When you think of wellbeing, what image comes to mind? Do you picture somebody practising meditation surrounded by trees, or a plate of perfectly curated salad leaves being eaten by the most Pinterest worthy model? For me, the image of wellbeing has changed a lot over the years, and most noticeably over the past 6 months leading me here, to starting Avaia (but…more on that later). As it stands today the image I have is an evolving one, something involving nature for sure; water of some sort, a clear sky above, and just a sense of calm, balance. My point being that for each and everyone of us that image will present differently depending on our present lifestyles, beliefs, upbringings, and what personality type we are. That’s why I wanted to create this space, for me to share my experiences with you, learning myself as I do, hoping to help you see that there is no one clear cut way to achieve wellbeing. Avaia literally translates to “one of a kind”, which for all intents and purposes is what every post I share will be, because as no two people are the same, no two experiences can be either.

This is where I believe we (and I say that as a broad term “we”) have strayed from the path in terms of wellbeing, everyone looking to find the solution towards achieving “wellness”, using cookie cutter methods and routines but at the expense of running themselves into the ground mentally, physically and….lets be honest financially too. Its not something we just happen upon either, its not some destination you reach and think, “YES! I made it here, I am now well”, as cliché as it sounds its more of a journey, a bit like that image you have in your mind, always evolving, because every day you will need something different, every year you enter will require you to adapt your lifestyle to fit your needs, your commitments, your priorities at that given time. So why do we look at our wellbeing with such closed minds? Prehaps because we are all hoping there is that magic pill that transforms you into the beacon of health. But in reality it can not be a one method to fix all approach, it has to be one that considers all aspects of a healthy life, physically, mentally and emotionally, and one that is sustainable for the future you.

As humans; connection is everything, not being limited to our connection with others, its the connection you have with yourself, your mind, your body, your being. Our health is everything, as without it we literally have nothing. So, instead of always relying on numbers, data and machines to tell us how we are, we need to be asking ourselves if we live a life we enjoy? Are we able to go and do all the things we want to do? To experience the world in the way we hope to? Are we able to show up for ourselves and our loved ones? And quite frankly, are we able to sit down with ourselves and have an honest look at how we are feeling and what we need in that moment? These are the kinds of questions that determine whether we are truly healthy or not. It just takes consistency, practice and consideration like with anything that time ages.

My mission here is simple, I want to explore and experience everything I can to learn about achieving greater wellbeing, so that I not only understand what works for me and to give me the tools in my belt I need to lead my happiest and healthiest life, but so that I can help you understand what may be worth you investing in to achieve the same.

So welcome to Avaia, it’s nice to have you here.