By Cristi Kaido
When people think about starting fresh, they often imagine big, dramatic changes. New diets, new routines, new rules to follow. But meaningful change rarely begins with extremes. In my experience as a wellness coach, certified nutrition coach, and personal trainer, true transformation happens through small, sustainable habits that come from self-awareness. It begins with a single choice to treat your body with care, curiosity, and compassion.
My journey into wellness began long before I launched The Mindful Mixer, but the defining moment came in 2020 when a six inch blood clot near my heart led to emergency surgery. My surgeon told me that my health and low resting heart rate likely saved my life. That experience shifted my perspective in a way I will never forget. It helped me understand how deeply connected our daily habits are to our long-term wellbeing. It also became the spark that eventually inspired The Mindful Mixer, a space where I could blend my passion for health, creativity, and community into something meaningful.
The Mindful Mixer offers mocktail workshops, wellness events, and alcohol-free experiences that highlight nourishing, seasonal ingredients. While the drinks are fun and beautiful, the real magic happens between the sips. Each workshop includes a guided pause called the Ritual of the Sip. Guests take a moment to reflect on the flavors, their mindset, and how they want to feel in their daily lives. This short moment of mindfulness helps people build a deeper connection to the drink and to themselves.
I have always believed that wellness should feel accessible, encouraging, and rooted in joy. We do not grow by punishing ourselves or following rigid rules. We grow by slowing down, listening to our bodies, and choosing habits that support our lives. Whether I am coaching a client through nutrition goals, teaching a group about anti-inflammatory ingredients, or helping someone realize that wellness can be simple, my role is always the same. I help people take sustainable steps toward feeling better.
One of the core philosophies I teach is the importance of approaching wellness with curiosity instead of judgment. Instead of asking why you cannot stick to something, ask what your body needs today. Instead of focusing on what to remove, explore what can be added. More protein, more hydration, more movement, more whole ingredients, more connection, more breath.
Mocktails have become a powerful tool in this work. They give people room to explore flavor, creativity, and connection without the pressure of alcohol. For some, they support healthier habits. For others, they offer a fun way to incorporate more plants and functional ingredients into their day. For everyone, they are a reminder that celebration does not require sacrificing health.
As we begin a new year, my hope is that people feel inspired rather than overwhelmed by change. You do not need to reinvent everything on January 1. You can begin with one small shift. Drink more water, step outside for ten minutes a day, add color to your plate, take a breath before eating, or build one mindful moment into your routine.
Wellness is not a race or a trend or a challenge to conquer. It is a relationship with yourself. Like any relationship, it evolves and strengthens with practice.
Whether I am coaching, hosting workshops, or creating mindful mocktail experiences, my mission is simple. I want to help people feel good in their bodies, feel connected in their lives, and feel empowered to make choices that bring them closer to the healthiest and happiest versions of themselves.
Here is to a year of intentional choices, joyful nourishment, and brighter living, one mindful sip at a time.
Five Simple Tips for Meaningful Change This Year
- Start small. Consistency always wins. Choose one micro habit, like drinking 8 ounces of water first thing in the morning.
- Add before you subtract. Focus on adding color, protein, hydration, and whole foods rather than restricting.
- Move daily in a way that feels good. Walking, stretching, strength training, yoga, or dancing all count.
- Create one mindful moment a day. Pause before a meal or sip and check in with your breath and your body.
- Nourish your connections. Community and relationships matter. Reach out, check in, and gather with intention.
