My Wellness Journey--Samantha

 

I feel that being part of Generation Z, wellness seems to be something that is a successive topic throughout everyday acts. From advertisements everywhere to social media influencers and celebrities trying to get their followers on the latest health products and consistent conversation about wellness, it is truly everywhere. Personally, I did not know where to begin my wellness journey at first. I truthfully, did not know what wellness was. I knew it had something to do with overall good health. I constantly found myself stalking wellness accounts on Instagram that were filled with healthy eating tips, workout plans and sustainable switches from everyday items and activities. Now, don’t get me wrong, eating well, working out and being as sustainable as I can are things I think about often and that have helped me feel better and make an impact on the environment but more than anything, so has love. When wellness comes to the mind I think love is the last thing one would think of and some may not even affiliate love under the wellness umbrella. I believe that love should be the first thing that comes to mind when wellness is brought up, not veganism or astrology, yoga, soul cycle or crystals. I do though understand why those may be the first thoughts, thanks to social media. But I think that needs to change. I think love needs to be the first thing that comes to mind when wellness is brought up.

My first step which I think was more of a leap into wellness was my vegan journey. I first started my vegan diet last school year after the career fair. At the career fair a dermatologist came in to give a presentation and of course to appeal to young hormonal teenagers with acne the doctor recommended a vegan diet to help get rid of acne. I abided and started my vegan journey with no prior knowledge, I dove head first. It was one of the most difficult tasks I had experienced. Around the same time I was struggling with self love and overall love. I struggled with simply looking at myself in the mirror because I did not think I was attractive, my self confidence was at its lowest. I would find myself constantly breaking down due to my acne which is normal to have during our hormonal high school years. As a result of low self esteem I ended up hurting myself. I was terrible when it came to my diet plan. I did not intake the correct amount of protein and relied on snacks and microwaveable foods to sustain my diet which resulted in anemia. When the doctor informed me what had happened as a result of my diet I was enraged with myself. It opened my eyes to the realization that I had been focusing so much on my facial appearance that I let my health plummet to the floor and I did not even notice. I came to the understanding that it was because I did not love myself. Without self love I let myself take care of my body poorly and hurt myself. I then focused on loving myself and putting myself first.

Putting myself first is the best decision I have ever made. It made me realize how poorly I was letting myself get treated by people who I considered friends and more. I started to cut out everyone and anything that was not doing any good in my life. I realized how valuable I was and how vital it is to properly take care of myself. I started connecting more with the universe which helped me start loving myself and made me realize recovery is not easy but it was achievable. Superstitions are not for everyone and I understand that but it is not something that I would not recommend. My little crystals and tarot card readings really did help me better my life. Since I started my wellness journey I have never looked back or regretted this decision.

Now, I am no longer in a state of detrimental health and I have never felt so happy, so confident and healthy in my life. I have now formed a lifestyle full of wellness which was not easy but with time it was worth it. I am now able to continue my vegan diet, I have realized who my real friends are, I discovered a workout regimen that I not only enjoy but works for me, I continue to connect to the universe and found my purpose in life but above all, love was the first step to starting this proper and amazing wellness journey. My advice to everyone is to put yourself first because you earnestly deserve it and in a year from the beginning you will not regret it.