As a continuation of last week's article, do you have something you would like to change in your life? Is there something that you have always wanted to do, but either just got a little lazy or too busy and that "dream" (big or small) was pushed to the side? Well, now is the time for change.
Spring is here until June 21st, so let's take advantage. This spring season is the perfect time for cleaning, for blooming, for things to warm up and get revved for the sizzling summer. No, I'm not talking about cleaning the house, planting flowers, or the temperature and weather ... I'm talking about you. Taking a look at the six dimensions and all they entail Ð where would you like to see improvements made? How do you want to become more well? And, no, you cannot cop-out with a response of "I'm perfectly well." Wellness is a continuum and in constant change, therefore there is always room for enhancement. If you are still looking for something to make anew, The National Wellness Institute provides a few versions of a Wellness Inventory, to suit you - an adult, adolescent, college, and older adult inventory. You can find sample questions and reports at: http://www.nationalwellness. org/testwell/index.htm. Check it out, see how you score. Then think long and hard about this:
In what area will you make a change?
Physical - Do you want to loose a few pounds so you can feel well and better about life? Have you always wanted to travel Down Under to see kangaroos hopping around in the wild in the outbacks of Australia?
Intellectual - Have you always wanted to go back to school? Is there a skill that you've always wanted to learn? Have you wanted to pick up a new musical instrument and play in a band (Rock Band, that is)?
Social - Are you ready to renew your relationship with a loved one?
Emotional - Do you want to learn new ways to become less stressed?
Occupational - Are you ready for a new occupation or to follow your American dream?
Spiritual - Do you want to add more peace to your life?
Whatever it is, now is the time to make it happen.
To support you along in this journey, next week I will provide you with a plan and tips on how to make this change happen. This behavior change guide will use the works of Prochaska's Readiness to Change Model. We will make wellness work for you!
And remember, from James Gordon, MD, "It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not." I hope you are ready.
• Laura Brownlee is a CarsonCity resident who works with the National Wellness Institute.She can be reached at editor@nevadaappeal.com