How to find your purpose in 2016

Finding your purpose: Don't believe the hype

As the new year gets into full swing, finding your purpose seems to be the most popular goal, leaving those still hunting unfulfilled and empty.

 I have a new theory; finding your purpose doesn’t mean what you think.

The odds of finding your 'purpose' are slim

At school we’re exposed to at least eight different subjects, and in high school, most of us expand this to include exciting electives like media, cooking or wood shop. After this twelve year ride, we head off into the workforce, a trade school or University to begin the journey to find our purpose. We’re forced to narrow our exposure of day-to-day topics and information from around fifteen at school, to just one. If that one thing doesn’t lead us to our purpose, we’re supposed to be constantly searching for something that will.

The odds of this journey leading us to a vocation that makes us want to jump out of bed in the morning and scream “Yay!” are slim to none. Some people do find a passion or purpose, and that’s great for them!

But for most people, burning passion isn’t part of their daily life. They just live it. And that’s OK.

I’ve found a sort of purpose; a business I founded and created that makes me happy, fulfilled, super positive and gives me a sense of helping others. But! I wasn’t unhappy before I founded my business, and I don’t have an overwhelming sense of fulfilment I was lacking. I just really enjoy it. Just as I really enjoyed other things I did before.

Is purpose confused with positivity?

What if finding your purpose is about changing your mindset, not living one specific passion?

In his Masterclass sessions, James Patterson talks about how he used to accompany his grandfather on his delivery route. They’d get up at four a.m, and his grandfather would always be singing to work as they drove. One day he turned to James and said “Jim, when you grow up, whether you become the president or you drive a truck like I do, just remember you gotta be singing on your way to work.”

This is a great example of the power of positivity over purpose. It’s doubtful James’ grandfather thought being a delivery man was his life’s purpose, but he enjoyed it anyway. He just liked his job. I’ll bet there were freezing days when he’d have to get up at three am. to brave the icy roads on his route, but his positive attitude made most days genuinely good.

Health and wellness expert Dr Libby Weaver says “for many people, I don’t think there is some elusive purpose out there. It’s here within them. There doesn’t have to be a big realisation or major moment of discovery of your life’s purpose.” And I agree.

Finding enjoyment and contentment in the life you’re living might actually be the real purpose all of us should be searching for.

So! If you catch the train to work and smile at the ticket man, then work at a job you kind of like and get home to nestle into bed and watch Netflix with a smile on your face, maybe you’re living your purpose right now. It’s time to call off the search.

What do you think?

New Years Eve in Queenstown

What to do on New Years Eve

It's nearly NYE 2016! If you're planning on celebrating in Queenstown, New Zealand, here are my top picks for where to go and what to do.

Living well over the holidays can be tricky, so my best advice is just....relax and enjoy yourself! So many of us are stuck in cycles of anxiety and busyness, so escape the stress by letting go and indulging in some fun over New Years.

1. Free Stuff for Families

Queenstown puts on a good show for families and kids on New Years Eve. Live entertainment, bands, fireworks and tasty food trucks on the waterfront make this the perfect, low-key way for you to ring in the new year. Plus! If you're keen on having an early champagne toast, you can drink anywhere in the CBD until 10pm.

Handy Hint: After the countdown, if you have kids you may want to head back to your accommodation. It can get pretty rowdy in Queenstown (like any city) as the night draws on.

2. New Zealand dining

Plenty of award-winning restaurants in Queenstown are open on New Years Eve and have menus to match. Sample local wines with your meal at Eichardt's private hotel on the waterfront for a hint of luxury.

3. Rhythm & Alps FESTIVAL 2015/16

Get your festival fix with this Kiwi music event set deep in Cardrona Valley, between Wanaka and Queenstown. This year, check out Kiwi favourites Katchafire, Shihad and famous Aussie band Sticky Fingers among other great acts like Chali 2na as you camp in the Southern Alps.

4. Glenorchy Races

Horse races are such a fun day out, so head to one of the world's most breathtakingly scenic towns on January 2nd for the Glenorchy Races. Surrounded by stunning mountains and rolling farmland, this is a fun day out with family and friends.

5. new year, new you

Looking forward to 2016, I hope you all have a happy, healthy year, and achieve everything you want. If you need extra motivation to live better, why not try a new year wellness retreat full of inspiring nutrition workshops, yoga, goal setting and luxury relaxation? Book your spot here.

Whatever you decide, take the pressure off yourself this year and do what YOU want to do for New Years Eve. Wherever you are, especially if you're in a stunningly scenic town like Queenstown, NYE is the perfect opportunity to remember all the things you're grateful for.

Happy New Year everyone!

-Caitlin xo

Science Meets Holistic Health

Our retreat on January 16th blends evidence-based science with calming holistic medicine to help inform the health and wellbeing choices of people just like you.

See the day's inspiring schedule below, and book online now! http://www.aprivewellness.com/queenstownwellnessretreatjan…/

Health & Fitness: Wellness Industry Shakeup of 2015

Phew! 2015 was a big year for health and wellness. Let's look back at the year and check out the best innovations from this rapidly growing and hugely profitable industry. 

Are gym workouts a thing of the past?

This year, workouts like Barre and Soulcycle continued storming the market.

They've developed loyal fan bases thanks to their ability to make health and wellness fun, motivational and inclusive.

The classic gym workout is almost a thing of the past, which is why hotels are offering more flexible, strategic wellness ideas too.

Innovative hotel wellness strategies

Westin hotels now offer local running maps, superfood menus and even thoughtful business amenities to help you move, eat and work well while you’re away. At the Intercontinental, Bruce Ryde told Welltodo London “We want our guests to leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and stress-free. Many of our hotels now offer full service fitness centres that are open 24 hours a day so guests can easily fit a workout into their schedules.” 

W hotels now have a unique partnership with Strala Yoga founder and yogi extraordinaire Tara Stiles to enhance their wellness offerings. “We’ve created an energetic program designed to celebrate the body and provide 24/7 access to an interactive workout that can easily be incorporated into the busiest of jet-setting lifestyles,” says Paul James, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels.

Personalised wellness products

What’s different in the world of wellness now though, is personalisation. Brands are recognising everyone’s different, and everyone has unique goals. Corinna Yap COMO Shambhala Manager at Metropolitan by COMO, Old Park Lane, explains to Welltodo “We understand everyone has a different relationship with wellness, so we think about the little details.”

Hotels aren’t the only ones jumping on board the profitable wellness trend, that sees wellness tourists spending around 130% more than regular tourists. The Global Wellness Summit has tipped airports to join in by offering innovative strategies too.

Thankfully, after encouragement from those of us who blend wellness with our medical backgrounds, many wellness strategies are being backed by science. The Global Wellness Summit even has an evidence-based medicine portal for wellness therapies where anyone can read the latest evidence on anything from acupuncture to weight loss.

By offering a delicate balance of holistic medicine and science, brands have created relatable wellness products that are more trustworthy and reliable.

What I learned as a Wellness Professional in 2015

After launching Aprivé Wellness in 2015 from years of experience, I can say I’ve learned just how important wellness is to many people thanks to the overwhelmingly positive response to my brand. As a physiotherapist and wellness professional, my mission is to make wellness fun and inspiring and all the products I design utilise evidence-based science to help inform the health and wellbeing choices of people like you. 

I’m so incredibly excited to see how the wellness industry continues to develop in 2016, and I look forward to building new partnerships with amazing people and brands to help innovation, evidence and inspiration become regular features of worldwide wellness.

Thank you so much for all your support in 2015, and Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to you all!

-Caitlin xo

Queenstown Weddings: Exclusive New Service

Bespoke Wellness Experiences for Bridal Parties

Imagine gazing over a breathtaking canyon as a crystal clear river runs far below as you gently transition through your sun salutation. Surrounded by your best friends, this yoga class is the first time you’ve been able to relax and take a deep breath since your wedding planning began. Not only is it deeply calming sprinkled with lots of laughs, this special experience has given you and your friends an exclusive birds eye view of Queenstown landscape few people will ever see.

If you’re getting married in Queenstown, you’re probably so excited to hang out with your friends and family, but not sure exactly what you should do!

This beautiful mountain town has so many incredible activities from the Shotover Jet to bungy jumping, winery tours and everything in between. I’m excited to introduce the newest Queenstown activity for brides and bridal parties: Bespoke Wellness Retreats by Aprivé Wellness.

Whether you wish to have a fun yoga or Pilates class (or both!) followed by some laid back relaxation and meditation, a nutrition workshop, spa session, massage or wine tour, you can choose exactly how you wish to spend this special day of wellness and indulgence.

Destination Weddings in Queenstown

Wedding stress happens to the most laid back brides, but sometimes it threatens to ruin your destination wedding experience. A destination wedding involves every worry for a bride from looking after family members to finding venues and battling Queenstown’s ever-changing weather. By indulging in a half day, full day or overnight wellness retreat with you friends and family, everyone can take a breath and relax into the luscious beauty of this mountain town, plus have lots of laughs and a whole lot of fun.

Your bespoke wellness experience is designed just for you, and can include whatever you wish. If you’re a hardcore health nut and want a day packed full of yoga, hiking, stretching, Pilates and a healthy lunch, I can create a luxury version just for you.

If you’re more into balanced wellness, I can create a fun day for you and your friends with relaxed yogalates, meditation, herbal tea and spa relaxation finished with some local wine tasting.

Don’t let wedding stress ruin the lead up to your special day. Let me organise a beautiful, inspiring and happy day for you and your friends so you can recharge and rejuvenate for your wedding day.

Accidentally Anxious Part 2

How to sleep better

After a busy day at the office, unwinding in front of an episode of your favorite Netflix show is hard to resist. Unfortunately, the backlit screen, the moving digital images and the stimulation of a particularly violent episode of Game of Thrones (for example) keep your brain working overtime. Sure, you might fall asleep in front of the screen, but it’s likely to take longer and your mind won’t have the time to unwind in the process. Wellness pros recommend avoiding screens two hours before bed to help you fall asleep faster and sleep better. 

Try This: Sleeping longer is key too. It turns out that your body doesn’t run well on six hours a night, so grab a nonviolent book and head to bed half an hour earlier this week. In a month, try going to bed another half hour earlier, and soon you’ll be getting eight hours of shuteye.