Let's get right in!
1. It's your personal story. You're writing the pages to your book right now.
2. It encourages you to keep an open mind.
3. As the seasons change, so do your choices. Learn as much as you can.
4. You have the ability to advocate for your own health. In other words, freedom!
5. With this freedom, an active and rewarding partnership with your practitioner is possible!
6. You have a family. They care. You are a source of light!
7. You are rooted in learning, growing, and sharing.
I know there are many, MANY more reasons why your wellness journey matters but I want to jump start your thoughts into thinking positively about the possibilities!
I'd like to plant some seeds to help keep you rooted in wellness!
Choices
Wherever you are in your journey, it's a personal choice. If you're rolling solo, partner with someone who will bring about accountability and encouragement on a regular basis - there's nothing like being able to count on someone. (If you'd like to step up the accountability, you can partner with me. View my services tab for more info.)
Here are some ways to incorporate more health giving choices in your life:
+ Ask a loved one to join you on a lesson of healthier living like taking a real food cooking class or going on a farm tour.
+ Connect with some local families and offer your acts of love and kindness.
We need more of that in our world plus there's an intrinsic benefit to this act because it opens the doors of more good things in your life, you know, abundance begets abundance.
+ Find and shop at eco-friendly and sustainable small businesses in your community.
+ Learn about your environment and remove the negative triggers that permeate every fiber of your being throwing you off your goals. (I can help you identify and replace any unhealthy patterns!)
Now We're Growing
Talking about growing, I've had my feet grounded in learning as much as I can about food integrity with a concentration on label reading. I've been making changes on a regular basis beyond food. I've dipped into personal and home care products. I've learned a lot from Women's Voices of the Earth, MomsRising, and Mamavation.
There is A LOT to learn; however, don't get discouraged. Look at it this way -- because you are becoming aware of the source and quality of what you're putting on and in your body one ingredient at a time, this considerate and deliberate action will not only help people but the planet too!
I often quote, "quality and source matter" meaning I put emphasis for clients who are in various stages of their wellness journey. We all can become informed and then make changes as our resources allow. Sometimes a mindful shift is all that's needed to make the change happen and stick!
[Real] Rainbow
One of the principles I focus on in my health coaching business is teaching individuals to eat more of the real rainbow, that is... fruits and vegetables and to always make organic choices whenever possible.
However, simply knowing your food is organic may not be enough. You may know a local farmer or have a supplier where you know their cultivation processes but they do not carry the symbol currently (or yet) but they have gained your trust. There are plenty of conscientious brands (companies) out there who are 100% transparent with all the ingredients and can and will answer your questions and disclose the information prominently on their website. You are likely to find organizations like this at your local farmers' market.
If you're unsure about any product you consume or are considering, please message the affiliate, agent, rep, or the company direct before making the investment into your health.
With that said, we must be willing to dig deep about all products that we believe are a good source of quality for us. Don't just stop at supplement companies but look at household consumables and skin care and food - make the real food switch, one item at a time.
Label Requirements
Labels. Ah, they're fancy many times. Even certified organic can have some inferior ingredients. How does one know that? Well, those companies do disclose their ingredients list. So check it out - it's found on the Nutrition Facts label.
You can learn about some of the requirements companies must go through to receive the organic certification and what they must do to keep it here from the USDA website, what percentages of ingredients must be organic from NSF here, and 10 frequently asked questions about organic from About here.
I like to see the NSF label on products that do not carry the certified organic label. (Some consumers are familiar with USP.) NSF is a third-party organization unaffiliated with any company. In the most basic sense, they test to see if what the company says is in or not in their product is the truth so if you find a company that says non-GMO but is not non-GMO project verified but carries the NSF label, you can feel good about your purchase. Hopefully, these companies will move to the additional verification because consumers are wanting extra protection for their investments.
Not everyone can afford the USDA certified organic label without increasing their own product prices but with many voices like Robyn O'Brien, Leah Segedie, and other influencers, there will come a time (we hope) that this label will be available to more farmers and suppliers without the risk of putting them out of business.
Know your ingredients. Know your supplier. Ask the questions. Learn. Research. Grow!
Wellness Matters | People Matter
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any disease, condition, or ailment. This information is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Speak with your healthcare provider to see how/if it pertains to your individual needs.
The purpose of this blog is to offer support for your health goals. As of July 2022, Jessica David is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Jessica has ten years of coaching experience and you can consider her an encourager, someone in your corner, a friend, and a professional.
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