Begin Within: a small change that transforms every dimension of your life!

"At the center of your being, you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want." — Lao Tzu

From an early age, we’re taught that life should follow a straight path. You go to school, set goals, plan, celebrate milestones, and live your dreams – the perfect picture of order and predictability.

But as we grow, we discover that life isn’t quite as linear –rarely does it unfold exactly as planned. When unexpected events happen, the straight line starts to curve. Just as spring leads to summer, then fall, then winter, and back to spring again, life moves through repeated cycles of love and loss, grief and joy, learning and forgetting, doubt and discovery. Around and around in circles we go, each trip a little different.

Nothing brings the cycles of life into focus quite like facing illness. That’s why I created The small change Circle of Wellness - a visual illustration of our wholeness and how each phase of life is deeply interwoven.

Most Wheels of Wellness include six to eight dimensions, each holding equal value. However, The small change Circle of Wellness places the Spiritual Dimension right in the center, where it belongs - the foundation that anchors, connects, and supports the other circles.

The Spiritual Dimension of Wellness enables us to discover deeper meaning and purpose in life; to make choices that align with our beliefs and core values. It connects us to something greater than ourselves—a source of strength and inspiration. While spirituality may be rooted in religion for some, it is ultimately a personal journey open to everyone, regardless of their background.

Prioritizing the Spiritual dimension fuels transformation in every other dimension - empowering you to:

·         Honor your body - Physical

·         Balance your feelings - Emotional

·         Think clearly, Be Well - Intellectual

·         Know where you belong - Social

·         Find your purpose, love your work - Occupational

·         Make your dollars make sense - Financial

·         Be a good steward of nature - Environmental

So, here are three journaling prompts to boost your wellness this week – choose one and see where it takes you:

1. "If my spiritual life is the fuel, how full is my tank right now — and what's been draining it?" Write freely for 10 minutes. Then look at your list and circle which of the 7 dimensions need to be fueled.

2. Draw 7 spokes on a page, one per dimension. Rate each 1–10. Then write: "The dimension I've been neglecting most is ___, and the story I've been telling myself about why is____. Don’t judge yourself, just be honest.

3. Is the one dimension that is currently causing you problems showing up in any other dimension?  Write about it and ask yourself: "What would shift if I addressed the spiritual root cause first?"

Make the small change, Be Well!

For more wellness tips, subscribe to my small change Weekly Wellness Tips at https://www.myrtlerussell.com/contact-us.