Shelby Manekin: Founder of Pineapple Project Health

Don’t Half Ass Your Health!

I hope you are sitting down, because it’s time to spill the tea! (or wine) What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word health? Let me guess... eating well, working out, dieting, being active? Am I right? More than likely you fall into the 99% of people that respond with one of those answers to that very important question!

Now if your initial thought was in fact one of those ever-so common responses, I’m going to tell you something you may not want to hear…. You are HALF ASSING YOUR HEALTH!!!

If you are wondering “who the hell are you and what do you know about health?”, I totally get it! So before I go any further let me backup a little and give you some background!

First off, hello there friend! My name is Shelby and I am the Founder of The Pineapple Project, a health coaching consulting firm with a focus on mental health and well-being. My personal credentials include a long list of health and wellness education, certifications, and real-world therapy experience with all different types of demographics and situations. As well as being a certified AFPA Health and Wellness Coach, I also have my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Without writing an entire autobiography, here is how I ended up here and why I know first hand what half assing your health means and why it is so important!

Working as a therapist in different areas, I came across almost every situation imaginable. I loved helping people and took great pride in my work and my own physical health. I was an avid fitness buff and professional athlete, so physical health was the most important aspect of my own well 1 being. I soon developed a gastrointestinal disease that really took its toll on my overall health. How? Me, who prided herself on being a shining example of good health for my clients to see and follow, always working out and eating healthy…. how did this happen to me? I soon learned it was directly related to stress. Little did I know I was half assing my own health, the most important part - my mental health and stress management. While I put such an emphasis on helping others and keeping up with my own physical health, I didn’t put any focus on the importance of the mental health piece of the wellness puzzle….. And I paid the price.

After taking some time off from therapy I came to realize that a lot of people had this same problem. Many people don’t focus enough on stress management and mental health, and don’t even realize how much it affects their physical health. Mental health is the BIGGEST piece of the wellness puzzle, and most people are neglecting it!

I looked around the landscape of health coaches and saw that there just aren’t many out there preaching the importance of mental health. So I decided I was going to help be the change in this industry!

Queue The Pineapple Project!

I created The Pineapple Project with the mission to help women (sorry guys) blossom into the most badass versions of themselves. To be happy and healthy, mind, body, and soul. I shine a spotlight on the mental side of health. Helping women get to where they want to be mentally so they can achieve not just their physical goals, but all the goals they have set for their lives.

Now I’m sure you are all wondering why “The Pineapple Project”? Well, wonder no more! I came up with this name because of what a pineapple naturally stands for…. “standing tall, wearing a crown, and being sweet inside.” I want everyone who joins the project to leave feeling like they are confident enough to stand tall, like they always are wearing a crown, and that they are sweet with all that they do. So naturally “The Pineapple Project” just stuck!

Starting this business was the best decision I have ever made. You know that saying “If you do what you love, you never have to work a day in your life”? That couldn’t be more true! I love 2 what I do and I’ve finally found a place where my own mental health can thrive while helping others. I never realized how important mental wellness was until I went through what I did. Starting this business just made it more clear to me that mental wellness really does conquer all!

Now back to my point! If you fall into that 99% of people who just view health as the physical side, it’s time to change up the way you are viewing health all together. Start by nourishing your mind with a positive mindset and managing your stress and anxiety properly. Once you show some love to your mental health you will soon see how it is just as important (if not more important) than your physical health. No more ignoring the mental piece of the wellness puzzle friends. It’s time to join the Pineapple Project movement and whole ass your health! So I will leave you all with this one last question…...

Are you half assing your health?

Follow @pineapple_project_health on instagram for the most valuable health and wellness tips and book a 1:1 Coaching Session with Shelby!  

Here at Don’t Half Ass Anything we value creativity, perseverance, and storytelling. That is why we are using our blog platform to share other small businesses’ and artists’ stories. It is not the million, or billionaires that inspire us. It is the everyday people who are at the stage of being immersed in the process of learning, creating, and growing that inspire us the most. Share your story/blog by submitting to donthalfassanything@gmail.com