Welcome to Health Coaches Aus & NZ Association (HCANZA) inaugural Book Review. What could be more timely as we begin the process of unifying our Health & Wellness Coaching Industry with a Vision of Co-Creating Universal Health & Wellness than to remind ourselves of the imperative to take our own good advice?
This book is a funny, compassionate, insightful (irreverent) gallop along a journey that reminds us, as Health & Wellness Coaches we often forget to explore or recognise the pathways and signposts of our own needs for Self-Care. Once the secret has been whispered, it cannot be unheard ….. “And we also know that in the act of living, leading, caring, coaching and loving, you have put yourself last”
We often recognise this very same syndrome in our clients, so it is not unfamiliar territory to us. The author Dr Suzie Carmack pragmatically reflects on life’s lessons that lead to growth and require us to balance our personal ‘call to service’ with a commitment to restoring our own basic human needs for Self-Care, Support and Services (resources).
In several places, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud (‘it’s funny, but it’s not) that we work in the field of promoting a healthy lifestyle, wellness and well-being and yet can be simultaneously exhausted by it. The mirror!
The first chapters take you on a rapid life-raft ride through familiar territory – the dilemma, the science of stress and well-being. In particular, Chapter 4 looks at the Kosha Framework in some detail, which I found a fascinating conceptual framework in addition to the Wheel of Life. By Chapter 5, you are invited to continue the journey of self-discovery that takes you through to the end of the book. You will explore the very same pitfalls and insights that we guide our clients through. It culminates in a personal Well-Being Plan grounded in integrity, authenticity and… yes … Goals!
At the very end, you are encouraged to commit with a Well-Being Ultimatum Contract formally. It’s a commitment by you to your continuing extraordinary future.
Finally, may I ask …
On a scale of 1 – 10, where do you feel you are on a commitment to your well-being? With 1 representing “Self-care, I’m sorry I don’t have time for that”, and 10 being balanced and harmonised?
“Well-Being Ultimatum” by Dr Suzie Carmack is available now on Amazon.
