Cultivating well-being

Throughout my adult life, I have gone through cyclical phases of feeling really good and others in which I feel bad, sad and less hopeful. As I look down the road, I see that I am blessed with a very strong internal beacon, a true north that guides me. And even if I unconsciously try to cover up these signs, my internal compass shouts in my ear whether or not I'm aligned with my path. Even when it doesn't seem convenient

Along the way, there have been many moments of more demanding challenges and, above all, more responsibility. And it was in these phases that I learned to repeatedly ignore my well-being, as if it wasn't so essential to me. Focus on survival, forget about pleasure. The point is that the heart and soul can't survive like that. The body doesn't either, but it can last much longer. The soul risks hibernating forever if it isn't rescued.

As much as I knew where my north was not, on several occasions external noise dominated my day-to-day life. When this happens, feelings of inadequacy and sadness often creep in, and thoughts change and become less healthy. My full well-being, which I have always valued, takes third, fourth or fifth place.

Every time I realize this lack of connection, I embark on a journey to find it again. Sometimes a short and simple journey, other times longer and more unpredictable. And in the process, I realize that sometimes I need to ask for help. And even if I don't need to, it's much easier and more pleasant to do so. Friends, family, therapists, mentors. Whether it's to get an outside perspective, to learn new self-care tools or simply to have someone to share with and discover the meaning of emotions. Asking for help has become a valuable part of my training to cultivate ongoing well-being.

At this stage of growing into adulthood, I'm realizing more and more that it really is a matter of training. Consciously choosing again and again. Cultivate is the word. Sowing, caring, investing. Adjust, adapt. And watching the roots, stems, trunks, leaves and fruit grow. In a dance between connection with the soil and growth towards the sky.

And as I do so, everything around me seems to blossom together. The world takes on color, the synchronicity of life appears in every detail and I feel increasingly full.

Even with challenges, sadness and problems. Well-being, when cultivated, remains. Well-being, being well. Even if I'm sad, I can be well. Even if I'm worried, I can be well. It's a state of security, acceptance, contentment, hope, faith, tranquillity. It's a complete, serene and mature "all is well".

And on this journey I learn every time that, although my inner north is never lost, it is vital to pay attention to taking care of myself, to my feelings, in the little things and in the big things. It is my well-being that allows me to live in harmony and flourish even in the midst of chaos. And in this state, to turn challenges into opportunities.

It is true internal well-being that sustains us, gives us joy and allows us to live to the full.

What do you do to stay connected to your well-being?