INTRODUCTION
The heart is the vital center and source of one’s being. It is the repository of one’s deepest and sincerest feelings and beliefs. It’s the seat of the intellect or imagination, holding the capacity for sympathy or generosity. The heart can describe love and affection, courage and resolution, fortitude and the firmness or will to carry out an intention or mission.
With all of these various aspects defining heart, what then do I mean by the heart of wellness? And can the heart of wellness be the same to everyone? Perhaps the heart of wellness is that which we value most. And at any given point in time, this may change. During the month of February, the heart of Wellness may be LOVE. Love and hearts are all over the place this month because of Valentine’s Day, a day that we focus on and celebrate our love for one another.
STRAIGHT TO THE HEART
Here’s a suggestion for those of you attempting to get to your own center or core of Wellness. First, I suggest that we broaden our thinking about Valentine’s Day to include another aspect of love, love of self. Why not celebrate SELF-LOVE on February 14—even all month long—and look at ways that you have avoided loving yourself? Then make a decision to examine and change those thoughts, feelings, or actions.
Through all 12-Step based recovery programs, we are given 12 Universal Steps, which can guide or assist us in the process of SELF-LOVE. Perhaps just making a conscious effort to be more present or involved in the fellowship or at the meetings can help jump start the process.
VALENTINE GIFTS FOR YOURSELF
Valentine’s Day can be a day to think about what you can do to be good to yourself. What are the chocolates and flowers you can give to yourself? Perhaps you can practice SELF-LOVE by eating differently, sleeping more, or connecting more often to those important to you. Remember that change happens one day at a time, so each day take small steps to improve your Wellness. By taking control of your eating, sleeping, or relationship patterns, you will create balance. And living a life in balance will contribute to your overall well-being. You will love yourself better. You will be able to give love to those around you. But it all begins within. Start focusing by focusing on your own heart.
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
Regardless of what you choose to look at to change, you will be living with more Wellness and be doing the “next right thing” in your recovery!
©2007 Renee Siegel, MA, LISAC, NCGC-II. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced without the permission of the author.
