be to look at others’ personality, trust, commitment to job/ career. Practicing trusting my intuitive skills will help me in life to not make poor choices in friends/ boyfriends. I value having the few friends I do have, I sure hope that models well for my son.

Spiritually, I plan to start practicing writing gratitude and practicing kindness more often. Doing both of these practices may even help promote a happier feeling inside. I could get a journal just for writing my gratitude and appreciations into as well as continuing to journal. Practicing kindness will help me feel better about myself as well. I recently thought of volunteering or playing with the kittens and cats at a cage free shelter.

Physically, walking at least an hour every day will help lose weight. I will also implement using my Nintendo Wii because I have a Wii fit game. Other Wii games also make the player stand and move to play, so interacting games such as these will help burn calories.

Commitment

I will assess my progress in the next 6 months by keeping a journal that I can write everything in. I plan to get help from a counselor, track my psychological changes as well as physical changes. Strategies to maintain long-term health and wellness would be continuing to document, seeing my chiropractor once a month and maintaining a more relaxed demeanor by getting regular massages.