Before beginning the wellness planning process, it was beneficial to review several articles by Margaret Swarbrick that explained the wellness approach, process and benefits. One key concept explained by Swarbrick (2006) was that “wellness is a conscious, deliberate process that requires a person to become aware of and make choices for a more satisfying lifestyle” (pg. 311). To begin this process, I asked myself two questions, “am I aware of myself as a whole person” and “can I identify my own strengthens and weaknesses within my eight dimensions of wellness?” After completing the wellness planning tool, I realized that in some aspects I do well and in others I know that I can do better than what I am doing now. The first step of this
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I was also surprised at how these routine aspects that I take for granted contribute greatly to my overall wellness. When identifying my strengths, I felt it gave my life meaning and satisfaction. It allowed me to have a sense of direction of how I would like to live my life. Identifying strengths became a source of motivation because you are taking positive energy and using it to build on your strength. Having this sense of accomplishment and acknowledging these accomplishments became the driving force behind setting and achieving my goal. Despite that I experienced many obstacles; I did not allow them to derail my progress. Some obstacles such as household chores were easily diverted by delegating responsibilities, but others such as work and schooling could not be easily diverted. However, developing a schedule really helped. I also found it beneficial to share my schedule with my family. They were supportive and seemed to require less attention for me. The only uncontrollable obstacle that I could not overcome was the weather. During the first week, I was highly motivated to fulfill all aspects of my goal. The goal planning process ignited an empowering feeling that is difficult to put into words. I remember seeing my goal daily on my refrigerator and telling myself that “you can do this.” I feel that most of my goal satisfaction came from reducing …show more content…
As Swarbrick (2013) explained, peer wellness coaches are trained to encourage health and wellness through approaches based on empowerment. I believe that empowering an individual is key to goal success. However, if a peer wellness coach was not available, I would first introduce the Wellness Planning Tool by sharing my own experience. I would also give the individual the opportunity to review my goal and my goal progress. Next, I would discuss the overview of the wellness tool and how each dimension was interrelated. As we worked through the assessment and planning phases, I would keep the individual engaged by asking open-ended questions. In addition, I would help the individual focus on their strengths in order to maintain a positive outlook. Focusing on one’s strengthens can open a door to many opportunities. Once the individual identifies barriers or obstacle, guidance and support would be provided. This guidance and support can range from assisting the individual with linking up to certain services or to developing a schedule to ensure goal progress. I feel that addressing barriers during this process can be a difficult task for some and extra supports can be needed. Special considerations that would need to be taken in to account
I was also surprised at how these routine aspects that I take for granted contribute greatly to my overall wellness. When identifying my strengths, I felt it gave my life meaning and satisfaction. It allowed me to have a sense of direction of how I would like to live my life. Identifying strengths became a source of motivation because you are taking positive energy and using it to build on your strength. Having this sense of accomplishment and acknowledging these accomplishments became the driving force behind setting and achieving my goal. Despite that I experienced many obstacles; I did not allow them to derail my progress. Some obstacles such as household chores were easily diverted by delegating responsibilities, but others such as work and schooling could not be easily diverted. However, developing a schedule really helped. I also found it beneficial to share my schedule with my family. They were supportive and seemed to require less attention for me. The only uncontrollable obstacle that I could not overcome was the weather. During the first week, I was highly motivated to fulfill all aspects of my goal. The goal planning process ignited an empowering feeling that is difficult to put into words. I remember seeing my goal daily on my refrigerator and telling myself that “you can do this.” I feel that most of my goal satisfaction came from reducing …show more content…
As Swarbrick (2013) explained, peer wellness coaches are trained to encourage health and wellness through approaches based on empowerment. I believe that empowering an individual is key to goal success. However, if a peer wellness coach was not available, I would first introduce the Wellness Planning Tool by sharing my own experience. I would also give the individual the opportunity to review my goal and my goal progress. Next, I would discuss the overview of the wellness tool and how each dimension was interrelated. As we worked through the assessment and planning phases, I would keep the individual engaged by asking open-ended questions. In addition, I would help the individual focus on their strengths in order to maintain a positive outlook. Focusing on one’s strengthens can open a door to many opportunities. Once the individual identifies barriers or obstacle, guidance and support would be provided. This guidance and support can range from assisting the individual with linking up to certain services or to developing a schedule to ensure goal progress. I feel that addressing barriers during this process can be a difficult task for some and extra supports can be needed. Special considerations that would need to be taken in to account