Finding Your Own Wellness

“Wellness” is a buzzy word and depending on who you talk to, there are also many different ideas for what it means to be “well”. Wellness is not supposed to be a one-size fits all thing. And because it’s different from person to person, there are A LOT of opinions on what wellness really is. Some people thrive on a vegan diet, while others feel weak & hungry without animal products. Some of us a love spin class, while some of us feel best on our yoga mats. You get the idea.

So, where am I going with this? I think it’s important that in the pursuit of wellness, everyone needs to remember that wellness is different for everyone, looks different on everyone, and that you need to find your own wellness. I was inspired to write about this after seeing all the sh*t talk that was happening surrounding the Netflix series The Goop Lab when it was first released. If you’re familiar with Goop, you’ll know that they’re no strangers to criticism. If you’re not familiar with Goop, I’ll sum it up for you with 4 simple words: Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand.

Goop is often criticized for their “out there” health and wellness content, high-end gift guides, and (often expensive) line of products that range from face serums to clothing to jewelry to supplements. When it comes to the content, they often interview experts in the particular field they are discussing and use disclaimers to remind their readers that they should always consult with a doctor before seeking out any of the treatments, diets, supplements, or approaches they’re sharing on their platform. But for many critics, that’s not good enough. And when The Goop Lab was announced, a whole new level of haters came out of the woodwork, not only attacking Goop, but the people who “subscribe” to the alternative lifestyle, healing and self-care trends they explore and promote.

In an article titled “Netflix is Now Complicit in Gwyneth Paltrow’s pseudo-science” (my eyes could not have rolled back any farther into my head when I read that) the writer states that Netflix should be ashamed for partnering with Goop, and that Gwyneth Paltrow is “dangerous” (you seriously can’t make this sh*t up). The article goes on to use words and phrases such as moronic, pretentious, out of touch, money grubbing nonsense and irresponsible to describe the show, calling Paltrow and Goop snake oil salesmen, and even use the phrase “Goop is poop” (very professional).

Now, to be clear, I am a big fan of Goop and Gwyneth Paltrow, so in my mind, they can do no wrong. However, this article got me thinking a bit about how many people view the wellness industry and unfortunately, these types of opinions when it comes to things that aren’t “mainstream” aren’t unusual. It's so funny how quick we are to dismiss alternative healing methods as "dangerous" and "moronic" just because they're different from what western society has forced upon us.

Most people don't question fast/processed food, GMOs, chemicals (in our food and beauty products), prescription medication, vaccines, or technology, but the second an alternative healing method, supplement or health food hits the market, everyone suddenly becomes a scientist. They want scientific evidence that the new herbal supplement everyone is talking about actually helps to boost your immunity or reduce anxiety. They want the numbers… case studies, lab results… which, to be fair, isn’t an outrageous thing to ask for - proof that it works, that it’s safe… but my point here is that they don’t care to hear about the proof or the safety of anything else, they just assume, again, because it’s what western society has been pushing and promoting for decades.

But, one of the main things that these critics fail to mention… is that health and wellness, in its many forms, looks different for everyone. There is no one size fits all and just because one thing works really well for one person, doesn’t mean that it’s going to work really well for everyone else. This is the case with diet and nutrition, exercise and fitness, skincare, mental wellbeing, alternative therapies and treatments, and yep, you guessed it, western medicine, as well.

Think about it… some people thrive on a vegan diet, while others (like myself) don’t. Some people lose weight and are able to build muscle without animal protein, while some gain weight or find themselves feeling exhausted all the time. For a more “mainstream” example… let’s talk about birth control. Many women experience no side physical effects, clearer skin, and zero changes in their mood, while many others gain weight, experience breakouts or have severe mood swings. Why? Because every person’s body and body chemistry is different and 100% unique. There are so many factors at play that it’s impossible to know if something is going to work for you until you try it.

Another example here is marijuana - for decades we've been told how bad marijuana is, how it's a dangerous, addictive drug that opens the "gateway" to other drugs & ruins lives... but in 2020, that's all changed, hasn't it? People everywhere are embracing the health benefits, and in many states, it’s now completely legal.

As someone who has experienced the benefits of "out there" healing modalities (yoga, soundbaths, reiki), a healthy diet (supplements included), & mindful living (meditation, essential oils) in a very real way, I believe it's just as dangerous for people to shoot these things down so harshly, and honestly, it's quite hypocritical, too. I honestly don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t found yoga and meditation, and hate to think what my life might look like if I had resorted to prescription medication to manage my anxiety without giving some of these “alternatives” a try. (Of course, sometimes prescription medication is 100% necessary, but in my case, I’ve been able to manage my anxiety very well without it.)

The point I’m trying to make here is this: instead of criticizing, do your research. ON EVERYTHING. Just because someone (a doctor, a celebrity, your grandma) tells you something is good or bad for you, doesn't mean it's true. Make informed decisions for yourself about your health and try different things so you can find out what works for you (remember, everyone is different). If you know your friend loves yoga and it helps her with her anxiety, but you can’t focus in a yoga class and it leaves you feeling a little frazzled… that’s okay! You don’t have to go to yoga. Maybe you try boxing or running as a way to channel your anxiety into something positive. This goes for anything! I’ve had so many friends recommend different skin care products for x, y and z… and most of them have shown zero results for me… and that goes both ways. And again, it’s okay!

At the end of the day, if you don't want to steam your vagina, don't. If you don’t believe in the power of meditation, don’t meditate. If you try a supplement promising you clear skin and it doesn’t deliver… you don’t have to continue buying it just because Kim Kardashian said it works. You can keep eating fast food, taking prescription pills and using sunscreen full of known carcinogens if you’re good with that and it all helps you maintain a level of health that you’re comfortable with... I'm not here to judge you for that. I'll just be over here minding my own business, face mask on, diffusing some essential oils & watching The Goop Lab… and all of us crunchy woo-woo wellness morons would appreciate it if you could do the same ;)

xo,
Kelsey