Do You Have Like-Minded Wellness Friends?

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like-minded wellness friends

I’ve been asked many times what one “thing” has helped to boost my wellness the most? Is it the clean food? The stress-less lifestyle? The prioritizing of sleep? Well, yes, yes and yes!

But as I reflect back on the last few years and take note of when I made the biggest leaps forward in my wellness journey, the answer is somewhat surprising. It wasn’t so much what I did, but rather who I surrounded myself with. Like-minded friends, strangers and acquaintances whose attitudes and outlook supported my wellness goals. People who not only seemed to “get me” – but brought out the best in me. 

At the time, I didn’t realize how pivotal these moments were, but in hindsight, I see they were invaluable. Like the old adage says, hindsight is 20:20!

The importance of like-minded support

After I left my corporate job last year I signed up for an online blog course called Bright-Eyed and Blog-Hearted. In all honestly, it was a bit of a whim. I had no idea what I was doing with my life, but a few friends and family members mentioned that I should start a blog. A home for all the healthy recipes I was whipping up (and emailing out probably far too often!).

So I figured ok, what the heck.

Little did I know I wasn’t just signing up for a blog course. I was signing up for THE BEST community of positive, supportive, authentic, genuine, kind-hearted women. A community that oozed sincerity, hand-holding and nurturing guidance. A community that, quite honestly, seemed too good to be true!

In fact, it was sooo positive that I remember scratching my head thinking, “is this for real?”

Yep, it was for real. All of it.

The content of the course was top-notch and lit the fire to get Downshiftology off the ground, but it was the community’s infectious positivity that left a lasting impression. Because, up until that point, I hadn’t realized how much I needed that in my life. How much I was going without. And how much I secretly craved it. The community’s supportive, positive energy permeated into my being. 

And I remember thinking that whatever I do from this point forward, I only want to surround myself with lift-you-up-and-make-you-better people. Life’s too short for anything less!

Another pivotal moment came when I befriended fellow health-focused, real food bloggers. People who ate real food the way I did – and loved farmer’s markets just as much me! People who didn’t think it was weird to eat burgers wrapped in lettuce. Or weird to pack my own food on a plane. Or weird to make homemade, gut-healing sauerkraut.

Nope, they didn’t think any of this was weird, because they were my people! Bloggers, coaches and practitioners who prioritized health and happiness. Friends who spoke my language…and who helped raise my wellness to the next level. 

Which got me to thinking

To be surrounded and supported by like-minded friends is an amazing feeling. It gets to our core desires as human beings – to be understood and accepted. We all want the hugs, “atta girls” and high-fives (whether in-person or virtual). It gives us the warm and fuzzies. 

But surrounding yourself with like-minded friends does so much more. It makes your wellness goals achievable, your smiles a little brighter and life a whole lot more fun! 

Who doesn’t want that?!

So today, I ask you – are you surrounded by like-minded wellness friends? Do you have a support network? Do you have friends that want nothing more than for you to be the absolute best version of yourself? You know, that bright and sparkly version of yourself? 

If not, search them out. They do exist. And believe me when I say…they’re well worth the effort!


Need a wellness bestie? I’d love to be yours! Here’s how you can work with me.

And if you’re interested in sharing your bloggy voice with the world, I HIGHLY recommend Bright-Eyed and Blog-Hearted. It’s life changing. Promise.

About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

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7 Comments

  1. Love the idea of like minded wellness friends! I’m doing some research on what supportive friends look like and your article speaks to what I have been thinking about. Like minded, shared experiences can really build those connections. As you say they can be found in places where you have shared interests like the blogging course you did. Thanks for sharing.

  2. I learn so much from my friends, I feel I would be lost without them. I love that they love the same things I do. However, as I get older I find that I am meeting more and of them in online communities. It’s so awesome, xx

    1. Absolutely! Online communities are great for connecting like-minded people. I also love how you can make friends all around the world! And then dream about taking a fun trip to meet them in-person one day! :) x