Why Sonlight?

So why name the company Sonlight Health and Wellness?

Growing up near the Pacific coast just south of San Francisco the word Sonlight holds special meaning to me. I was fortunate to have some amazing places to hike, camp, climb, surf and enjoy. The time I spent in nature and pursuing the activities I loved established a connection for me and the people I shared those experiences with. And we were always being really healthy while doing them. Over the years I always returned to that connection, and every time I felt whole, purposeful and happy. I would nourish it by engaging with it, and it would nourish me mentally, physically and spiritually. Every time, no matter where I was at in life, it would meet me freely.

It accepted me and enabled me to learn more about myself. It pushes your mental and physical limits at times, and at others it brings you a peace you can't seek and find elsewhere.

I now know that "connection" is my spiritual connection to a higher power, or the closest understanding I have of God. It is in everything and everyone, and we all experience it in a different way. Anyone's spiritual journey is right, if it feels right for them. Sonlight is a reference to the good, to the love, and to the connection we all share and can continue to create when we pursue our heartfelt purpose and passions, and share that freely with others. When we love, we are aligned, and I believe one could argue that is an ideal end-point.

I believe that whether we are talking about healthy eating habits, new work out routines, relationships, career, addiction, or disease, and we want to truly want to get to the source and uncover lasting purpose, happiness and health, we must first be aligned in spirit. This is a foundational principle in my life and company. It reminds me of all the ways we are connected to ourselves, to each other and to the world around us. Sonlight is a manifestation of this connection in my life, and I'm so excited to share it with you.

In terms of my personal journey, I would be amiss to not mention my father. He was the best man I’ve ever known. WWII combat veteran and amazing father, husband and mentor. He was actually my grandfather who adopted me as an infant after having already raised four grown daughters. He taught me so much, but the lessons that he really wanted me to learn revolved around finding purpose in life, and living with integrity and helping others.

When I was younger and asked him about what I should do with my life (also interested in how much money I could make doing certain things) he would tell me, “Do what you love, and the money will come”. It took me a long time to fully understand and embrace what he was talking about. I spent many years in the corporate world with big salaries, promotions and most would say a highly successful career. But something was missing. I was missing purpose and found myself seeking it in other ways, some not so healthy.

I left the corporate world to pursue my dream of helping others and sharing the proverbial stoke.

I haven’t looked back, and I’ve not been happier or more at peace. My Dad used to call me his son light. The name of my company is a tribute to my father, and a reminder for me to continue finding purpose and passion and sharing it with others. If not for him, I would not be the man I am today.

Everything is connected and so are we...

Thank you for reading! I invite you to appreciate all the good things you have in your life, and also think about any areas you would like to improve. I would also love to hear your thoughts on the content if any of it rang true for you!

Take care of yourself, and each other…

- Erik