Welcome to this week’s edition of Wellness Goals Weekly, your space for support, inspiration, and practical steps to help you thrive.

Have you ever scrolled through social media and seen those perfect images of the 'ideal' life? Maybe it’s a spotless living room, a bright green smoothie, sunrise yoga, or a dreamy retreat. It’s tempting to think wellness should look like that, but when we try to follow along, it often doesn’t feel quite right.

Maybe you’ve forced yourself to choke down kale smoothies you don’t enjoy or signed up for a trendy new workout you secretly dread. That nudge of disappointment you feel (like ticking all the right boxes, yet still feeling out of sync) is more common than you might think.

The real secret is that true wellness isn’t about checking off someone else’s goals. It’s about taking time to notice what genuinely makes you feel good and true to yourself.

Resonance vs. Dissonance: How Do You Really Feel?

Let’s talk about two feelings that can guide you: resonance and dissonance. They act like your inner compass, helping you figure out what’s right for you.

Resonance feels like a deep 'yes'—a sense of ease, energy, or relief when something fits who you are. It’s like humming along to your favorite song; it just flows.

Dissonance is more subtle but sticks around. It’s like wearing shoes that almost fit but still hurt your feet, or always doing what you think you should instead of what you want. Over time, it can leave you feeling drained, even if everything looks fine on the outside.

So how can you tell when you’re out of sync? Let’s look at signs of dissonance in your own life.

Fancy a quick bit of gentle self-discovery? Set aside five minutes for a mini “whose wellness is it anyway?” audit. Grab a notebook or jot down ideas on your phone. Ask yourself:

• Food: Is there something you eat (or avoid) because you think you should, rather than because it feels good?

• Movement: Are you slogging through a fitness class out of duty, or does it genuinely lift your mood?

• Rest & downtime: Do you unwind in ways that leave you restored, or just distracted?

• Home & lifestyle: Have you curated your space or routine based on trends, even if it doesn’t align with how you truly live?

Notice moments when you feel out of sync or choices that leave you feeling tired, rather than energised. That can be dissonance.

Try the Resonance Check-In

If you’ve noticed some areas of dissonance, here’s a simple way to help you get back on track:

1. Take a moment to pause before agreeing to plans, making a purchase, or starting a new routine. Take a breath and give yourself a little space to notice how you feel.

2. Ask yourself: Does this choice make me feel light and open, or does it feel heavy and like something I have to do?

3. Listen to your first instinct, before your mind starts listing all the reasons you think you should do something.

Try this approach with one small decision this week—maybe what you have for lunch, a get-together, or how you end your day. You may be surprised at the relief or calm that comes from prioritising your true needs.

Where True Wellness Begins

At its heart, real wellness is something personal and quiet that deserves your trust. You don’t need anyone else’s approval, just your own. The bravest and kindest thing you can do, this week and going forward, is let yourself want what you truly want.

Cheering you on to find your very own version of wellness,

I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences. Send me a direct message on Instagram to share your own definition of true wellness or a story from your journey. Let’s start a conversation about what true wellness means to you.