Wellness Wednesday Newsletter

This Week's Theme: Sometimes the Lesson Is for You

Hi Reader,

I hope you're having a wonderful week!

Over the past few months, I've been spending a lot of time learning about stress, burnout, and the small habits that help us care for ourselves during busy seasons. I thought I was doing all of that research so I could better support my clients and stay in the latest research. As it turns out, life had another lesson in mind.

Inside this week's newsletter:

• A Note from Me – Why the lessons we learn often become the ones we need most.
• Wellness Tip – My favorite accountability tool for staying consistent.
• From the Coaching Room – A coaching insight about why knowing what to do isn't the hard part.
• From My Kitchen – A simple, nourishing dinner idea for busy weeknights.
• What's Happening in HFG – Wellness Q&A is Coming!
• Reflection of the Week – A reflection to help you think about what this season might be teaching you.

My hope is that you walk away with one reminder: wellness isn't about having life all figured out. It's about returning to the habits and support that help us navigate each new season.

A Note from Me

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you're learning something for someone else, only to realize you were the one who needed the lesson? That's exactly how I've been feeling lately.

Over the past few months, I've been reading books, listening to podcasts, and diving into the research on stress, burnout, and nervous system regulation. I wanted to better understand what my clients were experiencing and become a better coach.

Then life had other plans.

Over the last few weeks, I've found myself navigating a medical emergency, advocating for myself in ways that felt uncomfortable, preparing for a move, balancing work, family, coaching, and trying to keep all of the plates spinning. Somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn't just researching stress. I was living it.

If I'm honest, self-advocacy has never been easy for me. Asking more questions, slowing down, or admitting I need help doesn't come naturally. I'd much rather tell myself, "I'll figure it out."

But this season has reminded me that the things we teach are often the things we need to practice ourselves.

Ironically, this isn't the first time life has taught me that lesson.

Years ago, I knew my health needed to change. I remember avoiding the scale because I was afraid it would confirm what I already knew. I met with doctors, nutritionists, and therapists, and every one of them helped me. But eventually I realized that the biggest challenge wasn't knowing what to do. It was learning how to do it on an ordinary Tuesday after work, when I was tired, stressed, and life kept happening.

Over time, those ordinary Tuesdays added up. Before becoming pregnant with Eriana, I had lost over 100 pounds. Today, I'm still working toward my own goals because wellness isn't a destination we arrive at once. It's something we continue choosing in every season of life.

That journey changed far more than my weight.

It changed the way I think about health.

Health isn't built by one big decision. It's built in the ordinary moments, through small choices, support, and accountability that help us keep showing up.

I think that's why I coach the way I do.

Not because I have it all figured out, but because every new season reminds me that I'm still practicing these same foundations alongside my clients.

Wellness Tip

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that motivation comes and goes.

Accountability is what helps us keep going.

One of my favorite accountability tools is incredibly simple. I have a large year-at-a-glance calendar hanging on the door we use every day. Every time I complete the habit I'm focusing on, I put a check mark on that day.

Seeing those check marks reminds me that progress isn't about being perfect. It's about continuing to show up. Of course there are days I miss, but instead of focusing on the blank spaces, I focus on getting back to it the next day.

Your accountability system might look completely different.

Maybe it's a habit tracker.

Maybe it's a workout partner.

Maybe it's scheduling your walks on your calendar.

Maybe it's checking in with a coach.

The best accountability system isn't the most complicated one.

It's the one you'll actually use.

I'd love to hear from you.

Hit reply and tell me:

What helps keep you accountable when you're working toward a goal?

From the Coaching Room One of the most common things I hear from clients is: "I know what I should be doing."

Most of the time, they're right.

The challenge usually isn't knowledge. It's figuring out how to apply that knowledge when work gets busy, stress is high, family responsibilities pile up, or life throws an unexpected curveball.

That's why coaching isn't about creating the perfect plan.

It's about creating a plan that works in your real life.

Because real life is where lasting change happens.

From My Kitchen Busy weeks call for meals that are simple, nourishing, and don't leave you with a sink full of dishes.

This week's recipe is one of my favorites because it's packed with protein, colorful vegetables, and comes together on one sheet pan. It's a great reminder that healthy meals don't have to be complicated.

P.S. I love making this recipe my own! I usually add extra spices and seasonings, then serve it with whatever sounds good that day. Try it with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, a simple side salad, sliced avocado or guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, Greek yogurt or sour cream, or warm corn tortillas. Mix and match your favorite combinations, and if you give it a try, hit reply and let me know how you made it your own!

Reflection of the Week

Ask yourself:

What lesson might this season of life be trying to teach me?

And just as importantly:

What is one small habit or support system that could help me navigate it with a little more intention?

Thank you for spending part of your Wednesday with me.

No matter what season you're in, remember that wellness isn't built through perfection. It's built through the small, sustainable choices we make over time, especially when life feels full.

Until next Wednesday,

Mariana

Founder, Humble Foods Guidance