3 Ways Your Health and Your Life’s Purpose Are Connected

I was told as a kid I could be anything I wanted to be as long as I worked hard. 

When I told my parents I wanted to be a pro-snowboarder the “be anything” definition changed. 

The statement should have been… “you can be anything you want in life as long as you work hard and it’s a job with proven money making capabilities”.

You know… like a doctor. 

Thank goodness naturopathic medicine existed when I was making my doctor school decision. 

I probably would have been kicked out of regular medical school for asking too many questions. 

Being a naturopathic doctor was my version of rebelling against the family wanting me to go the conventional route. 

Wouldn’t change it for the world now!

At 15, I wanted nothing more than to have the mad skills my Mom’s acupuncturist had to make people feel better in an hour. 

Because acupuncture was even “wackier” than becoming a pro-snowboarder to my midwest family I added on the doctoring thing. 

People who’ve known me for a while know I’m obsessed with needles. 

Injecting vitamins, platelet rich plasma and peptides has been my jam for a long time. 

I digress…

My purpose in life hasn’t changed since the realization hit me like a rogue wave sitting in the cushy blue velvet drivers seat of my Mom’s Cadillac rocking out to some kind of grunge back in 1994.

The versions of my purpose have changed over the years but that’s the beauty of purpose – it can shift. 

My podcast today with Ron Pevney was one of my most favorite conversations I’ve had on the podcast to date. 

Ron is the founder The Center for Conscious Eldering – in a nutshell he helps older adults find their purpose after they retire. 

He’s been in the game of helping folks transition from work-life to retired-life for over 45 years.

What fascinates me about Ron’s mission is that it’s something not many people talk about yet it’s a vital aspect of your health as you get older. 

I’ve been granted the luxury of watching clients transition from work to retired life.

At first it seems glorious – the freedom, the travel and checking off the bucket list. 

Then at some point it seems to blend into monotony and boredom. 

This is where I see health start to decline.

Especially if a partner passes away or gets sick and can’t participate in the dream the couple had for retirement. 

Ron’s book “Conscious Living Conscious Aging – claiming the gifts of elderhood” brings up the question of “who am I now in retirement?”

While some of you may be there and others may be thinking – gosh I have 20+ years to get there – I think it’s valid to ponder shifts in purpose. 

And how to reinvent yourself after you retire. 

Could it be the mid-life crisis is some what a manifestation of this desire to re-invent yourself instead of “re-live” your younger years?

What if you’re going back to see where you got lost in the first place on your purpose journey?

It’s not uncommon for me to hear clients say – they don’t know what their purpose is after their kids have left the home.

And it’s even more common to see a connection to health decline when children or grandchildren are not part of someone’s life after a disagreement or move. 

Having a purpose isn’t just about your “job” or “family” it’s your contribution to your community, the world or what keeps you feeling good. 

The world is hurting right now.

It’s in need of people who feel amazing with good energy.

The more good vibe people out there, the more good energy collectively builds to create a happier more vibrant world. 

With greater than half of the population close to retirement age it’s vital to address 3 conditions with a big impact on health…

1) Depression

2) Anxiety

3) Loneliness

In Chinese Medicine all three of these conditions impact the heart and liver energetically and physically. 

Loneliness can even extend to lung health similar to the emotion of grief. 

Today I invite you to ponder…what’s your purpose?

Spend some time quietly thinking about this. 

What can you do that lights you up so much that your joy is infectious?

How can you help the collective of folks in your community, state, country or world?

Age doesn’t matter.

You can contribute at any age. 

Connecting with like minded uplifting people counters all 3 conditions I mentioned above. 

The internet connects the world and is a great place to find like minded folks…especially if you’re not finding your people locally. 

Podcasts are a great way to find out what’s out there in your area of interest. 

Need inspiration?

Listen in to my podcast with Ron Pevney – Ep 498 – HERE

I’m curious – what’s your purpose or what are you pondering?

Hit reply – I’d love to hear and see how I can support you and your mission. 

Here’s to your purpose,

Dr. J

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