When you think about wellness, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
If your initial thought pertains to anything involving your appearance, you're definitely not alone. I’ve been there, too— it is easy for our minds to go straight to how we look physically. And, honestly, I understand why... I don't know about you, but the general consensus among my girlfriends is that we weren't raised in an environment that talked about wellness in a positive light. Often we saw women work out because they thought they were "fat," heard therapy was for "broken" people, and went to church to learn the rules with very little mention of the desired relationship, love, and grace taught through the gospel.
Truly, I don't blame our parents, they were doing the best they could with what they knew, and society was just different. So, I've spent much of my adult life deconstructing these topics in order to reconstruct them in a healthier and more appropriate way– specifically a way that honors both my mindset and the mindset I hope to instill in my daughter– if you've been here for awhile you know I love a good perspective shift 😉
As I was deconstructing, I really had to dig deep and really ask myself why? – why were certain thought patterns and mindsets so ingrained? Why did I associate wellness primarily with appearance? Why did I accept the notion that therapy was only for those in crisis? And why did I view faith through a lens of strict rules and fear of not measuring up? I realized that much of what I’d absorbed was shaped by cultural norms and generational patterns rather than my own understanding of what wellness truly means.
Overtime, I slowly reconstructed my mindset and much of that came from exploring and understanding my why behind wellness, then determining what could do to make this a sustainable lifestyle, because here’s the truth: life will throw challenges our way. It’s not a matter of if, but when. And when those moments come, we need practices that are adaptable and sustainable. We need to balance discipline with flexibility, especially as our lives and responsibilities change. What worked for me before having Hattie isn’t the same as what works now that she’s a lively 5-year-old.
For me, this journey into deeper self-care started after my fibroid surgery in 2018 which left me feeling like I needed a holistic approach to my health. Prior to my surgery, physically I was an avid cross-fitter who looked very healthy, but lacked feeling balanced mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
I want to acknowledge that taking care of our physical health is absolutely crucial. I come from families riddled with cancer and dementia, so doing what I can to physically protect and support my body is very important to me– it is very much so a big part of my why. However, true wellness is so much more than just surface-level concerns. It’s about investing in our overall well-being, which includes not just our bodies but nurturing our minds and soul, too.
The birth of Hattie in 2019 drove this point home even further as becoming a mom showed me that surface-level wellness wasn’t enough. To be the best mom for Hattie and a supportive wife to Jake, I had to be resilient and as grounded as possible in every part of my being.
Furthermore, I hope to show Hattie that true well-being is about more than physical health— it's about finding joy in movement, practicing kindness toward herself, and knowing that her worth doesn't come from the world, and surely not a number on the scale or size on her clothes. This is the kind of strength and mindset I want her to carry with her throughout her life.
As moms, we juggle a lot—emotional ups and downs, stress, and countless responsibilities. Carving out time for our physical, mental and spiritual well-being is hard, but it crucial. Investing in our health with frequent deposits creates a discipline that enhances all areas of our lives. When we commit to healthy habits, we build routines that support personal growth and resilience. This discipline doesn’t just help us stay on track with our health goals— it overflows and affects how we manage other areas of our lives.
- Finding Joy in Movement: I’ve learned that moving my body in ways that feel good is key to my overall well-being. Lately, I’ve been enjoying weighted walks and at-home Pilates sessions, but I also make it a point to listen to my body and rest when needed– something that I've failed to do in the past. It’s important to me that Hattie grows up viewing movement an opportunity to feel strong and energized and as something that enriches her life– not something she has to do, but something she gets to do.
- Mindful Chats about Food: We are very intentional about how we talk about food with Hattie, focusing on how it nourishes and fuels our bodies rather than labeling it as “good” or “bad.” We explain how proteins, carbs, and fats work together to give us energy and support growth, like how the eggs she loves help her muscles and brain, or how the fiber in fruits and veggies keeps her tummy feeling full and satisfied. I think we often underestimate how much children can understand, and it's important to us that Hattie grows up with a balanced and positive relationship with food, knowing that while many foods have a purpose in fueling her body that we also can enjoy food simply for the pleasure it brings.
- Family Walks: Our evening family walks have become a cherished routine in our home. They’re not just good for our bodies but also for our hearts and minds. It’s a beautiful way to connect with each other at the end of the day, and it helps us all unwind and bond.
- Intermittent Fasting: I’ve been practicing intermittent fasting since 2018, with a 2(ish) year break while I was pregnant and nursing Hattie. For me, it’s not just about physical health; it’s also a part of my spiritual journey. It’s become a sustainable lifestyle choice that supports both my body and my soul.
- Reconnecting with Passions: It’s so easy to lose ourselves in the roles of motherhood and family life. Friends, I love my child and my family so very much, but we were not created for our identities to be solely focused on them. You are so important too and you were created with dreams and interests that you don't have to shelf forever because of motherhood. So whether is it reading or journaling or playing pickleball or meeting a friend for brunch, it is my deepest desire that you reconnect with the things that you love and bring you joy outside of your home.
- Therapy: If you’ve chatted with me before, you know how much I value therapy. It’s been a game-changer for me personally and in our marriage. I’m grateful for the progress society has made in how therapy is viewed, but I think we still have a way to go in fully normalizing it. It’s such a powerful tool for growth and awareness.
- Sunday Reset: Sundays are our family’s reset day. After church, we enjoy a slow, cozy day at home—washing sheets, planning meals, and prepping for the week. This simple practice helps us feel organized and reduces stress and we feel aligned heading into a new week.
- Morning Quiet Time: My day always begins with quiet time with the Lord before my family wakes up. Whether it’s an early morning walk with prayer or snuggling up with a devotional, this time sets a peaceful tone for my day. It makes me more patient and kind, and helps me show up as the mom, wife, and friend I aspire to be.
- Our Morning Environment: After my quiet time and before Hattie comes down in the morning, I always have one of our favorite worship playlists going in the background– this is always a sweet set up to start our day on the right foot.
- Hattie's Daily Devotionals & Bible Time: Throughout the week, we are sure to incorporate spiritual time with Hattie. Over breakfast or lunch, we read and chat from her children's devotional and always make sure we read one Bible story along with her other books before bed. We often take a few moments to pray together, teaching her that connecting with God is part of our everyday life. I want her to grow up knowing that faith isn’t just reserved for Sundays and isn't about a set of rules, rather it's a foundational relationship that encourages us to be loving, kind, and joyful humans.
- VIVE Kids Values: Our church in Kansas City was so amazing, and taught our kids these values to live by– and we always go over them and make sure they are "turned on" before Hattie goes into school: listening ears, humble heart, helping hands, kind words, positive attitude and joyful spirit!
- Church: Church is a special part of our lives. We’re so lucky to have found churches in both Kansas City and Columbus where we all look forward to attending each week. It’s a time that uplifts us and sometimes challenges us, helping us start the week with a renewed sense of purpose and community.
I encourage you to spend some time reflecting on your true "why." What drives you to take care of yourself? When something doesn’t go as planned or motivation wanes, what can you turn to for encouragement? Think about the deeper reasons behind your journey and let those be your anchor.
Additionally, consider brainstorming activities that you genuinely love and that inspire you to keep going. It’s so much easier to stay committed when you’re engaging in things that bring you joy. Whether it’s a favorite workout, a creative hobby, or simply spending time with loved ones, let these activities be a source of motivation and fulfillment.
I like to think of wellness as a long-term investment in myself and my family. So, it’s not about chasing the latest trend or quick fixes, but about creating a sustainable approach that truly supports every aspect of who we are because taking care of yourself is not just about sticking to a plan—it’s about nurturing what makes you feel alive and well. Embrace what you love, and let that passion guide you toward a balanced, holistic approach to wellness.
xo- Meredith
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