A Social Wellness Wisdom Movement
Well would you look at that, we're one toe into 2024! For me, this year's been introducing big life transitions. I can remember a time when the mere thought of major life changes would emotionally paralyze me, the fear of not feeling safe and secure would render me powerless. The concern of not being in control of the outcome was terrifying. I'd worry, complain and quickly fall into self-sabotage mode. Truth is, overthinking in the face of new experiences was really a form of avoidance. I'd wallow in fear, which would prevent me from busting a move and if I did take a small step, I wouldn't follow up or follow through with any real progress. I'd present as if everything was ok, not ask for help and privately feel a deep sense of disappointment. Eventually, I'd convince myself that no one cared to help me and that my situations were hopeless.
With some serious self-discovery work, I realized that all of these draining antics ultimately boiled down to not believing in myself. I lacked confidence in my ability to achieve a positive outcome, focusing on what or who could go wrong until experiencing intense bouts of anxiety. It was nearly impossible to fathom the idea that I could trust myself enough to push through...maybe even create an amazingly positive experience.
It's taken a lot of mental and emotional reprogramming to shift my internal default reactions from negative thinking to positive exploration. I attribute this to extensive self-healing work, which included trauma awareness, accountability and owning up to overthrow negative habits. Once removing toxic people, places and habits from my life, I had to explore new activities to occupy my mind, heart and body in positive ways.
The self-discovery journey is different for everyone, there's no one-size-fits all approach. The start to my journey included a lot of body work which served as entry points for mental, emotional and spiritual healing. Planting fruits, vegetables and herbs allowed me to tap into the healing power of working with the earth, I discovered this to be extremely energizing. Time in nature to hike, feel the breeze or nap in the sun created space for deep breathing, movement and stillness. Deep tissue massages helped to move stagnant energy and release tension, almost instantly. Attending healing centers for sound therapy, meditation and water work (may it be floating, cold plunging, dry or steam saunas) gave me positive activities to look forward to. These modalities became spiritual practices that continue to feed my soul and sustain my overall vitality.
Another big part of building my confidence is rooted in the sacred ritual of sitting at the feet of elders, who pour rich perspective and wise counsel into me. These elders are nurturing women, usually referred to as "Big Mama" or "Auntie", powerful elders who care for my well being. I've got wonderful "Big Uncles" too. They provide perspectives that keep me safe, affirmed and vigilant. These precious elders move from a space that the world often refers to as life coaches. They've come into my life through community groups, rites of passage programs and spiritual collectives.
For countless generations, I've had honorable elders guide, advise and love me intentionally. For this, I'm beyond eternally grateful, these gentle giants, who are interested in me, my evolution and my well being. Their profound observations, analysis and humor has provided some of the most impactful moments of my life. The mental, emotional and spiritual data they've downloaded into me is invaluable. Their passion and presence has been monumental for my human growth and development.
As I mature, I've begun to realize that I'm now an"Auntie" to many who value the way I pour into them just the same. This auntie energy isn't solely contingent on biological connections or age differences, it's based on earned respect, wisdom and most of all is a safe person who inflicts no harm. One of my recent big life transitions has been my shift from one-on-one personal and professional development coaching into more public speaking, teaching and training facilitations abroad. I've accepted the level up of this mission, as it's an integral part of the social wellness work I'm assigned to do.
With this life change, I've decided to create a video response series, "Ask Auntie", a social wellness wisdom movement, to give counsel and care to those who may not have access to elder magic or life coach empowerment that resonates. I may not be with everyone physically upon demand but I have no problem with using the positive power of technology to assist with a simple virtual click. Should you seek down-to-earth wisdom to advance your personal or professional development, Ask Auntie!
Send your questions through the "contact me" form on the www.missmarianna.today website and look out for a @missmarianna365 video responses on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.
This is my offering, to provide a direct line for those who seek the quick auntie-love pep talks needed as you navigate important life changes... cause Mari cares... if don't nobody else care.
Love,
Auntie Mari
