Journey to U4ia (euphoria) is BrownStyle Magazine’s column written by Vanessa Simmons. In this candid and inspirational series, the mom and multi-hyphenate entertainer shares her journey to wellness and mindful living.
BrownStyle Family,
I’ve missed talking with you all. And if I’m being honest, I was going through some rocky times that had me questioning myself.
I turned 42 in August, and suddenly, I felt every bit of my age. I could feel the shift, and it felt as if my spark was fading.
My confidence also took a hit. Up until this moment, I’ve always felt very youthful, younger than my age in every way, but something was making me feel even older in every way, and it started manifesting physically. (Worry will do that, I suppose!)
My cortisol levels were through the roof from dealing with everyday life stresses.
The last film I shot, I was able to get out of my head long enough to shoot because I’m passionate about my work, but every time the director yelled “cut,” I was suddenly overcome with worry that I wasn’t enough. I didn’t feel pretty enough, and I was worried that my performance wasn’t enough.
Rediscovering The Healing Benefits Of Intentional Wellness
My self-worth was coming into question, and I was struggling while having to plaster a smile on the outside. A smile goes a long way in cultivating happiness, but if you need work on the inside, you can’t run from that.
I spent the past year giving tips through this very column on how to live an intentional life that will lead to an euphoric existence, so I started going through past things I’ve shared here at BrownStyle, and I got to work on myself.
I started with journaling, but I took a different approach. I got real with myself, writing down all the ways I felt out of alignment, and what I could do better. I questioned where I needed to take accountability, and other tough truths about myself that needed to be addressed. Then I jotted down all the things I love about myself, so I could also highlight the good and embrace the season I’m in.
I started mapping out the woman I want to be, then recommitted myself to the wellness practices that bring me peace— from readjusting my morning routine to working out for mental wellbeing and to release endorphins. I even started taking myself on wellness dates as a treat a few times a week.
Below, check out more of the notable things I tried for the first time.
Finding Relaxation In A Hyperbaric Oxygen Tank
I visited Oxynergy2 in Beverly Hills to see what an oxygen tank is all about. There are many benefits to this treatment – it delivers 100% oxygen three times more than normal to help the blood carry more oxygen to your tissues, which can speed up healing, fight infections, reduce swelling, and treat conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, and severe wounds.
I spent 60 minutes in the capsule, which allowed me to catch up on my Netflix queue. I didn’t feel anything right away, but the sleep I got that night was incredible. The best I’ve had in months! The facility suggested multiple sessions to see major differences, something I would definitely do again.
Trying An AI Robot Massage For The First Time
There seems to be no limit to technology these days, and with the developments of AI, nothing seems impossible. I came across a robot massage at my gym and just had to try it.
The Aescape was a unique experience. The robot arms touching my back felt a little too realistic. It was kind of scary at first, but it ended up being a great experience. I was given options to adjust the pressure or area of focus, play music, and give in to the feeling of relaxation.
The introvert in me loved that I could receive a massage without having to talk to anyone, but sometimes there’s nothing like connecting with other people. Overall, I think a robot massage could never replace human touch, but it was a cool excursion.
Discovering The Healing Benefit Of Faith
I also tapped into my go-to wellness rituals — the regular facials, lymphatic massages, sauna sessions, and all of the things that I’ve recommended in this column, but something was still nagging under the surface.
I came across a bible verse Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ° not of works, lest any man should boast.
This scripture gave me a major revelation.
While all of the self-care and wellness practices are good, perhaps I was being too reliant on myself and not enough on my faith. This was a major moment for me, and kind of hard to admit that perhaps I had lost the plot along the way somehow.
I’ve always been a woman of faith, a believer of Christ, and when my attention was brought to this verse, I could feel God tugging at me. It was a clear message that it was time for a different approach. Time to release control and the broken bits inside of me that made me feel I wasn’t enough.
To become HER (the best version of me), all I needed to do was to come to God with my worries, anxieties, or anything feeling misaligned and I would be granted grace, love, peace, joy – the true fruits of the spirit.
The Lesson: How I Got My Spark Back
I had to really get serious about my prayer life and affirming the good in my life. You need faith and work for a true balance because faith without work is dead, but faith first, then work, and you have THE ANSWER.
This approach to my life has given me a new kind of peace and acceptance of myself and who I am in Christ, as the Bible specifically says in Psalms: I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well,” emphasizing that God created each person with awe-inspiring care, purpose, and unique design, making them each a masterpiece.
This verse encourages recognizing our inherent worth, highlighting individuality and God’s intimate involvement in our formation.
Now, when anyone asks me what my favorite wellness practice would be, the answer is always going to be Prayer and God first, and everything else after.
That’s how I got my Spark Back! ✨
XO,
Vanessa
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
