Over the years—through my work in public health, leadership, and life itself, I’ve come to understand that wellness isn’t just about avoiding illness. I believe in a whole-person approach to wellness that empowers individuals to live vibrant, balanced lives. It’s about living fully, with intention and care for every part of who we are. I’ve seen this truth play out in hospital rooms, board meetings, community gatherings, and quiet moments of reflection.

Here are the four pillars I return to again and again. They’ve shaped how I care for myself and how I show up for others.

1.Physical Health: Honoring the Body

I still remember meeting an elderly woman in Ikaria, Greece on a business/vacation trip with other women business leaders —a woman who was a centenarian (100+ years old) who had never missed a day of walking in her small yard farm and around her neighborhood. She didn’t count steps or track calories. She just moved because it made her feel alive. Her vitality was contagious. 

That reminded me of something: physical health isn’t about rigid routines—it’s about consistency, joy, and listening to your body. I also saw my grandma do the same thing as a young girl. 

• Eat to nourish: I’ve learned to treat food as fuel and celebration. My mother’s vegetable soup was both. 
• Move with intention: For me, movement is dancing in the kitchen, walking between meetings, stretching before bed. 
• Sleep deeply: I used to sacrifice sleep for productivity—until I realized rest is productivity. 
• Stay proactive: I never skip my annual checkups. Prevention is power. 

2.Mental & Emotional Wellbeing: Tending to the Inner Landscape 

In recent years, I experienced burn out. I was juggling too much, saying yes too often, and ignoring the quiet signals of stress. It wasn’t until I had therapy sessions  – sharing my concerns and worries – that I began to heal. 

Mental health is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. 

• Manage stress with grace: I now start my mornings with 10 minutes of silence. It’s my anchor. 
• Feel your feelings: I’ve cried in boardrooms and laughed in hospital corridors. Emotions are part of leadership. I was once told by my supervisor who was unkind, to “keep it cerebral” – eluding to my eyes welling up with tears on her unkind words. My response was simple –

  “Don’t mistake my tears for weakness, I will be just fine. This moment only calls for acknowledging the unkindness I am experiencing in the moment – that’s all.”

• Seek support: I’ve leaned on coaches, mentors, and friends. Asking for help is strength. 
• Practice presence: Journaling is also sacred space. It’s where I meet myself. Where I clarify what the issue is and what I can do to do better and/or make things better. 

3.Spiritual Connection: Listening to the Soul 

Growing up in West Africa at a period in time with no cell phones, mobile devices – just community, nature, and prayer. I felt more connected then. 

Spiritual wellness is about meaning. It’s about remembering who you are when the noise fades. I was a Christian who grew up with Muslims – so connect spiritually with what you believe in. 

• Faith and reflection: My faith grounds me. It’s where I turn when I need clarity. 

• Nature and creativity: I find God in sunsets, in music, in the laughter of children. 

• Live your values: I’ve made hard decisions guided by purpose, not popularity. 

4.Relationships & Community: Thriving Together 

I’ve seen people heal faster when they’re surrounded by love. I’ve seen ideas flourish when teams feel safe. Connection is medicine. Going through breakups and building relationships is part of the process to find your emotional safety.   

• Build your circle: My closest friends are my lifeline. We celebrate each other’s wins and hold space for the losses. As an entrepreneur, find your business tribe – remember you are not everybody’s cup of tea, and neither is everyone your cup of tea. You do business well or work well with people you trust.  

• Honor boundaries: I’ve learned to say no without guilt. Protecting my peace helps me serve better. 

• Engage with purpose: I’ve joined causes that light me up – from youth mentorship to global health.  

• Communicate with heart: I try to speak with honesty and listen with empathy—even when it’s hard. 

Final Thoughts: Wellness as a Way of Being 

Whole-person wellness isn’t a checklist – it’s a rhythm. It’s the way we choose to live, love, and lead. It’s how we show up for ourselves and others. 

If you’re reading this, I hope you feel encouraged to care for every part of who you are. You are worthy of rest, joy, connection, and purpose. 

And if you ever need a reminder, I’m here – walking this journey with you!

Sources: National Institutes of Health (NIH) | American Psychological Association (APA) | Mayo Clinic | Mental Health America