At Visual Therapy, we’re all about Mind, Body, and Soul. As we work with clients to line up their optimal wardrobes and help them to be the best version of themselves, we’re huge believers that it’s not the dress, but what’s in the dress that matters. And even though clothes can help you feel like a movie star, there’s something that needs to be taken care of first on a deeper level. Welcome to “Wellness Wednesday”: our weekly feature to bring you tips for a healthy, whole and fulfilled life.
March 11, 2015 update: Read the latest commentary on the situation with Belle Gibson’s potentially fake cancer on breakfastcriminals.com
In 2010, Belle Gibson, creator of the award-winning app The Whole Pantry, was diagnosed with terminal, malignant brain cancer. Since then, she’s been on a mission to empower herself and others (190K Instagram followers) to live the Whole Life – 100% dedication to the wellness in our home, health, fitness, environment and giving back. From the ground up, she brought together a beautiful mission to nourish the world, her personal courage, and a talented team to bring her vision into reality with The Whole Pantry app, which is now pre-installed and featured on all in-store iPads around the world. Belle Gibson is on a mission to spread wellness and truth, with integrity, passion and perseverance. Our own Ksenia Avdulova, founder of Breakfast Criminals, had the pleasure to meet with this incredible lady while she was in the USA to be honored at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. [quote type=”center”] We aren’t worth anything less than being 100% committed to our wellness. [/quote]
Here are a few things we talked about with Belle – get inspired!
On Changing The App Market
As Apple said to me, “Not only did you create an great app, you also created a market for healthy living apps”. Apple has recognized our team as pioneers in the way wellness apps are done, as we totally flipped that model and made it successful. We’re in it for the long haul, and the plans are to only make it bigger and better for our community. 
Have Courage To Follow Your Passion
Never allow money to be an obstacle. Do what you need to do, be authentic and follow your truth – the resources will unfold. When you reach out to people you want to work with, never start the conversation with money, begin by stating your vision and belief, and explaining why you want to work with them.
Be Authentic
When you’re doing something because you feel passionate about it, people will feel it.
Tune Into Your Intuition
When you know things are right, they’re right, and that’s how I do everything. I only take on opportunities that I feel really good about.
Own Your Magic
You’re the driving force for what’s happening in your life. What other people around you, no matter how inspiring, are doing is not why your environment is supporting what you’re doing. It’s because YOU are supporting what you’re doing. Own That. 
Have Discipline & Remember To Rest
Not always being able to work, I found that I need to give myself permission to stop and it works really well for me. I just do what I need to do without pushing myself too far. I also have Wednesdays off work entirely to spend time with my son, Oli, and to have time to breathe in the middle of the week. I don’t look at my phone all day, and do only one post on social media. At night, I check all my social media, text messages, emails and the Apple backend, and then let myself have 2-3 hours of winding down routine without technology – have a shower, have a tea, read a book, do meditation. Having some kind of structure really helps.
Switch Off Daily
Do at least one hour a day technology free is really good for your emotional and mental health and well-being. It’s really good to give yourself a chance to be introspective.
On Meditation
I’ve been meditating since I was 12, first practicing for just 5 minutes each night. Remember to find or create quiet in your life. Take some deep breaths. Know calm so you can know happiness, success, creativity, clarity.
Make Happiness A Priority
Happiness is more of a priority than health. Because your body can always shut down, and it can always find a way to work its magic if you’re happy.
Do What Feels Good
I have a 3 year old and I have cancer. I only have time to do what feels really good. Having a child, or amazing friends, or a partner, or a boyfriend is also phenomenal. Don’t waste your time on anything that doesn’t feel good and nurturing. 
On Having Kids
There’s never the right time, when you think: ok, life goes on hold, job goes on hold, priorities change, I’m ready to have a child. It’s such a fluid process that if it happens, it happens. You just have to know that you’re in a happy and supported enough place to make it happen and everything else will come from there. Your mind and body will tell you – it’s really beautiful. The same goes with business: if YOU are ready for it to thrive, and are open to it, it will happen naturally.
On Son, Oli
Oli is the more wise, more intelligent, more flexible, more creative tiny version of me. He’s phenomenal. He reminds me to fight for what I want, what’s right, what feels good, and what people told me I couldn’t do but ultimately knew that I could – if I made the decision to. Above everything, he teaches me focus, love and passion.
Be Playful
Always, always remember to be playful and have fun. Whether it’s being playful while doing yoga, or letting my son Oli tickle me until I break down and laugh, even when I’m feeling frustrated. 
On Giving Back
It’s amazing to be able to established social enterprises and charities instead of big quarterly donations. Your app download has the ability to facilitate and create change, support and inspiration in your life, but also makes TWP financially able to help change the lives of those without the privileges or access each of us have. That’s a REAL Whole Life eco system from start to finish.
Cast Your Vote With Where You Shop
Shop at smaller local stores. Products are there for a reason, and not to fill space, like big conglomerates and corporations do. 
On Foods Prepared With Love
I have a friend named Nat who has a juice cleanse company, Green St. Juice. Her juices are just so alive, and so powerful, and for the longest time I couldn’t figure out what it is. So I went and visited the place where she’s making them, and it’s so full of love, that is THE essential ingredient in everything she does. There are affirmations on pieces of paper on the produce, for example “these lemons are really cleansing”, “my beets are really beautiful” and “we’re grateful for our celery”. It’s something I’ve never done, but it really works!
Express Chocolate Mousse from The Whole Pantry
On The Trend-Setting Australian Wellness Scene
Whether it’s veganism, raw foods or cleansing – we’re living a lifestyle rather than following trends. These things are part of the Australian wellness scene, but are more of a long-term lifestyle choice, not a fad. Connect with Belle:
- WEBSITE www.thewholepantryapp.com
- ITUNES: The Whole Pantry App
- INSTAGRAM @healing_belle
- TWITTER @TheWholePantry
- FACEBOOK facebook.com/thewholepantryapp
