Dr Safeeya Mohammed
guardian.wemagazine@gmail.com
As we close the curtain on 2023, one with countless moments of both extremes–soaring accomplishments and the realisation of legacy goals blended into the background of untold tragedies and suffering, so grave that it leaves an unfathomable trail of post-traumatic distress.
Many are asking, how can one move forward into a new year? How does one create a new slate?
My recommendation is this:
Imagine a fresh canvas eagerly awaits, inviting us to sketch a year infused with wellness. Away from fleeting resolutions, let’s embrace a strategy of consciously creating meaningful moments on our journey towards an enriched life.
Let’s embrace, WELLNESS.
The World Health Organization has defined ‘Wellness’ as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Balancing act: Juggling career, motherhood and life
For many Trinbagonian women, the pursuit of wellness directly depends on the juggling act between a successful career, family and the curveballs of life. The duality of being a devoted professional while nurturing a family is a tightrope walk, demanding finesse and fortitude.
This year, I had the opportunity to interview over 100 women thriving after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and women from varied social backgrounds but all with one commonality. They didn’t merely survive, they chose to thrive despite the diagnosis of cancer. They chose to prioritise their wellness. Their formula is one worthy of amplifying and inculcating in our daily lives.
Wellness is the conscious development of the whole self
Irrespective of a person’s age, size, health challenge or status, it is wellness that is the foundation of one’s quality of life. Just like a tree, we must nurture the roots, so too, on our journey, we must nurture our wellbeing. It determines how we ultimately look, feel, interact with others and thrive in life and work.
Embarking on a wellness journey is a process of searching for the appropriate “tools” to make you a healthier and happier human being, plus discovering your own effective methods to use these “tools” for continued growth and development.
Integrate Wellness every day
Wellness shouldn’t just be a practice; it’s a philosophy that permeates our existence, urging us to embrace the present moment, be it stressful or joyful. Imagine indulging in the rich aroma of cocoa tea in Lopinot, finding solace amidst the kaleidoscope of colours of the sunset in Paramin or being patient through the traffic of the north to southbound on a Friday evening with an accident and roadworks–each instant an opportunity to truly connect with the here and now while paying attention to our responses of the situation.
Respond vs React–The Mindful Pause
These words may appear to be similar, however, the difference between responding and reacting in challenging situations can be profound. The difference between the two lies in a ‘deep breath, a pause, or a brief moment of mindful presence.’ Discovering the coping techniques of integrating a mindful pause can mean the difference between sending the entire situation or relationship soaring to greater heights or falling down a slippery slope.
The Emotional Canvas of Mindful Living
Mindfulness delves into the depths of our emotions. This practice can foster resilience, diminish stress, and cultivate gratitude. This psychological transformation reflects in the resilience of Trinbagonians amidst challenges, finding joy in life’s simplest moments, just as our survivors of breast cancer.
Creating a legacy of wellness
They focused on the little things that brought joy and fulfilment and shifted the narrative away from the morbidity of cancer. One survivor, while receiving chemotherapy, brought her nail therapist in and ensured she had the best manicured hands and feet. Another survivor chose creativity as her outlet and pursued painting to cope. These paintings were displayed and are now a source of income for her while being a source of inspiration for all who experience the exhibition. And yet another chose journaling during those intense days of the post-chemotherapy side effects. Those scribblings are now bound in a book, for any breast cancer survivor to be comforted by, a guide and a reminder that each survivor is not alone.
For 2024, WE encourage you to embrace the wellness journey, transcending mere resolutions to goals WE can achieve. As you craft your 2024 goals, imagine a year defined by equanimity, self-awareness, and a profound connection with ourselves and the pulse of T&T!
Happy New Year from the entire team of the WE magazine.
Questions that encourage introspection
Meghan Watson, a licenced psychotherapist and founder of Bloom Psychology and Wellness shares these questions that encourage deep introspection and reflection as we enter the new slate of 2024.
1. What nourished my soul?
2. What values were most important to me?
3. What lessons have I learned?
4. How did I show up for my community?
5. What wisdom am I taking into 2024 with me?