08/18/2019

A couple months back, I was interviewed for a podcast-
The topics of the conversation revolved around middle school aged girls,
-
I was asked the question “what is one healthy goal that a middle school girl can add to her life?”
-
And my answer might seem odd because it has nothing to do with diet & exercise...
-
“My goal for the middle school girl would be to find a community, join a club- try something new.
Have her try new things (to see what interests her; art, sports, drama, yarn spinning (Okay, didn’t say that last one, but the possibilities of clubs can be endless)
-
I also added, “I know it seems odd that I wouldn’t say something about diet and exercise, but my belief is that when people feel NEEDED, when people feel like their presence MAKES a positive impact (ie. “where’s sally today? she was supposed to bring the baking soda for the volcanoes?”) And when people have a place where they FEEL accepted for who they are (a sense of belonging)
their self esteem improves”
-
In the last year here in Spokane,
I feel that I have a handful of people that I can call upon in times of need-
I feel that I have made friends that I can ask for help when I may need an extra hand.
Going from ‘feeling alone’ when you move to a new place #militaryspouse to THIS feeling-
Makes me feel SAFE. -
And THIS is what I hope to spread about overall health to people-
-
Feeling needed, feeling accepted and feeling like you belong-
Improves overall mental health- which leads to overall healthy behaviors.