At some point everyone has seen the “Wheel of Life” or “Wellness Wheel”. You’re not alone if you’re unable to recall every sphere of life noted on said wheel. I am a seasoned life coach and I can’t spout them off the top of my head with ease. I believe the traditional wheel of life is just too complicated–and this is coming from someone who has a strong affection for complexities.
The traditional “Wellness Wheel” includes: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social, and occupational Wellness. Allegedly, these are separate, interconnected categories that contribute to a balanced life. I have yet to cross paths with a human who has nailed the balancing act of these 7 spheres and I don’t believe it is any indication that they have failed at life.
If your Wellness Wheel looks more like a carnival than a serene yogi effortlessly and gracefully juggling all spheres of life, you’re not doomed!
Life can be complicated and overwhelming, a quest for wellness should not be. Wellness should be simple, realistic and attainable. I have created a simplified version of the Wellness Wheel and packaged it into a screenshot sized infographic to refer to as needed.
Let’s dig deeper into this pocket size version of the Wellness Wheel.
Growth
We are all uniquely useful and gifted in some way, but you don’t know what you don’t know. If we continually learn and explore new things, it allows us to unearth talents and sills we never knew we possessed. That is only one way to grow…
Growth is subjective and specific to each person. Sometimes growth is as simple as tempering a venomous tongue when our instinct is to verbally assassinate someone who has hurt you. That is a skill worthy of honing! Everyone has a different starting point and default setting, so it’s important to identify and honor the ways you have grown so you can continue that path.
If you are feeling lost in the realm of growth, think back to the things you enjoyed as a child. Before life, ego, and the expectaions of others got in the way of what brought you joy. You may find a deeply burried seed just waiting to flourish.
Love
Wellness requires love–the acceptance of love and the giving of love. When either pathway is blocked or, our wellbeing deteriorates.
You must believe you are loveable and know the love you give has value. With that said, it is imperative to note that “love” in the traditional sense is not required–there is no need to be in a relationship, have a BFF, or children.
First, take some time to explore what “love” means to you. If you need a clarity, check out The Definition of Love to gain some insight.
Many of us have more of a struggle accepting love than we do giving love, and it usually comes down how we view the concept of love. Begin cultivating love within yourself. Between your true self and the version of self that you present to others–the self with that shaming, blaming, inner dialog that damages the roots from which love grows.
Contribution
Contribution is incredibly simple these days, it ties in with Connection, it undoubtedly cultivates Love which results in Growth. By contributing your time and attention to any living being, organism or the universe you inadvertently check all the necessary boxes to achieve Wellness. ASSuming you are doing so with kindness and compassion.
Contribution can be as simple as picking trash or holding the door for someone. It can be complex and grandiose too, but it doesn’t have to. The belief that what you have to contribute lacks value is often the barrier to doing it.
Connection
Before venturing into the world of connection, first explore what that means to you and what your personal needs for connection are. I say that as an autistic adult who spent most of my life trying to achieve connection in ways that society ASSumes are right for everyone.
Connection is not necessarily socialization, & connection can be non-verbal. Some people socialize without really connecting and other connect with others without traditional socializing. All of this ties in with Love and Contribution as both facilitate connection.
Parallel play is a non-traditional form of connection that children and neurodivergent participate in. It looks very different to what most people perceive as connecting, but for some, it is a deep form of connection.
The simplest form of connection is listening and really hearing what someone is communicating. Listening without thinking how what is being said to relates to you or how you will respond.
Final Thoughts
All facets of Wellness are integrated and there is no perfect balance to persue. Free yourself from the sense of failure some concepts burden us with. 4 integrated boxes to check instead of 7-9 individual spheres, simplifies life, builds confidence and encourages growth. Wellness is attainable when you define what Wellness looks life for your unique needs.
For help defining what Wellness looks like for you, connect with me to start your journey!
