CWHP-A Reflections: Unit WWC02

This is the area for which I have to give myself the most credit, which I don’t do. I’ve been told so many times that I’m a “breath of fresh air!” but I always think people are just being nice!

But it’s not the truth. I’m a change leader. I inspire people. AND I’ve been doing this work (as a wellness communicator, fitness instructor, business owner, etc.) for most of my career. So I have experience.

My position now as Wellness Lead at the CRA, however, has been a challenge like no other. It is such a big job, for so many stakeholders, so many moving parts, so much planning, and a heaping tablespoon of politics—well, sometimes it feels impossible. And yet, all it takes is someone to say how much they got out of a conversation with me, that I realize this work is also the most meaningful of my life.

I realize I’ve spent my whole life training for this Sisyphian feat! It’s been really hard work to push the ball up the hill, but if anyone is capable of achieving results, it is me! BUT I’m not as naïve as when I started. I cannot push the ball up the hill alone.

At this stage of our wellness initiative, I have a good sense of what I have and what I need. I have a wellness strategy. I have successes under my belt. I have great wellness champions in place (a wellness committee and a management champion). What I need more of is:

1. Accountability from all the stakeholders.

2. Cultural change so that it’s not about individual wellness activities, but wellness imbued into our DNA.

3. I need participation from leaders (and a better understanding from them of the human side of change).

4. AND, I need a budget. I really, really need a budget (maybe Santa can put it in my stocking this year!).