MIRROR MONDAY | 8 DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS

My first car was a 2001 Honda Accord coupe. You couldn’t tell me anything. That was my Porsche - I sure treated her like one!

Sidebar: My dream car has never been a Porsche. It’s the mindset that comes with owning something of that caliber.

Consider how people might be similar to cars… Maybe your thinking:

• variety based on personal preferences

• different systems that require maintenance

• individualized diagnosing

• wide range in solutions at different price points

Similar to cars having different systems that require maintenance, people have 8 systems which require maintenance. They are called the 8 Dimensions of Wellness. Keep reading to find out what the 8 Dimensions of Wellness are. Consider them as separate gears intended to work together. Think about the braking system and the wheels -separate systems, a part of a larger system, working in collaboration of other systems.

Sometimes we know what to look for or we know who to ask for help when the check engine light illuminates. Aware of the squealing brakes, problem solving begins. Mechanics might draw attention to areas overlooked or overused.

Sometimes, time gets away from us and scheduled maintenance becomes overdue. We begin to not run as well as we once did. Restoring optimal function to these systems or dimensions is essential to creating a life of pure bliss.

8 Dimensions of Wellness

• Foundational: connect with your faith in a way that is meaningful to you

• Physical: nourish your body with healthy food, and move in a way that you enjoy

• Intellectual: learn something new to stimulate and grow your mind

• Emotional: feel what you are feeling

• Social: connect yourself with people that lift you up

• Financial: improve and speak positively about financial state

• Environmental: enjoy the space around you

• Vocational: do the work you love

Grab a pencil and sticky note. Open a note on your phone. A method to record your thinking. Okay, now you’re ready!

Reread The 8 Dimensions of Wellness. This time, record the actions or thoughts that came to mind for each section. Now, you’re ready to reflect.

What dimension had limited thought or action surface?

What dimensions have I been giving my attention to?

What dimensions are in need of some love?

What am I going to do with this information? Knowledge isn’t power. The actions behind the knowledge is where the power lies!

Growth requires looking in the mirror and being honest with oneself. It isn’t always pretty and is sometimes uncomfortable. I hope you take something new away each time we exchange.

Tune in for next Mirror Monday as we enter the Spiritual Dimension.