Knowing Your Why: The Key to Health and Fulfillment
In my over eight years working in Singapore's public health sector, seeing over 30,000 patients, one truth stands out: our health is the foundation upon which we build the life we desire. Yet, so many women in their 30s to 50s find themselves feeling overwhelmed, tired, and struggling with weight loss, stress, and navigating life changes. It’s easy to get stuck in this cycle, where the demands of daily life overshadow our well-being. But here’s the thing—when our health suffers, it impacts everything. When illness strikes, whether it's a fleeting cold or a persistent chronic condition, it can become a significant barrier to living life to its fullest potential.
In this post, we'll explore how identifying your core values can help you align your health goals with what truly matters to you. We'll delve into the power of knowing your 'why'—the driving force behind your desire for a healthier life—and provide practical strategies to overcome common obstacles. We'll also discuss how taking small, consistent actions can transform your health and well-being, setting you on a path to living the vibrant, joyful life you envision.
Table of Contents
1.The Ripple Effect of Health on Our Lives
2.Identifying Your Core Values
3.The Power of Knowing Your Why
4.Overcoming Common Challenges
5.Strategies for Staying Connected to Your Why
6.Health as a Foundation for a Full Life
7.Your Invitation to Prioritize Your Health
The Ripple Effect of Health on Our Lives
Think about the last time you were unwell. How did it affect your day? Your mood? Your interactions with loved ones? Illness has a way of permeating every aspect of our lives, influencing:
How we show up for ourselves
Our relationships with family and friends
Our productivity at work
Our ability to pursue hobbies and passions
Our overall sense of joy and fulfillment
This brings us to a crucial question: What do we truly value in life?
Identifying Your Core Values
For many of us, especially women navigating the complex landscape of our 30s, 40s, and beyond, identifying our core values can be a transformative experience. It's not just about listing what we think should be important; it's about diving deep into our authentic selves and uncovering what truly resonates with us at our core.
A powerful way to begin this journey is through journaling and reflection. Find a quiet moment, perhaps with a warm cup of tea, and ponder these questions:
What activities bring you joy and fulfillment?
Whether it’s losing yourself in a good book, tending to your garden, or engaging in deep conversations with friends, these activities often point to our innermost values, like a love for learning or meaningful relationships.What excites you?
What words or concepts light a fire within you? Is it 'adventure,' 'creativity,' 'justice,' or 'family'? The ideas that stir your emotions are often closely tied to your core values.Who is your ideal self?
Imagine your best self—how would you describe her? Confident, compassionate, successful, peaceful? These qualities often reflect your deepest values.Reflect on your proudest moments.
Think about the times you're most proud of, both big and small. Perhaps it's when you stood up for a colleague, pursued a challenging degree, or showed patience with a loved one during a difficult time. These moments align with core values like courage, perseverance, or kindness.
This process isn’t about perfection. It’s about self-awareness. Your values are uniquely yours, shaped by your experiences and aspirations. As you uncover them, you might find that some surprise you, while others feel like old friends you're finally naming. Embrace this discovery process. Your core values are the compass that can guide you towards a more fulfilling life, including better health and well-being.
The Power of Knowing Your Why
Simon Sinek, renowned author and motivational speaker, says, "When we know WHY we do what we do, everything falls into place. When we don't, we have to push things into place."
Your "why" is your purpose, your driving force. It's the reason you get out of bed in the morning, the fuel that keeps you going when things get tough. When it comes to health and well-being, your "why" might be:
To have the energy to enjoy a good quality of life on a daily basis
To feel confident and vibrant in your own skin
To have the stamina to travel and explore the world
To prevent illness and live independently as you age
To bring your best to the work that you love
To contribute to the community in a meaningful way
When you align your actions with your deepest values and your "why," taking care of yourself becomes a natural expression of what you hold dear.
Overcoming Common Challenges
As we navigate the path to better health, it's natural to encounter obstacles along the way. Time often feels like our scarcest resource. The day flies by in a whirlwind of activities, and before we know it, we’re too exhausted to think about that workout we planned or the healthy meal we intended to prepare.
Closely related to the time crunch is the persistent feeling of fatigue. When we’re constantly running on empty, even beneficial activities like exercise or meditation can feel overwhelming. It’s a catch-22: we need energy to make healthy changes, but we need those healthy changes to boost our energy.
There’s also the matter of motivation and discipline. We start with the best intentions, but as days pass, our resolve can waver. Old habits creep back in, and we find ourselves slipping into familiar, comfortable routines—even if they don't serve our long-term goals.
The key is to ease into it, step by step. There's no need for perfection, especially when you're just starting out. In fact, aiming for perfection can set us up for frustration and disappointment. Instead, focus on progress and celebrating each step of the way.
Start small. Maybe it’s a five-minute Lilynage Self-Massage session before bedtime, or simple taking a few minutes to apply cream over our body and check in with our we are feeling. These tiny changes might seem insignificant, but they add up over time. More importantly, they help build the confidence and momentum you need for bigger changes.
Strategies for Staying Connected to Your Why
Visualize your ideal future: Regularly imagine yourself living your best, healthiest life. How does it feel? What are you able to do?
Create a vision board: Compile images and words that represent your health goals and values. Place it where you'll see it daily.
Journal regularly: Reflect on your progress, challenges, and how your actions align with your values.
Share your why: Discuss your health goals and motivations with loved ones. Their support can be invaluable.
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small. It all counts!
Return to your why in challenging moments: When motivation wanes or obstacles arise, pause and reconnect with your core values and reasons for prioritizing your health.
Health as a Foundation for a Full Life
Remember, health is more than just the absence of illness. It's about having the energy, vitality, and resilience to live the life you envision. It's the bedrock upon which we can build everything else we cherish.
By taking care of your health, you're not being selfish – you're ensuring that you can show up fully for all the people and pursuits that matter most to you.
Your Invitation to Prioritize Your Health
If you've been struggling to carve out time for self-care or find the motivation to make positive changes, I invite you to come back to your "why." Reflect on what you value most in life and let that guide your choices.
Every step you take towards better health is a step towards living your fullest, most vibrant life. Your future self will thank you for starting today.
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Has this article been helpful for you?
If so, let me know in the comments.
To get started on your self-massage ritual, you can check out my YouTube channel here. Read more about my Bio here.
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