While everyone else is doing the "ins/outs" posts, I felt the "ins" of 2024 deserved their own post. Let's encourage positive but REALISTIC thinking. Toxic positivity is not welcome here.
Realistic thinking may be uncomfortable, but uncomfortable does not equal negativity. Take personal responsibility for your health by doing things that you know will contribute to your health and longevity but NOT to the point where you victim blame yourself (or others) for your/their illness. I see "personal responsibility" taken too far in the holistic space often and I am so frustrated and hurt for the people who have gotten into unfortunate health conditions that are truly beyond their control.
A person's specific lifestyle MAY be the main driver of an illness, but stop making false blanket statements. Which brings me to empathy. Have empathy for yourself and those around you. And while you do this, accept that there is subjectivity and nuance in all situations. Your story is not someone else's story, and you never have someone else's full story...which leads me to the next point.
Acknowledge that you don't know it all, and neither does someone else. You don't have all the answers, I don't have all the answers, doctors don't have all the answers, science doesn't have all the answers. Because of this, there is room to trust your gut but also trust evidence-based research when it is present. Herbal medicine has its place, but so does conventional medicine. Both can be life-changing. You don't have to pick one side or the other. Eat nutritious foods, but you can also allow yourself yummy treats within reason. Know your boundaries in all areas of life.
For me, I am setting boundaries within how I interact with the holistic and functional health community.
Lastly, and maybe the most important one here: take care of yourself through the combination of nutrition, stress management, movement, etc. Here is my current frustration with this space: It feels like everyone is constantly claiming the next big thing that will heal, cure, and treat you. Let's not forget what the word holistic means: holistic encompasses all parts, not just one.
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