We get it on where we live/Better have a pass when you cross that bridge/Welcome to Brooklyn
– Lil’ Kim, “Lighters Up”
Back in my day, Brooklyn was known as the “thoroughest borough.” From Crown Heights to Bed Stuy, Brooklyn was known worldwide for being the home of great rappers, great artists, and great culture.
Well young whippersnappers, my borough’s gone through some changes lately. While BK is still full of culture, it’s also become home to vegan cafes, yoga studios, swanky high rise buildings, multiple Whole Foods locations, and even a few kombucha breweries.
The borough’s uuniqe charm brought fitness bloggers, professionals, and enthusiasts to Greenpoint’s Brooklyn Expo Center for the WELL Summit.
All images by @misso.photo
Over two days, experts like former model and Every Mother Counts activist Christy Turlington Burns, Women’s Health magazine Editor in Chief Liz Plosser, and Olympic gold-medalist Nastia Liukin shared tips for incorporating health and wellness into our every day lives.
With aisles of organic, gluten free, Paleo approved snacks, interactive experiences, and clean beauty products, the Expo floor introduced us to new brands focused on healthier living.
I sampled nitrogen infused cold brew coffee, fell in love with a fashionable wellness tracker (be on the lookout for a review soon!), got informed about my fertility options, tasted CBD fueled gummy vitamins, and learned more about sustainable menstrual cups.
I didn’t get to sit in the funky chairs you saw on Instagram or do the cool cryogenic facial, but I did connect with other women in wellness and learned a ton from the Summit sessions I sat in on. I left feeling more empowered, rejuvenated, and connected to the wellness community.
I’m so thankful to Gianne Doherty and the WELL Summit Tribe for having me as an ambassador this year–and I can’t wait to incorporate these healthy habits for 360° wellness into my own life:
1. Know your absolute musts.
During The Art of the Healthy Hustle, a panel of entrepreneurs including Y7 founder Sarah Larson Levey, Parsley Health founder Robin Berzin, MD, DayWon founder Candice Huffine, and Peloton instructor and Love Squad founder Ally Love discussed how to manage a career in health ad wellness without burning out. Dr. Berzin explained that while her days may be hectic, she focuses on her baseline–the things that don’t get sacrificed, no matter how busy she is. Instead of focusing on all the little things on your to do list, determine what you absolutely can’t live without–whether it’s spending one on one time with your kids or having ten minutes to reflect every day.
2. If you’re going to quit, do it on a good day.
Five time Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin shared that she’s had plenty of days where she wanted to throw in the towel. Her mother advised her that she could quit gymnastics forever–but only after she’d had one good day. “When you’re starting something new or transitioning career paths, there will be moments when you want to throw your hands in the air. That’s okay. But don’t make a decision about quitting unless it’s a good day. Don’t let a bad day determine your path.”
3. Find your purpose to become a force.
In her chat with Essence beauty editor Julee Wilson, maternity maven (and girl crush) Latham Thomas reminded us that we each have a kind of medicine that only we can bring. For months I’ve worried about where I’m taking Mymommyvents. While I’m a passionate advocate for maternal mental health, I’m not a doula, psychologist, or doctor. I didn’t know if anyone would take me seriously without an alphabet of credentials behind my name. Latham helped me to understand that even without the letters, I’m still a powerful voice.
Branding strategist Blair Badenhop echoed those statements. During her session, she explained that when we find our purpose, we find our power. “When we align with our purpose, trust our instincts and embrace all of who we are, we become unstoppable.”
A weekend of inspiring wellness powerhouses was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday! I got a chance to learn more about health and wellness from experts, right in my own backyard. I’m looking forward to next year’s WELL Summit–will you be there?
- Why Every Birth Needs A Doula - February 10, 2021
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- 10 Moms to Follow Into the New Year - December 30, 2020
