The arrival of a new year is a time when many folks make resolutions and set new goals, often related to “health.” But that word – health – can be used in so many different ways. Does it only apply to the physical? When you think of health, is there an automatic association with weight?
What is health?
Health is a multi-faceted concept. Imagine a wheel that includes various pieces. Each of those pieces represents a facet of one’s overall health – physical, mental, relational, vocational, emotional, spiritual, etc. Remove one of the pieces and that wheel is going to be off-balance, it’s not going to function very well when it tries to roll.
Each person’s vision of well-being and access to fulfill that vision varies as well. Our goals in each area of health differ, which means our focus also differs from others’. Some folks have access to farm-fresh produce or individual spiritual mentors or strong bonds of emotional support or pain-free, mobile bodies, while others do not.
Health is not one-size-fits-all.
Health at Every Size
I incorporate a Health at Every Size (HAES) framework into my life and work as a counselor. This includes the following concepts:
- acknowledging bodies are diverse and none are inherently good or bad
- striving to provide respectful care to everyone I work with as a counselor, and respectful interaction to folks outside of therapeutic settings
- supporting choices regarding personal practices that improve one’s well-being
- supporting public policies that help equalize access to information and services
- focusing on flexible nourishment that meets one’s needs for nutrition and pleasure rather than on weight-related goals
- supporting physical movement that allows folks of various sizes, abilities, and interests to enjoy their bodies and enhance their lives
You can learn more about these concepts here.
What does this have to do with me?
You may be thinking about resolutions or goals as we’re approaching a new year. Perhaps you have been focusing on goals related to weight loss. And, you’ve certainly seen/heard ads for “the next great weight loss option / lifestyle change.”
I encourage you to think about what health means to you. If no one had ever told you that your body size or shape needed to be changed, would you have certain goals related to your body/weight? When you think about all the facets of health, is there an area where you’re feeling off-balance and want to focus more energy?
Perhaps this will be the year you make a resolution based on your goals, rather than what society says your focus should be. Or you might decide the best thing you can do for your health is avoid the pressure of a resolution altogether.
Michelle F. Moseley is a licensed clinical mental health counselor providing telehealth services in the state of North Carolina. She specializes in providing support for folks who struggle with feeling they are “too much”, yet worry they are not enough. She works from a trauma-informed perspective, and believes that ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and to feel heard. Learn more about Michelle by visiting www.MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle
