Four Pillar Friday

Four Pillar Friday
Your weekly guide to thriving in every aspect of life—Physical, Mental, Spiritual, and Financial Wellness.

This Week’s Quote:
“We cannot choose to have a life free of hurt. But we can choose to be free—to stop running from the past, to stop denying our pain, and to face it and let it be our teacher.”— Edith Eger

Physical Wellness

We all know exercise is good for us—but the truth is, science is just beginning to understand how and why. In this podcast Derek Thompson discusses the new research initiative, led by Dr. Euan Ashley of Stanford, is diving into the molecular-level effects of movement, tracking what happens inside the body when we run, lift, jump, or stretch. Early findings suggest that exercise may affect men and women differently at the cellular level, and it’s becoming clear that physical activity isn’t just nature’s best cardiovascular treatment—it may also be its most powerful mental health intervention.

Could we one day design an “exercise pill” that replicates these benefits without the movement? Maybe. But until then, the best medicine is still movement itself—sweat and all.

Mental Wellness

Anyone want to go back to school? Well here is your chance to take a class I think you will truly enjoy.

The Science of Well-Being, a popular Coursera class led by Yale professor Laurie Santos, is more than just an academic course; it’s a life-changing toolkit. Rooted in positive psychology and behavioral science, the class explores what really drives happiness (spoiler: it’s not what we often think), and teaches evidence-based strategies to improve well-being, reduce anxiety, and increase fulfillment. Students learn to rewire habits, reframe thoughts, and build a more intentional daily life. Whether you’re new to wellness or deep in the journey, it’s a powerful reminder that happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a skill we can practice. And the best part? It’s free.

Financial Wellness

According to research by The Williams Group, a staggering 70% of families lose their wealth by the second generation, and 90% by the third. And contrary to what many assume, this isn’t because of poor investment choices or tax missteps. It’s due to a breakdown in communication, trust, and preparation. In fact, the study found that 60% of failed wealth transitions are directly tied to a lack of communication and trust within the family.

The takeaway? One of the most overlooked but high-impact investments you can make isn’t in markets or strategies, it’s in conversations. Open, honest dialogue about values, roles, expectations, and vision might offer one of the greatest returns in protecting your legacy. When families talk more, they align more. And when they align, they build not just wealth that lasts—but relationships that do, too.

Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual wellness is deeply tied to self-identity—the quiet, ongoing journey of discovering who you are beneath the roles, responsibilities, and noise of the world. It’s not about labels or achievements, but about aligning with something more enduring: your core values, your purpose, your sense of connection to the greater whole. When you begin to ask, Who am I when the titles fall away? or What do I want to be remembered for beyond what I’ve done?—you’re tapping into spiritual wellness. This work isn’t always loud or visible. It often lives in stillness, in reflection, in choosing congruence over conformity. Because when you know who you are at your core, you begin to show up more fully—in your relationships, your decisions, and your legacy.

So start by asking a few questions…

Who am I without the achievements?
Remove the accomplishments, accolades, and milestones—and ask: What remains? That’s where identity truly begins.

Am I living in alignment with my values—or my obligations?
True wellness often comes when what we do externally reflects who we are internally.

What version of myself shows up when things get hard?
In moments of stress or challenge, we often meet the most honest version of who we are. Is that version aligned with who you want to become?

Where am I outsourcing my sense of self?
When identity depends on external validation, comparison, or approval, we drift from our center.

Does how I spend my time reflect who I believe I am?
Your calendar is often a clearer reflection of your identity than your words.

Stay Connected:
What steps—big or small—are you taking in physical, mental, financial, and spiritual wellness? Maybe you pushed your limits in a workout, made a mindful financial choice, or found time for reflection.

We’d love to hear how you’re integrating Physical, Mental, Financial, and Spiritual Wellness into your week. Drop a comment, message us, or tag us—because growth happens when we show up and share the journey. And if this resonates with you, share it with someone who might find it meaningful.

Here’s to Living Richly,
The Journey Team