What’s Up with Skye Wellness Wellness is an ever evolving process

Most of us desire health and wellness in our lives, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  Despite the cultural messages that constantly bombard us, there are no clear cut, one-size-fits all, easy solutions.  Wellness is an ever evolving process, which means something different to each one of us.  Yes, there are enduring principles that can be relied upon, but these principles can be applied differently to you than to me. 

How do we even define wellness in the first place?  Wellness can be a rather fuzzy, perhaps overused word.  One definition that I particularly like is used by the National Wellness Institute; wellness is an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices towards, a more successful existence.  Even though I like this definition, “a more successful existence” is still ambiguous.  However, I would contend that it is not possible to have a successful existence, i.e. wellness, without relationships, social support, and the consistent encouragement of others.  Relationships, social support, connections, and encouragement, therefore, are what Skye Wellness is all about. 

Why the name Skye Wellness?  Family lore maintains that my grandmother was born on the Isle of Skye off Scotland.  (I learned recently that she actually was born on the Outer Hebrides, another set of islands off Scotland.)  Be that as it may, the Isle of Skye is absolutely the most beautiful place I have ever visited and thus my inspiration.  When I first envisioned Skye Wellness, I thought of the thread that has weaved its way through all of my life and work experiences, and my own journey toward personal wellness and balance.  That thread is the joy of being connected to people.  As luck would have it, research supports that healthy lifestyle changes are more successfully made in the context of social support.  It’s always nice to know that your personal convictions are backed up by science!

I have four great loves (not including my love for my husband, two kids, music, coffee, red wine, and the occasional nap):  reading, walking, eating fresh food, and being connected to the community.  I am incorporating these loves into the website; books that have nourished my soul, local food that has nourished my body, and links to helpful resources that are nourishing the community here in Lansing and beyond.  I would love to be connected with you and hear about what is encouraging you in this ever evolving process toward health and wellness.