Don’t Just Practice Wellness - Inspire It in Others
I’m continuing what I’ve been calling my self-care sabbatical — intentionally pulling back, resting more deeply, and tending to myself in ways I’d long been putting off.
Last week, I spent time in LA with my beautiful goddaughter, who just turned three. It was such a joy to watch her grow into herself — navigating the world with curiosity and sweetness. But what really struck me was how she inspired me.
She’d look up at me with that soft little voice and encourage me to play more, to laugh louder, to slow down and really notice the little things — like how the sunlight fell on the flowers or how good her ice cream tasted.
Spending intentional time with her reminded me of something we often forget:
We don’t just practice wellness for ourselves — we model it.
And sometimes, we’re reminded of this by the smallest teachers.
Wellness is Contagious
We tend to think of wellness as something private — something you do quietly in the background to keep yourself afloat. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But I’ve been learning that wellness is also something others feel.
Your peace, your joy, your boundaries — they ripple outward. People notice when you pause instead of rushing, when you choose to nourish yourself instead of depleting yourself, when you choose rest without apology.
My goddaughter reminded me of this truth. She showed me how even a child can gently call someone else back into alignment simply by living joyfully and unapologetically.
3 Ways to Inspire Wellness in Others
If you’re wondering how to let your practice ripple outward without feeling performative or forced, here are three small ways to start:
1. Live Your Practices Out Loud
So many of us hide our self-care as if it’s something shameful or selfish. Start letting others see you care for yourself. Take your stretch break at your desk instead of waiting until you’re home. Sip your tea on the porch. Take that lunchtime walk.
It’s not about showing off — it’s about normalizing care.
2. Share the Why
When people ask you about your habits, go deeper than the surface. Instead of saying, “It’s good for me,” say something like, “It helps me feel more patient,” or “It reminds me I’m worthy of care.”
Your “why” helps others see that these aren’t just trends — they’re tools for living well.
3. Offer an Invitation
Like my goddaughter inviting me to play, you can invite someone to join you — for yoga, a walk, a journaling session, or even just a quiet moment together. Sometimes people just need to feel welcomed into a practice to believe it’s possible for them too.
Reflection: Who Inspires You?
Take a moment and think about who inspired you to begin your own wellness journey. Was it a parent, a teacher, a friend? Or maybe someone you observed from afar?
What was it about them that resonated with you?
How can you embody that same inspiration for someone else this week?
A Gentle Challenge
This week, pick one practice you usually keep to yourself and let it be seen — not for praise or validation, but to quietly inspire.
Sweet Ways to Let Your Wellness Shine
Brew a pot of herbal tea at work or at home, and let the aroma invite others to ask about it.
Journal in a public space — you might spark curiosity in someone nearby.
Place affirmations on sticky notes where others can see them — in the kitchen, the office, or your car.
Take your gratitude walk with a friend or family member and share what you notice along the way.
Spending time with my goddaughter reminded me that our presence — how we move through the world — is its own kind of medicine. It doesn’t have to be loud or perfect or planned. Just living your wellness, visibly and unapologetically, gives others permission to care for themselves too.
So this week, let someone see you enjoying your life. Let them see your boundaries, your joy, your softness, your playfulness.
You never know who might quietly feel encouraged by your example.
Until next time — stay sweet, stay visible, stay inspiring.
