Consider a woman whose idea of optimal fitness is to complete in her first marathon before she has children. She competes successfully and has her child. What happens to her vision then? Perhaps she wants to run a second marathon, or perhaps her vision changes so her main aim is to return to her pre-baby weight, learn to relax, remain free of stress, so she can be what she sees as a great mother. Her new vision is of no less value.

Aging visions
Events often shift our perspective. As we age, we can still have a vision of the life we would like and how active we would like to be. Our motivation might be different to what it was when we were younger. Because evidence now exists that exercise improves brain function and reduces the chance of developing dementia, our vision could become a reduction in the chances of developing mental illness.

Do we lie down and give in?
What about the person who develops a serious illness that may be terminal, yet they have months or years to live. Should they have a wellness vision? Most certainly. Their vision might be to maintain quality of life as best they can with the aim of delaying the debilitating effects as long as possible. I have a friend who has Parkinson's disease yet continues to defy the odds by cycling as hard and as often as he can. His vision is to continue with the sport he loves as long as he is able.

Why is having a vision important?
Four words come to mind: resilience, adaptability, resignation and acceptance.

Resilience: This important strength is being taught across the workforce and the ability to 'bounce back' has never been more relevant than in today's challenging times. When we hit one of life's setbacks we need to refocus and find a way of getting back our optimism and drive. What better way than to revise our vision of where we would like to be?

Adaptability: If our dreams and aspirations are fixed in concrete and circumstances change to make them unachievable, we can become disillusioned. The strength of adapting and redefining what we now want to work towards is incredibly useful at this point.

Resignation: This word comes with a sigh. There are associations with disappointment and compromise that don't suggest a desirable state of mind. People become resigned when they realise that they have no power to change events or situations, and they stop trying. The condition is often referred to in psychological circles as 'learned helplessness' and can lead to depression or anxiety.

Acceptance: This is an alternative concept. When we learn to accept what we cant change, we can end the mental turmoil of worry and energy being directed towards an impossible outcome. That doesn't mean we can't redirect that energy towards something within our influence and control that we can change.

Keeping our wellness vision relevant is therefore essential to remaining motivated to achieve it and to understanding what we want. There is nothing wrong with having big dreams and some people's visions may take years to become reality. Understanding that people change and that the world around us is constantly in flux will help us remain adaptable to new situations. More important is to understand that we change, and our hopes, dreams and desires may also create a new direction for us. Do you know what your vision is today? Is it fresh and up to date? A vision is tied in with purpose and we all understand the need for purpose in life. Without good health and wellness many of the other things we strive for will simply not eventuate.
Why not revisit yours today?

Fiona Cosgrove has been involved in the health and fitness industries for over 20 years as a university lecturer, corporate presenter, club owner, wellness coach and trainer. You can email any questions you may have to fiona@wellnesscoachingaustralia.com.au or visit www.wellnesscoachingaustralia.com.au