5 WELLNESS PARADOXES THAT AREN'T ACTUALLY PARADOXES

Some people see being vegan as either-or, but it's actually more of a "both" situation. A plant based diet doesn't have to mean you have to sacrifice your favorite foods. The same thing goes for wellness! While you may have skepticism about the lifestyle, there are more benefits than disadvantages. Starting out with wellness? Here are some wellness paradoxes that aren't actually paradoxes when you think about it:

1. Being vegan and enjoying tasty comfort food: The biggest misconception here is that you have to "give up" something just to align with your morals but your taste palette doesn't have to shrink in size. There are more plant-based alternatives than ever, so you can still ethically enjoy your favorite foods in a guilt-free way.

2. Being into high fashion and wearing ethically made clothes: Availability may seem like it is the biggest issue when it comes to finding your favorite style of clothes whether in the store or online. With the right research, you can find a lot of higher-end brands have sustainable practices. Thrifting and looking for pre-loved items are also bound to turn up vintage and rare finds.

3. Being older and having great physical and mental health: Aging and being healthy seem like they are at odds with each other, but they don't have to be. Taking care of your body and mind is something we all do at every age. As you get older and work on maintaining your self-care routines, you may feel better than ever.

4. Being emotionally sensitive and being assertive: Different environments will bring out different sides of you, but you can find a balance. Assertiveness doesn't have to undermine your compassion. And you can be open and sensitive while still maintaining an assertive composure. 

5. Being picky about quality and experiencing pleasure: The idea that being picky can lead to unhappiness is a misconception. When you are selective - you are actually narrowing it down to the best choices that benefit you. This may apply to finding a new career, your dietary choices, what kind of clothes you wear, and the people you surround yourself with.

It's easy to see things as binary; this system helps us organize things into neat categories. It helps to see things as you can have this "and" also have this. Your journey into wellness should expand your world - not close it in.