Hi. I’m Tiffany and I’m the Boston Experience Launcher for AmazingCo based out of Providence, RI.

In going through online checklists and other blogs to see what’s considered “wellness”, I came across many things that I either already do sporadically, have tried, or frankly, have no interest in trying. In an attempt to do something outside of the common “wellness” tropes, I thought I’d do some exploration around what wellness means to me as an individual. Wellness can’t possibly be a one-size fits all type of thing, can it? 

So, first, let’s define it: According to Merriam-Webster, wellness is the quality or state of being in good health, especially as an actively sought goal. Great. So let’s break down what good health means. Is it Physical? Is it Mental? Emotional? Spiritual? What’s the difference between mental and emotional? Yep, had to look that up too: mental health being the ability to think clearly and make good decisions while emotional health is the ability to cope and manage emotions. Spiritual wellness, I believe, is about having values and beliefs and acting compassionately based on those values. Now that we have the official definitions for “wellness” - I’m hoping I can narrow down further what wellness means to me.

When do I feel physically, mentally, and emotionally good? What helps me relax and get to a baseline of “I got this”? What makes me feel connected to myself and those around me? What inspires me the most?

Physically: I feel good when I feel strong and confident. I feel good when I move my body in a way to relieve stress and have fun as opposed to getting slim or swol. On that same note, I remember taking Zumba classes some time ago and really enjoying myself dancing surrounded by people swishing and swaying their hips for fun and most importantly, for ourselves. 

Challenge: Find a local Zumba class to attend! 

Thoughts prior to experience: A friend once told me in regards to working out “the hardest part is tying up the laces of your shoes. Have you ever ended a workout and regretted doing it?”. In many ways she’s right. I really didn’t want to go to this class but fought against myself and put on my workout clothing, cursing my friend as I tied my laces and made my way to the park; nearly getting lost on the way. I was anxious about whether I was in the right place and tried boosting my confidence with corny affirmations as I walked on over to meet strangers to exercise together in public. “You’re fine! You got this! This is fun! It’s for work! It’s okay!”

Thoughts following the experience: I was welcomed with open arms, met some really cool people (including Kiki, the fabulous instructor photographed here), and have full intentions of going back. The location was gorgeous and overlooked a river. Even when driving away from the park and back home, I was continuing the endorphin rush by blasting my favorite music and dancing while drinking the cinematic sky-at-dusk in. 

Mentally: I know I feel good and more present and able to accomplish tasks or big decisions. I feel capable when I’m able to cut through the sometimes negative thoughts that creep in. Whether it’s something as big as trying something new and getting over the frustrations that may come with trying a new thing, or as simple as checking off some things on a to-do list.

Challenge: Bonsai Tree Class 

Thoughts prior to experience: I originally was going to try a glass-firing class but unfortunately, all of the upcoming sessions were fully booked, so I dug further into the interweb (Providence is notorious for not advertising anything which makes finding activities incredibly difficult) and found a Bonsai class at a local brewery. I was eager to attend and learn more about Bonsai (the meaning, art form, the method, etc.).

Thoughts following the experience: One of the biggest takeaways was that Bonsai is an art much like life. In the same way that our expectations, desires, hopes and dreams shift and change depending on what phase we’re in, so does the Bonsai. It was incredibly therapeutic and meditative to make decisions on where to cut, how to bend, shape, and mold this tree into exactly what I wanted it to be. It reminded me much of the manifestation mindset and how much speaking, and thinking things into existence makes them so. It’s about taking control over your circumstances and curating your life for better or worse when push comes to shove. The instructor was thorough and enigmatic in his demeanour and overall educational storytelling; plus he included built-in grab-a-beer-from-the-bar-breaks so, that made me happy.

Emotionally: I feel emotionally strong when I’m feeling safe to be vulnerable, and am able to separate myself from my negative thoughts by staying present. 

Challenge: Meditate for 20 minutes

Thoughts prior to experience: As luck would have it, this experiment came at the same time of my energetic downswing so I chose to try and meditate for 20 minutes as a way to curb the noise and negativity swirling around my head. I was doubtful I’d be able to still my mind and try to reach a trance-like state and was worried the designated 20 minutes would feel like 2 hours.

Thoughts following the experience: What an absolute difference taking an active and intentional break has on one’s mentality. I prefer guided meditation, personally, and that's a really good way to start for that exact reason - someone is helping tell you what to focus on, and provides some prompts when your mind wanders. I felt a lot lighter, more positively energetic. It helped tremendously in the ability to find the pause needed to respond instead of react.

Spiritual: I feel good spiritually when I’m connected to myself and my community. I love feeling that I’m a part of something bigger than myself. I usually volunteer once every couple of months. For this project, it just so happens that my friend is organizing the Rhode Island Primary Elections. He noted that it’s been really tough to find poll-workers because of election-deniers stemming from 2020, so he needed all hands on deck to make mass calls to the public asking them to serve their communities and keep our democracy alive!

Challenge: Volunteer by making hundreds of calls to potential poll-workers for an upcoming election.

Thoughts prior to experience: I was excited to not just help my friend, but also help my community: the more poll workers we have, the more polling places we’re able to have, and thus, the more accessible voting is to the public. 

Thoughts following the experience: I had completely forgotten what it’s like to make so many cold calls. While it was mostly leaving messages and the occasional “I don’t live there anymore” everyone was mostly very kind in their rejection or enthusiasm of participating. I still have bunches more calls to make and even got my partner to sit down and make some calls too!

All in all, this week was an eye-opener. I’m especially grateful I was able to put into practice some new ideas and tools that will ease my woes the next time they roll around. Heading out into my city and finding new and interesting things to do made me realize that there is a bustling hubbub of artists outside my apartment walls and all I have to do is venture a wee bit out of my comfort zone to access them; be honest with myself & adjust as necessary.

Wellness isn’t about doing what other people tell you feels good, but about finding what feels good TO YOU. It’s a personal journey, and so the steps taken to get there should reflect that too. Here’s a starter if you intend to take that path for yourself: Write a list of what makes you feel good and then write a list of how you occupy most of your time. If you’re not sure about doing this on your own, you can try signing up with a buddy! Having a trusting friend alongside you can be comforting, plus the source of lots of fun memories together to reminisce on.