Reflections on Wellbeing

As 2017 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on my health coaching sessions from this year, what I have learned, and what I plan to take forward into 2018. Here are my top two thoughts:

Connection and community are essential components of wellbeing.

In the work I do, the discussion of connection often starts with self; exploring our understanding of who we are and what we value. It extends to the connection with our families and friends – our tribe. It also extends to our colleagues and coworkers and how we support and engage with each other. We spend a large portion of our waking hours together and how we treat each other really matters. Lastly, our involvement and fellowship in our larger community influences the vitality of our wellbeing.

 When we have support, encouragement, and camaraderie, tackling the challenges and changes in life can be more manageable. Just knowing that someone has your back at the end of the day influences the way you even perceive the hurdles in front of you.

It is ok to be human. Actually, it is a necessity.

So often, the changes that clients want to make seem straightforward at the beginning of our work together. However, when you have been practicing a way of being for years, changing that pattern can be difficult. Setbacks, feeling stuck, and frustration are normal. As I remind clients – there are no failures, just learning opportunities. It takes courage to envision the life you want and even take a small step in that direction. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed such courage and authentic humanness.

I wish you all a holiday season of connection in your restorative and adventurous moments. Please reach out if you would like to partner with me in the New Year!

 

Best,

Laura

lwilkinson@middlebury.edu