What Exactly IS Wellness?

On By sarcoidosissoldierIn Healthier Habits

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I think this is an interesting question because wellness seems to mean different things to different people. There are also different kinds of wellness. There is physical wellness and emotional wellness and it would seem that you can sometimes be one without entirely being the other.

My sarcoidosis provides a perfect example of what I am talking about. I’m not as physically strong as I used to be because of my disease but I am happier than I have ever been despite it or probably because of it.

Over time I have had to learn, and I am still learning, to accept my limits. But as I allow myself the opportunity to accept my physical challenges, I find that I grow emotionally stronger.

Perhaps we are our most well when we are able to balance our physical and emotional health in perfect harmony. There are times when this is not possible however, for reasons out of our control…like my sarcoidosis. So when this happens, maybe it is a good idea to build strength where we can.

So what is wellness? To me wellness is a lot of things…

Wellness is a willingness to allow change.

Wellness is learning acceptance.

Wellness is regular exercise and eating right.

Wellness is being with those you love and appreciating it.

Wellness is choosing your own attitude.

Wellness is going to the doctor when you should.

Wellness is learning the difference between self care and selfishness.

Wellness is a lack of arrogance.

Wellness is making room for creativity.

Wellness is forgiveness.

Wellness is getting enough sleep.

Wellness is staying socially connected to others.

Wellness is eating an apple instead of a cookie.

Wellness is a life time of learning.

Wellness is a journey of self discovery.

What does wellness mean to you?

8 thoughts on “What Exactly IS Wellness?”

  1. Stacy Johnson

    After chest X-ray’s and lymph node biopsies I was told I have “benign Sacroidosi”. I was told that I do not need medication and that I am “good”. I had “acute iritis” initially, that’s how this hole thing started. When the Pulmonary Doctor told me my results were good I asked why I was always so tired? He said ” It must be something else” and we then hung up. can you tell me what a “flare up” is and what I should be on the lookout for. I’m just really lost. Thank, Stacy

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    1. HI Stacy,
      I’ve never heard sarcoidosis being described as benign before. This might mean that it does not appear to be damaging any organs which would be a good thing. There is some validity to a “wait and see” approach to managing the disease if a patient does not have organ damage from the disease or any overwhelming symptoms. This is because the treatments, which are not aimed at curing the disease, as there is no cure, can be rough on the body and cause additional problems. The fatigue you describe is very common with this disease. A “flare up” is when a patient has an uptick in symptoms and begins to feel lousy. This can happen when a patient is receiving treatment or not. Symptoms for this disease range from everything from coughing, fevers, swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, eye problems, heart irregularities and a lot more. Every patient seems to have different symptoms. If you would like to email me at sarcoidosissoldier@gmail.com we can have a much more in depth conversation.

      Hoped that helped some and please do not hesitate to email me so we can talk further. It can be very overwhelming in the beginning. Hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones who’s disease never gets that bad and eventually goes into remission…that really does happen for a lot of people.

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