3 minute read
Message from our Founder: Health & Wellness
~World Health Organization's definition of health
More veterans and military spouses have been taking their health and wellness knowledge, as well as skills acquired during their service, and are transforming them into various entrepreneurial endeavors. Everything from healthy meal prep or snacks on-the-go companies, to online workout regimens and personal trainers, to sports drinks and workout accessories. The list is vast and focuses on some of those who have made the leap into health and wellness as small business owners. We celebrate and share their stories here.
Admittedly, I spent my youth with nary a concern for diet and exercise. As a kid, I launched out of bed in the morning and moved around our neighborhood at 100 miles an hour until dinnertime. Now in my mid-50s, I’ve had to accept some hard realities. When I fall off my horse, this old body doesn’t bounce back like it once did. When I spend the weekend snacking on pizza, chips and ice cream, this old body makes sure heartburn and indigestion are on the next day’s menu! When I spend the day sitting at my computer with little physical activity, this old body refuses me a good night’s sleep. The list goes on and on…
No doubt a healthy lifestyle is paramount to mission readiness and overall mental health. Trust me, I’ve been married to a Navy SEAL whose overall disposition and quality of sleep is seriously impacted when the Holy Grail of Daily Workouts is missed! For myself, I’m glad there are others with the skills and passion to help me make some lifestyle adjustments of my own.
Instead of suffering some radical change in eating and learning Pilates, this old body and I have come to an understanding…of sorts. I still get my pizza, but now it’s accompanied by a fresh kale salad or juice shot from a military owned business. My ‘gym membership’ includes all the horse and alpaca manure I can pick up and spread around my garden- and that's okay! It’s all about moderation and adapting to what I enjoy, with my horses and working outside, into my own personal healthy lifestyle (with the occasional bowl of pistachio ice cream🤫).
We hope you feel inspired to live a healthy lifestyle or better yet, start your own small business! Remember, The Rosie Network is by and for military entrepreneurs, so if there’s something you’d like to see in an upcoming M.E. Mag or Rosie Connects webinar, please let us know! Reach out and share your thoughts at contact@therosienetwork.org.
Thank you for your service.
Stephanie Brown Proud Military Spouse CEO & Founder, The Rosie Network
