The definition of wellness found at http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wellness is as follows:

Wellness: well•ness \ˈwel-nəs\, noun: the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal <lifestyles that promote wellness>

What a great definition… and it’s a noun. It’s a thing. And yet, you take action to achieve it. Brilliant.

Two parts of this definition that sticks out to me; first, that wellness is “actively sought”; second, that wellness is a goal (although I must add that anything actively sought, should at the very least be thought of as a goal). Oh and P.S., taking action consistently guarantees that you will reach your goal. It’s in the bag. Of course, procrastination will slow down the journey, but you cannot stop progress if you are being active. Mark my words.

Our society today is more capable of accepting alternative forms of medicine such as energy work (e.g. Reiki) or bodywork (to include massage therapy and acupuncture) both which lead to wellness, and/or a general sense well being, and I think would all agree that health and wellness are connected.

So, the question today is: what other actions can we take, beyond that of medicinal purposes (medicinal being defined here as that which enhances physical or mental health by a second or third party), that will put into motion the feelings of wellness… on a daily basis?

Wellness is personal, and yet positively affects everyone around us. For me, wellness is when my mind is allowing everything else - my perspective, my body, my spirit – to coexist without conflict. I achieve this by walking my dogs Annabelle and Lindy (or watching them play, or sitting with them; actually, anything with them makes me feel light and fluffy). I feel calm and “momentized” when I hang out with my three-year old niece, or when she explains her reality to me the way kids are so open and inclined to do. And sitting with my friends, and laughing, and feeling grateful knowing how lucky I am to experience the moments I experience each day of my life – all leads to a feeling of wellness, for me.

The little actions that we can take on a daily basis that can change our perspective on our lives, our situations, our time… are infinite. Abraham Lincoln stated (and I shall paraphrase) that people are as happy as they make up their minds to be; and I believe that is true. I also believe that wellness is perpetual, and can be practiced on a daily basis without fear of failure. Imagine! You can’t fail. You can take action toward wellness on a daily basis, without failure. It’s in the bag because taking action means you will get there; no matter what. Therefore, even if your action is small – you will get there. So, maybe we should add to the definition of wellness that it is achievable, regardless of might, and regardless of time; for as long as you are working toward it, you will achieve it, perpetually.