I recently watched a TEDx Talk that appeared in my Youtube “suggested videos” queue, and I thought that I would share it with you. Chloe Hakim-Moore wears many hats. She is the director of NEXT Memphis (a non-profit initiative that provides high-quality education and healthcare services for children), a wellness strategist, an entrepreneur, and a social activist (just to name a few). Hakim-Moore recently gave a compelling (and relatable) TEDx Talk that points out the cruciality of wellness in a world that constantly tells us to “chase purpose.” By sharing her own experiences with anxiety, she posits that in keeping herself “busy,” she was neglecting her mental health. After various experiences, Hakim-Moore defines wellness as “being able to manage the internal and external in a way that creates a harmony to yourself so that you know you are still grounded in who you are, you are at peace with all of what is in you and around you, and figuring out [your] next best steps.”

I was able to gather three crucial takeaways from this talk: Firstly, that it is important to take some time to figure out what “health” looks like for you physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially (make those things your priority). Secondly, it is essential to create a wellness routine–and stick to it. And thirdly, you should work really hard on being…you. It is important to note that these takeaways will look different for everyone, and this is why it is important to look inward. If you want to save the world…[or] to live in an environment that is thriving…you start with you. “When you fill yourself with peace,” Hakim-Moore says, “it has no choice but to spill out into all of the spaces around you.”

What are you next best steps?