COMMUNICATE! To get started thinking and talking about health behaviors, ask some of your close family members what they think wellness is. Are they aware of its many dimensions? Do they know, for example, that spending time with friends, having a spiritual practice, and keeping an active mind all contribute to wellness?
COMMUNICATE! As you begin your study of wellness, it's natural to think about the health behaviors of your friends and family members, especially if someone smokes, drinks irresponsibly, or engages in other behaviors that detract from wellness. If this is the case for you, are you in a position to talk to your friend or relative about the problematic behavior? Can you determine what "stage of change'' he or she is at in relation to the behavior (precontemplation, contemplation, and so on)? How do you feel about offering facts or information about the behavior or supporting the person in behavior change?
COMMUNICATE! How do others see your future? Ask a couple of close friends how they see you 5, 10, and 20 years from now. Which of their predictions do you like? For instance, do they see you as happy, healthy, and successful? Which predictions do you hope won't come true? What can you do now to control these outcomes?
