4. TRUE GRIT

TRUE GRIT [Soul]

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As we continue to build a sturdy, well-balanced structure, with the body being the foundation, the walls of this structure is the soul, accounting for 10%. When we’re talking about soul, we’re talking about the being (our beingness), our immaterial part, often regarded as immortal. Our soul perceives the psychological world through our mind, emotions, and will. These three parts stabilize the structure, ensuring resilience in the face of life's challenges. A sound mind and emotional well-being enable us to adapt, heal, and grow. 

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Our soul is our personality, who we are. With our soul we think, reason, consider, remember, and wonder. We experience emotions like happiness, love, sorrow, anger, relief, and compassion. And we’re able to resolve, choose, and make decisions.

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Being healthy involves nurturing and maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. It's about adopting positive habits and attitudes that promote emotional resilience, cognitive function, and overall psychological health. Here are some essential elements that contribute to a mental and emotional health:

• Self-awareness: Understanding your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors is crucial for a healthy mind. Self-awareness helps you recognize your strengths and weaknesses, identify triggers for stress or negative emotions, and make conscious choices in response to different situations.
• Emotional Regulation: Being able to manage and express emotions in a healthy manner is vital for mental well-being. This involves recognizing and acknowledging your feelings, finding healthy ways to cope with stress or difficult emotions, and not letting emotions overpower your decision-making.
• Positive Thinking: Cultivating a positive mindset can have a significant impact on your mental health. Practice optimism, gratitude, and focus on the silver linings even during challenging times. Challenge negative thoughts and reframe them in a more positive and constructive light.
• Physical Health: Physical and mental health are interconnected. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep play essential roles in maintaining a healthy mind. Physical activity, in particular, has been shown to have positive effects on mood and cognitive function.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase self-awareness. These practices encourage living in the present moment, which can alleviate worries about the past or future.
• Social Connections: Building and maintaining meaningful relationships is vital for mental health. Social connections provide support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and offer opportunities for emotional expression and bonding.
• Continuous Learning: Engaging in activities that challenge your mind and promote learning can enhance cognitive function and keep your mind active and stimulated. Pursue hobbies, read books, take courses, or learn new skills to keep your mind sharp.
• Setting Boundaries: Knowing when to say "no" and setting healthy boundaries is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining balance in life. Overcommitment and constant people-pleasing can lead to stress and negatively impact mental health.
• Seeking Support: Don't hesitate to seek help or talk to a mental health professional if you're struggling with mental health issues. Seeking support and guidance from qualified professionals can be beneficial in managing and overcoming challenges.
• Reducing Stress: Find healthy ways to manage and reduce stress in your life. This could include activities such as exercise, spending time in nature, engaging in hobbies, or practicing relaxation techniques.

Being healthy is an ongoing process, and it's normal to face challenges from time to time. Developing healthy habits and seeking support when needed will contribute to a resilient and healthy mind. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe mental health issues, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or a helpline for assistance.

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When we talk about mental/emotional health, we typically refer to our cognitive, behavioral, and emotional wellbeing. When it comes to your mental/emotional health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

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Some benefits of good mental/emotional health, include:

• A more positive attitude and outlook toward self and others and the future
• Increased openness to new, different, and challenging experiences
• A heightened sense of clarity, purpose, and groundedness
• A boosted capacity for managing complex environments and situations and shaping them in positive ways
• More engagement, curiosity, and interest in life and others
• Better able to ragulete ones emotions
• Become more resilient
• A sense of belonging 
• Vulnerability, intimacy and empathy in relationships
• Increased awareness
• Strong sense of self

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Self-Care

What exactly is self-care? Put simply, it’s taking time to take care of  you. Self-care activities include exercising and eating healthy, to mental activities such as reading a book or practicing mindfulness, to spiritual or social activities such as praying or catching lunch with a friend. 

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Self-care is essential for maintaining your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Here are some examples of self-care activities you can incorporate into your routine:

Physical Self-Care:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost your mood and improve your overall health.
• Healthy Eating: Nourishing your body with nutritious foods can have a significant impact on your well-being.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough restorative sleep to recharge your body and mind.
• Hydration: Drink enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Regular Check-ups: Schedule and attend regular health check-ups and screenings.

Emotional Self-Care:

• Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings to gain clarity and release emotions.
• Meditation and Mindfulness: Practice techniques to stay present and reduce stress.
• Therapy or Counseling: Seek professional help when needed to address emotional issues.
• Creative Expression: Engage in creative activities like art, music, or writing to express yourself.
• Positive Affirmations: Use positive self-talk to boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Social Self-Care:

• Quality Time with Loved Ones: Spend time with family and friends who uplift and support you.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary to protect your time and energy.
• Join Support Groups: Connect with people who share similar experiences or interests.
• Volunteer: Helping others can be a fulfilling way to care for yourself and your community.

Intellectual Self-Care:

• Read for Pleasure: Explore books, articles, or subjects that interest you.
• Learn Something New: Take up a new hobby or skill to stimulate your mind.
• Problem-Solving: Engage in activities or puzzles that challenge your intellect.
• Set Goals: Establish clear objectives and work towards achieving them.

Spiritual Self-Care:

• Meditation and Prayer: Connect with your spiritual beliefs and practices.
• Nature and Solitude: Spend time in nature or alone for reflection and inner peace.
• Yoga or Tai Chi: Engage in mindful movement practices to align mind, body, and spirit.
• Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and express gratitude.

Pampering Self-Care:

• Spa Day: Treat yourself to a spa day, whether at home or a professional spa.
• Bubble Bath: Relax with a soothing bath and your favorite scents.
• Self-Massage: Use self-massage techniques to release tension in your muscles.
• Grooming: Take time to groom and care for your body, hair, and skin.

Digital Detox:

• Unplug: Take a break from screens and social media to reduce digital stress.
• Disconnect: Set aside designated times to be tech-free, even if just for an hour or two.

Remember that self-care is highly personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to listen to your own needs and tailor your self-care routine accordingly. Prioritize self-care regularly to maintain a healthy and balanced life.

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Next, upon completion of your assessment, you will continue on your journey to the warrior spirit section of the triangular compass.

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WELLNESS SELF ASSESSMENT [New Reality]

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Your beliefs dictate your actions which in turn create your reality. The power of your beliefs is an integral component that holds the key to your potential. First, based on how you answered the initial assessment, do you think that your current belief or how you define this area - True Grit (Mental & Emotional Strenght) - has created a positive result in your life? If no, how would you rewrite that belief? Create a new one in the most ideal way possible? In a way that would help you create a healthier reality in this area. Second, based on this new belief, what would be the more ideal way you’d like to experience this area of your life?

Third, what action steps do you need to take to get the results that will create this ideal reality?Examples: Breathe, Dance, Sing, Laugh, Cry, Self-Love, Hobbies, Be Creative, Support Group, Meditation, Journaling, Coaching, Therapy/Counseling, Self-Reflection, etc. (Refer to the examples of self-care activities mentioned earlier)

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