What is Wholesome? Discover NEW meaning in life though an OLD-fashioned word
What does the word “wholesome” really mean – and does this old-fashioned word hold the key to unlocking JOY and profoundly positive BENEFITS in our modern-day lives?
First, WHY did you search for “wholesome”?
Considering this word is half of our namesake, “wholesome” deserves a proper definition! And if you’ve taken the time to search for this word or topic, it must be important to you for some reason. In fact – why did you search for this topic? I invite you to keep that reason in the back of your mind as we dig into definitions momentarily. But allow me a moment to tell you why I’m even discussing the topic of wholesomeness.
You could easily look up the definition of wholesome in the dictionary on your own. But the dictionary won’t go deep. Perhaps like me, are you looking for more? Do you have a gut feeling that there is more to this “wholesome thing?”
You see social media posts featuring people homesteading, raising chickens, adopting minimalism, slow life, van life, learning about herbalism, holistic wellness, and old-fashioned ways. That’s not at all what the mainstream is promoting. Yet there seems to be a serious new trend developing, and I for one like the sound of it!
WHO am I and WHY do I talk about wholesomeness so much?
Having grown up in Vermont, but residing in New Jersey for more than half my life, I’ve always felt sort of stuck between two worlds; never quite fitting in at either location. Can you relate? Nestled in suburbia, I’ve had a relatively “modern” life and have dabbled in plenty of “worldly” things I’m not entirely proud of. Yet compared to most here, my lifestyle is quite vanilla and my Pollyanna persona often gives away the fact that I wasn’t born here.
Ultimately, I feel I’ve been blessed with contentment and happiness from things that are simple, natural, and practical; old-fashioned even. At this stage of my life, I finally know what I like and dislike, what I’m proud of and not, and who I want to be.
It took me some time to find a fitting label for what I sought in life deep down, and the common thread of all the things that provided me the most health, value, safety, and joy in life. I finally re-discovered the ONE WORD that describes it all…..and it was there under my nose the whole time. WHOLESOME. That’s the stuff I like, and it’s who I want to be. What an epiphany!
Once I realized this, and then really started embracing more wholesome things in my daily life, the positive improvements were impossible to overlook. Later, when I started analyzing the scientifically proven benefits of a wholesome lifestyle and activities, I could not help but want to share it with the world!
But who even uses the word “wholesome” anymore?
I know, I know…. Didn’t this word go the way of the dodo fifty years ago? True, the word wholesome is a little old-timey. But why? Is it simply outdated and uncool? Has a better word been invented? Or is it perhaps that there are not as many things in this modern day that one could describe as wholesome? Hmm….that’s something to consider.
Well, without further adieu, let’s dig in and discover what this amazing word and concept really means! Then you can be the judge of whether it’s relevant or not. Later in this article (and across this entire site) we’ll discuss ways in which wholesomeness can apply to every single element of our life, as well as some of the specific benefits of adopting a more wholesome lifestyle!
My goal? I hope by the end of this article you’ll agree that we need to BRING WHOLESOME BACK!
DEFINITION: What does Wholesome mean?
Let’s see what the Merriam-Webster Dictionary has to say….
Wholesome (adjective)
- Conducive to or indicative of good health or well-being; salutary: synonym: healthy.
- Conducive to or promoting social or moral well-being, especially in reflecting conventional moral values.
- Tending to promote health; favoring health; salubrious; salutary.
Another writer from The Content Authority.com beautifully described what is wholesome, versus its common synonym, healthy.
Healthy vs Wholesome: Unraveling Commonly Confused Terms
“Wholesome is a term that goes beyond just physical health. It encompasses a sense of overall well-being, including mental, emotional, and spiritual health. A wholesome lifestyle includes not only a healthy diet and exercise routine, but also positive relationships, fulfilling work, and a sense of purpose.
When it comes to food, wholesome refers to foods that are not only nutritious but also ethically and sustainably sourced. This includes foods that are minimally processed and free from harmful additives, as well as those produced using environmentally friendly practices.
In essence, wholesome is about nourishing the whole person, both physically and emotionally, and living in a way that promotes overall health and happiness.“
Examples Of Using “Wholesome” In A Sentence
(continued from The Content Authority.com )
- The small town has a wholesome feel to it, with friendly neighbors and a strong sense of community.
- He enjoys spending time with his wholesome family, who always prioritize quality time together.
- The book promotes wholesome values and encourages readers to live with integrity and kindness.
- The farm-to-table restaurant prides itself on using wholesome, locally sourced ingredients in all of their dishes.
- She loves listening to wholesome podcasts that inspire her to be her best self.
- The movie is a wholesome family-friendly film that teaches important life lessons.
- He appreciates the wholesome humor of the TV show, which always manages to make him laugh.
- The company’s mission is to provide wholesome, nutritious food to people all over the world.
- She admires the wholesome relationship between the main characters in the romance novel.
- The school promotes a wholesome learning environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking.
What is NOT wholesome?
Some may find it hard to define exactly what they feel wholesome IS. However, they likely can very easily name what they feel is NOT wholesome! Psychedelic drugs, porn, drunkenness, thievery, Miley Cyrus or McDonald’s burgers might come to mind.…
This line of thinking or questioning is not about being judgy, accusatory, or speaking poorly of others. It’s about learning to make careful assessments for ourselves, based on our moral and/or logical foundation of what we believe to be “healthy” or not, “dangerous” or “safe,” “right” or “wrong,” and so on.
Every single day we have choices about what we do, say, and eat, where we go, where we spend our time, and with what people. Every choice has a consequence which could be positive or negative. But that’s subjective, right? If you don’t have a standard by which to judge, how can you know if your choice will lead to the outcome you desire?
So start with your foundation, your compass. As an example – for me – the foundation is the Bible. It tells me what is right and wrong, and I do see value and benefit from following its principles in my own life, as well as in the world at large. I also read and study heavily from secular sources, looking for logical and scientific evidence by which I can make decisions about people, places, and things I encounter (or am seeking) in life.
So, why are you here?
Remember I asked you to think about why you looked up the definition of wholesome? Well, did any of the definitions or examples above resonate with you? Do they describe things, people, activities, or attitudes that sound pleasant or interesting to you?
Or might you at least be wrestling with feelings of frustration and/or disgust with the world around you? Even if you can’t name it, you know something isn’t right. You might find yourself turning off the news or certain programs more regularly. Shaking your head in disappointment at political and religious leaders, service providers, even your friends. You might be concerned about the things your children are being taught and exposed to when not at home.
Have you caught yourself fantasizing about running away to a cottage in the woods or homesteading?
Have you thought about homeschooling your kids?
Have you been thinking about “cleaning up” your life?
Have you been struggling to adopt healthier habits or hobbies?
Have you caught yourself fantasizing about running away to a cottage in the woods or starting a homestead?
Do you desire to BE a more balanced, healthy, kind, and wholesome person?
(I’ve answered YES to all of the above! )
Does the mainstream way of life bother you?
Do you ever feel sad about the state of the modern world around you…The lack of empathy and morality, and the overabundance of toxic foods, and entertainment? I’ve never really felt part of or been very interested in the “mainstream.” Call me weird; I won’t disagree! I enjoy nature and simple pleasures. I also love studying the details and interesting complexities in nature, life, and faith. I love elements of both country life and suburban living. And above all, I love to have fun – albeit within the bounds of my morals.
Can you identify with that? Do you wish the world (i.e. corporations, media and entertainment, food and medical industries) would clean up its act? It sure would make it easier for you to follow a healthier path, wouldn’t it?
Do you struggle with these issues like I do?
- Ever feel defeated trying to find a movie or show on Netflix that isn’t just raunchy, violent, or practically Satanic?!
- Do you sometimes feel stumped on a rainy day for activities you can do that are productive, educational, and also fun?
- Do you wish you could find a project or hobby that is easy, inexpensive, and helps make you a better person?
- Do you sometimes find that your friends, family, or therapist don’t understand you (or your moral standards) and give you destructive, unethical or worldly advice?
- Do you wish you could dress and do makeup in a way that was frugal but felt pretty and not overly sexy?
- Do you struggle to maintain your walk with the Lord with the mainstream media and rat-race distractions pulling at you?
- Do you feel like your overall wellness isn’t what it should be, and would love to take better care of yourself more naturally?
- Do you find it hard to connect with nature where you currently live in the suburbs or city?
(I’ve answered YES to all of these scenarios too! )
Are you interested in wholesome things like this?
- Wholesome or no-makeup looks, low-maintenance hairstyles, natural skincare regimens, and modest feminine apparel
- Humble home décor and low-waste home care tricks
- Thrifty DIY home and garden projects
- Simple, home-cooked, garden-to-table meals
- Self-sufficiency, Self-Reliance and Preparedness
- Holistic wellness and natural herbal remedies
- Clean, or old-fashioned shows, movies, and music
- Connecting to nature and animals by gardening or farming
- Getting exercise outside by hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and biking
- Self-improvement, becoming a kinder person and helping others
- Studying the Bible and developing a relationship with God
If any of that sounds up your alley – you’re in the right place!
You have the power to make Wholesome who YOU ARE.
Rachel Decker
Are there actual BENEFITS to wholesome activities?
My goodness, the benefits are almost endless! Unfortunately, some folks are wired differently, and they do not derive immediate pleasure or satisfaction from the outdoors, working with their hands, helping others, practicing gratefulness, or even eating vegetables! But even they would enjoy restored mental and physical health from engaging in wholesome activities.
The known pitfalls of the “Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll” way of life — stress, physical toxicity and disease, mental anguish, broken relationships, and financial ruin resulting from selfishness and destructive behavior — would be avoided! I believe that God created us with a certain makeup that simply runs better on kindness, nature, balance, and simple, pure foods – at both the individual and community levels. And science proves this over and over again! (Stay tuned for more articles that illustrate the wisdom of wholesome and Biblical living soon!)
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How I can help you to live a more wholesome lifestyle
First, I can assure you that you are NOT alone in desiring a life that is simpler, cleaner, healthier, and filled with joy and purpose! (Feel better already?) The world may think we’re old-fashioned, lame, boring, or weird… But there is an amazing community of like-minded folks out there! And my goal is to bring us all together while making it EASIER for each of us to create (and support) the wholesome lifestyle we’re committed to living. This blog is the means by which to do precisely that!
Consider Wholesome Handiworks your ONE-STOP SHOPPING for all things wholesome!
Think of this site as a Whole Foods for information. “Shop” here in comfort and with confidence that you’ll be supplied with quality advice and resources that nourish you inside and out while honoring your ethics for a healthier, more sustainable existence. No longer will you have to hunt for resources that won’t violate your ethics or faith. Compiling wholesome inspiration, tips, reviews, and how-to’s all in one place is simply convenient. But it will also allow our community to collaborate, grow, and improve our own lives while bringing more light to an ever-darkening world.
Life has a lot of moving parts. Are yours all working together properly?
Your lifestyle is the summation of your behavior, and your behavior is largely determined by your core beliefs. It incorporates everything you eat, wear, say and do. Thus your personal beliefs about what is right/wrong, good/bad, healthy/unhealthy, pretty/ugly, fun/boring…determine your choices and behavior. Faith is the foundation and compass for my own personal life, and what has helped me answer those questions. And it is the filter through which everything on Wholesome Handiworks will pass. I hope you’ll keep an open mind to glean wisdom from the teachings on a faith-based lifestyle that is core to this site.
Isn’t it about time to take careful inventory of what you believe and the shape your life has taken? Only then can you see if you’re on the right path for who you truly want to be and the legacy you’ll leave. And if you honestly audit each facet of your life, and at least consider some of the inspiration here – I think you’ll see that WHOLESOMENESS can be applied to every part of your lifestyle!
Healthy in mind, body, and spirit
Life is too short not to be enjoyed fully. Yet our earthly life and eternal soul are too precious to risk by holding onto destructive beliefs, selfish, toxic behaviors, or partaking in filthy or fruitless activities.
My mission is to show you how easy it can be to make small, yet profoundly positive changes in your everyday life that will improve your overall health and well-being, as well as bring you profound joy, save you money, and improve ALL of your relationships.
Now is the time to start!
There is no time like TODAY to make small, yet powerful changes in your heart, mind, words, and actions…..you’ll be amazed at the positive changes that come back to you from adopting a wholesome lifestyle! What is wholesome? The better question might be WHO is wholesome? You have the power (and now, even more resources at your fingertips) to make wholesome who YOU ARE.
So, I invite you to take full advantage of this site, and the vast array of inspiration, ideas, and advice it offers for every aspect of your life. I pray that you’ll keep an open mind, TRY some of the ideas suggested here, and SHARE them with your friends and family! Watch and make note of the positive change you see in yourself, and your family, and the subsequent influence it has on the community around you!
…In essence, wholesome is about nourishing the whole person, both physically and emotionally, and living in a way that promotes overall health and happiness.
– the content authority.com
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