In the past few months I have focused on identity and how our identity is shaped by our self-esteem, self-worth, and self-respect. I reflected on the concept of impostor syndrome connecting it to self-doubt. As I continue my journey as a Black woman and a Black business owner, I have had time to reflect on my own identity- who I am in totality- mind, body, and spirit. What are my values and do they shine through my work. Lately, I have been given a number of opportunities to test my value system, my self-worth and self-respect. I must say, some of those situations forced me to practice what I preach with clients, asking myself “what is your priority in this current situation?” Is it an objective that you need someone to meet? Is it a relationship you wish to preserve? or is it about your own self-respect?
As I continue to grow, connect with my identity, and embrace ownership of Walters Wellness Group and what that all means, I am constantly reminded of the importance of branding. Branding, as I see it, is connected to one’s personal identity and one’s identity as a business owner. For me, these identifiers cannot be separate! Who I am, including my values, should shine through in my business offerings.
In July through August I took some time to reflect, seek support, and had a moment of clarity. While engaging in conversations about Walters Wellness Group (WWG) with a few of the women in attendance at our Walters Wellness Group (WWG) annual Black Women’s Wellness Retreat (BWWR) in Jamaica, I was asked the simple question “Why?”. That is, why use the spelling Wholistic vs Holistic? My response was, “Because I want to.” This was the second or third time I had been asked this question and each time I reflected and knew in my gut why, yet at times questioned if that was the right thing to do.
As I now reflect on that conversation, I realize that I had to once again permit myself to do what is right for me- what feels right for me as an individual and as a business owner. I reminded myself that I was being intentional in my word choice. A word that will reflect me, who I am, what I offer, and what I will continue to offer. An approach that encompasses the WHOLE- mind, body, spirit, and life. And so, yes, I am intentionally using “Wholistic” over “holistic” as I believe - No, as I know, that WHOLISTIC is more in alignment with how I want my clients/patients to feel. Full of compassion, full of self-worth, and feeling connected to mind, body, and spirit in every aspect of their lives.
So, while most companies embrace the traditional spelling of “holistic” to encompass mind, body, spirit, I have given myself permission to veer out and embrace the use of the word “Wholistic” as a way to signal Walters Wellness Group as we work with, and are welcoming of the whole person- mind, body, and spirit, while connecting to others, the elements, and even the universe (the divine). WHOLISTIC -The ability to connect with not just self, but others, and elements of the universe.
And so, I am no longer questioning if I want to go with the mainstream. Rather, I choose to brand myself and my business with what feels authentic to who I am and what I am trying to offer: Walters Wellness Group + Holistic = Wholistic. The movement to embrace and embody the elements of compassion as we connect with our emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial healthy selves and healthy others.
Compassionately yours,
Dr. C
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