Focus On Vibrant Health – Creating a Life With Purpose

NORTH FORK, CA – The best health protocol is a life you have to show up for.  When you have a clear sense of purpose, you are more likely to enjoy yourself today and grow old in a healthy way.  Your purpose can be to invent something unique or solve a particular problem, or perhaps it is to be as happy as possible and enjoy time with close connections.  Purpose does not have to be grand.  It can be a garden.  A neighbor you check on.  A community you help.  There is no right answer; it is your own uniqueness that the world is counting on you to contribute.

This short series of articles are about your emotional well-being.  We are covering 5 strategies for a healthier, happier life.  Previous articles discussed managing your stress, your attitude, and the importance of social connections.  Remember, emotional and physical health are inseparable.  Your happiness and enjoyment of life may depend on this holistic perspective.

Young adults who say they have little or no purpose or meaning report higher rates of anxiety and depression.  In this group, relationships and loved ones are the most important source of meaning and purpose.  Fostering intergenerational connections is very important.  Young people benefit from observing admired people in their lives who themselves are pursuing purposes they believe in.  Be a good listener when they discuss their interests.

All ages benefit from having a sense of purpose.  Here are a couple of key insights to finding that for yourself.  First is the realization that there is a need in the world that calls for action.  The second is that you believe you are capable of taking action, and in fact would enjoy doing so if given the chance.  How can you find purpose if you feel it lacking?  Cultivate a love of learning, try new things, and keep an open mind.  Continue to grow and become a better version of yourself.  Your purpose is not necessarily your job.  Only about 30% of people feel engaged at work.  Meaning and purpose are also not equivalent with what you acquire.  Money, position, and things can be disrupted by unexpected change or loss.

Don’t wait until you end up in a crisis to live in alignment with your values and what is in your heart.  Take the time to learn the specific flavor of your desires, interests and pleasures.  Pay attention.  Start by focusing on what you want and what you like to do.  How to make it happen comes later; trust the process.

Once you have an idea of what is meaningful for you, it may take courage to choose to do it.  Courage is deciding to act, in spite of being afraid.  Every day you do not take action to live with purpose, someone is missing the unique contribution you have to offer.  The biology of being needed is powerful.  Your body will thank you, and your health and happiness will improve.

Read previous articles here:  Focus On Vibrant Health.

Dr. Veronica Tilden can be your ally in having vibrant health.  She uses traditional hands-on osteopathy and helps you take responsibility for your health, guiding you to make better choices in your life.  Her office is in North Fork.  You can find out more and schedule an appointment at DrVeronicaTilden.com.

Also read:

The Power of Emotional Well-Being