THE A29 JOURNAL

I remember the first time I decided to get outside for real. I was stuck in a rut, surrounded by the usual: endless Zoom calls, the hum of the city, and my own thoughts that seemed to be getting louder by the day. It wasn't that I didn’t want to be active, I’d tried the gym, the yoga classes, the trendy workout apps—but nothing felt like it was sticking. There was always something missing, some deeper connection that I just couldn't find in four walls or a screen.

A year ago, my tote bag was a mess, cluttered with random items, just like my life felt. One day, I decided to clean it out, replacing the junk with things that served me: a notebook, water bottle, and essential oils. That simple act of decluttering my bag became a symbol of clearing out mental and emotional clutter too. I started focusing on what truly mattered and letting go of the rest. Now, every time I grab my tote, it’s a reminder to carry only what I need, inside and out.

I didn’t fully understand wellness until I realized it starts at home. For years, I thought it was all about workouts, clean eating, and ticking off health goals. But no matter how much I did, something was always missing. Then, after a period of burnout, I saw that my home was mirroring how I felt chaotic, cluttered, and draining. So, I began by simplifying things: clearing out the clutter, setting boundaries, and creating routines that felt wholesome. Slowly, my space became a place of calm, and I noticed how much more centered and balanced I felt. Wellness isn’t just about what we do outside, it’s about the environment we create for ourselves, starting right where we live.

I used to think running faster would make me better, so I pushed myself hard every time. But instead of improving, I felt drained and frustrated. Then I tried "slow running" slowing my pace to build endurance. To my surprise, it worked. I ran longer without burning out, and my times gradually improved. I learned that sometimes slowing down leads to faster progress, not just in running, but in life.