The Start Of Your Wellness Journey

What's the secret to accomplishing a big scary goal? Two things: accountability and support. The bigger the transition, the bigger the battle. We've all been there, usually around January 1st. Your desire to live a healthier lifestyle surfaces, and before you know it, the perfect targeted ad hits your Instagram feed. It's tempting, but you remember the feeling of failure at your last attempt. 

Cristin Ertel is the owner of Your Well First, a wellness center in Kailua, Hawaii, where she offers coaching and massage therapy services. 

"When clients come to me, they are often burnt out, and I can relate! I've been there, from the "Special K cereal" diets to new exercise programs." Cristin states. "The shift from quick-fix solutions to thinking about your own wellbeing as a lifestyle means that you start to look inward to decide what is best for you."

In this interview, you'll learn what a health & wellness coach does and how she can support your wellness journey ahead. 

Michelle: What led you to become a health coach?

Cristin: The short answer is: the word "should." I was hearing it A LOT from my massage therapy clients while they were on the table. I wanted to help them find a way to care for their bodies authentically. As a massage therapist, I see so many different types of healthy bodies and methods to care for your body. "I should do yoga, eat healthier, and make more time for myself." When my clients start saying these things, I wanted a way to encourage them to do what felt good for them, not just what they see others doing. Health coaching allows me to expand the conversation outside of therapeutic bodywork and look at how all areas of life contribute to your healthy body and mind. 

The longer answer is that I'm also driven to help others feel comfortable following their own path. I'm grateful that I've been able to tap into my intuition from a young age and observe what is right for me. We have a short time on this earth, and I want it to be a happy one. Being healthy is about being true to yourself to feel your best emotionally, mentally, and physically. 

Michelle: Why is it important to view their wellness journey as a lifestyle?

Cristin: When clients come to me, they are often burnt out, and I can relate! I've been there, from the "Special K cereal" diets to new exercise programs. It worked for everyone else, so why not me? Ultimately it's not for everyone, and these cookie-cutter plans make us feel like we've failed when we can't make them stay in our lives. 

We've been trained to look outwards for solutions when we feel unwell and want the next new/best trend to fix a problem we didn't know we had. A lot of this comes from treating symptoms rather than exploring root causes. 

The shift from quick-fix solutions to thinking about your own wellbeing as a lifestyle means that you start to look inward to decide what is best for you. Start from a place of self-awareness and acceptance. Then begin to block out the outside noise of quick fixes and trends and instinctively know what's best for you. When you're in tune with your own wellbeing, you honor your growth, purpose, and self-acceptance. 

I feel so honored that I'm part of this journey with my clients because this lifestyle shift comes with its challenges. Having the opportunity to support others on their journey is such a beautiful experience. 

Michelle: How can others make the first step towards a healthier lifestyle?

Cristin: Identify what you like and, unapologetically, make space for it! Identifying what lights up, what makes you feel alive, and what creates fulfillment can often be the most challenging part. Ask yourself, "What makes me feel like the best version of myself?" One healthy habit often leads to more. The trick is to make sure that you are doing it for yourself and not for others. 

Michelle: Share about your approach as a health and wellness coach.

Cristin: My training is based on three major principles: empowerment, biology, and a holistic approach. 

Empowerment: I look to my clients as the expert on their health and happiness. I do not have the solutions for them; instead, I consider myself a partner. I walk them through the ups and the downs. I work to help empower their growth mindset, create accountability, and (the best part!) celebrate their victories. 

Biology: I see my clients as bio-individuals, meaning what works for one person may not work for another. Our genetics, environments, and stories impact our health and wellness so much that we must honor our uniqueness when considering changes. I also use this approach to remind clients to follow their own timelines. Change looks different for everyone because we have different strengths and values. Remembering your bio-individuality is a powerful tool. 

Holistic approach: considering the whole person is another way health coaching creates sustainable changes. We know you can eat all the kale in the world, but if you're miserable at your job or at home, you will not feel healthy and happy. We start to look at the things that make you feel fulfilled as the primary foods in your life: career, relationships, joy, growth, spirituality, home environment, etc. What you put on your plate is secondary food. When you are full of positive experiences and habits, more positive and healthy choices follow. 

The goal is for clients to create self-determination in the areas they are seeking growth. I act as a guide to keep a structure and accountability in the process, but the content and goals are entirely client-lead. I challenge my clients to really get to know their "why" to make decisions and sustainable changes and actually work for them. 

Michelle: Where do you plan on taking your business in the next 5 years?

Cristin: This question is so exciting to think about! I'm looking forward to helping more people reconnect to their bodies and feel at peace in their minds. I love the balance of practicing massage therapy and coaching for my own wellbeing- getting to use different parts of my brain and body is so good for me! 

Health coaching is still relatively new, but it's beginning to be noticed as a valuable piece in the health-care puzzle, and I'm excited to be a part of it. The American Medical Association has recognized health coaches for creating more excellent patient success rates than working with just a physician. I hope to partner with doctors to offer to coach their patients. I'm also going to offer group coaching to provide these resources to more people. 

If you're looking to surround yourself with like-minded women like Cristin, then consider joining our Oak + Pine Society. Our community is designed to nurture genuine relationships through member meetups, online resources, and community support. Click here to see if our membership doors are open.