Locomotion:

Noun; Movement or the ability to move from one place to another

This book is the product of extreme pressure. Victim to the haul and tow of life, pulling me apart and squeezing the air from my lungs so tight, I began to crave it. No longer was I a victim. In the night, a scared boy became a man. In the night, he became the same with the weather. He became the same with the blight; and in the morning, the warm dawn kissed his cheek, blessed his furrowed brow, and amiably embraced his calloused hands. The dawn whispered as he closed his eyes “This fight is far from over. The once boy, now man, must become something more.”

This book entails a fundamental overview of wellness. I intend to define the foundation of a healthy and well person, within themselves, through these lines; and actionable suggestions toward a standard as such. We often find ourselves wanting for more or better, yet failing to define what that really is to us; therefore attempting to remedy a problem or shortcoming before identifying it. Shooting in the dark, investing in hope, only leaves us scared, tired and blind; but in embracing the dark we become the light. I intend for this book to be a point of reference for personal growth.I look forward to revisiting these notes to regain my perspective and hope you would do the same. Mindset: The only way to benefit, long-term from a life-style change; is to be mindful of how you value yourself as an individual. Make every decision, involving yourself, based on making “You” the priority. This involves the following pillars:

Self respect

Audacity and Exclusivity

Mindfulness

Awareness

Meditation

Self discipline

Consistency

Maintaining a standard

Reciprocity

Self

Others

It can be easy to lose respect for self. The reasons can be broad. The toxic process can sneak up on you; still you are the only one who can truly validate yourself. As overwhelming as it may be to actually have this drawn to our attention, stumbling upon the fact that we may lack self-respect is the first step to being well.“Give the demon a name and it will show its face.”Building stronger boundaries Following the realization of the respect we lack for “self”, comes the declaration of stronger boundaries. Boundaries consist of a standard of respect one has towards self, that affects what one will, and will not do, or accept around them, and the audacity to enforce said boundaries. This can range from what we’re willing to eat; to the people we choose to entertain. Write down the things you are and are not willing to compromise your growth, wellness, or state of mind for. Make the list very clear to yourself. Take a mental note of how, and to whom you bend these rules throughout the day. Consistently set and communicate these boundaries. Toxic people in our lives will naturally distance themselves because they are no longer able to control and use us. These boundaries are rooted in the value we regard in ourselves. As these boundaries form and solidify, we become more of ourselves, and naturally begin to value ourselves more. Positivity and growth will gravitate towards us, mainly because we, over-time, built a fortress around us. The exclusivity of the fortress inherently amplifies our value. As our inherent value appreciates, due to the fortress also allowing ourselves head-space and room to grow; we are sought out, by sought after people, who hold similar boundaries, because the connection could potentially appreciate their own value.

From a nutritional perspective, respect yourself enough to eat mindfully with regard to what makes you feel good. (Emotionally balanced, full of life, satisfied palette.) Maintain boundaries around your standards, taking foods that do not make you feel good (sick, sluggish, angst, displeasing to your palette) in strict moderation or out of your life, all together, depending on how strong your boundaries are.

Personally, I regard people and habits the same.

Mindfulness is the art of being aware. From your surroundings to your inner workings, it is important that we take in as much of the “now” as we can. Mindfulness promotes balance, and allows the headspace to make thoughtful decisions.Practicing meditation often facilitates the headspace for mindfulness. meditation does not have to be a “Full lotus positioned focus on the silence within.” but, a disciplined regiment, practiced consistently, to the point of organising and quieting our minds. This can take many forms from baking to boxing. Self DisciplineHumans are habit forming creatures; and self discipline is the art of using that disposition to our advantage. As a general rule: consistency promotes longevity. Regardless of how passionate we are about something it will never last until we make it a habit. In the beginning of a relationship, both partners are excited and optimistic about each other; but as time goes by, and the honeymoon fades, the relationships that last, hold on to being consistent with each other, if nothing else.

In this case, consistency is basically maintaining a healthy relationship with self. The first step to building consistency with anything is to maintain a standard.Personally, I may not want to work out every day; but, the self discipline to have a set bare minimum that is at least comfortably challenging ensures that I am consistent with my goals/standards. Being mindful of the energy input vs. output ratio is also important. If I’m not working out for days at a time; in alignment with my goals/standard, I will consume less energy. Maintaining a standard may also include prioritising your goals and minding who and what you let into the space between your goals and the quiet your mind needs.

Reciprocity is simply receiving what you put out. It is essential to expect this in every relationship you have, regardless of how vague; most importantly, our relationship with self.Relationship with Self:A healthy relationship with self is a never-ending journey, we all must face, if we choose to grow as individuals. Maintaining strong boundaries and mindfulness can keep us from detouring from the path we choose. We must be patient with ourselves and understand that we are far from perfect; yet, regard our weaknesses and faults with self discipline.External RelationshipsBuilding strong boundaries is an essential key to having healthy relationships. Know what you stand for. Know who you are, Know what you are here to do. People on that same journey will gravitate accordingly. As short, simple, and sweet as these pillars may be; putting the words to action may require one to step into uncharted territories such as: Being honest and transparent with self and one’s circle, removing unhealthy boundaries (comfort zones), and managing different forms of isolation. Regardless of my readers' depth of adversity to overcome, I would look forward to you finding solace in these incisive words. I speak from experience. I hope we learn from them.