One of the most enduring aspects of my personal wellness journey is a continual effort to find balance and avoid extremism. The health and fitness industry is permeated by black and white, good or bad thinking, but I believe it’s in The Gray that most people find true wellness. The ability to not obsess over diet, exercise, weight, or appearance — but to still have those things matter and have importance — is essential to optimal health.
In order to find balance while working toward better vitality, we have to be willing to explore, evaluate, and understand our unique emotions, beliefs, and habits, filter societal pressures, objectively review the latest research, learn from our successes and errors, and adjust our expectations when necessary. While the place of balance will look different for everyone, there are many similarities between us. Thus, reasonable recommendations for people wanting to move toward improved health can be made.
In our increasingly polarized world, finding, being comfortable with, and ultimately celebrating The Gray in our lives can be a difficult proposition, but it’s entirely possible.