The Power Of Knowing Your ‘Why’

In a recent spiritual counseling session, I had the privilege of working with a woman who was facing a profound life challenge — stage 2 locally advanced colon cancer.

She spoke with a quiet resilience as she recounted her journey through chemotherapy before surgery, followed by four additional rounds of adjuvant chemotherapy.

There was little emotion in her words, but the weight of her experience was undeniable. It was a story of survival, perseverance, and the sheer will to move forward.

She then admitted that she longed to live a healthier lifestyle, but struggled with unhealthy eating habits. She had gained a significant amount of weight after her surgery, and despite her best intentions, she found it difficult to resist sweets and processed foods.

After hearing her story, I gently reminded her that I could not give her medical advice. Nor am I a nutritionist, and I advised her that professional guidance was essential for her dietary needs.

What I could offer, however, was a way to break the cycle of unhealthy habits. And I could help nurture her mind and emotions and guide her toward a life of greater wholeness and balance.

She lit up with hope. “That would be wonderful!” she exclaimed.

“To do that,” I said, “we need to find your ‘why.’ Once you find your deeper motivation, your true reason for change, everything will begin to change.”

And so we began a simple yet profound exercise.

The two most important days in life are the day you born and the day you discover the reason why ~ Mark Twain

“Why do you want to stop eating unhealthy foods?” I asked.

“Because I want to get healthier and stronger!” she immediately replied.

“Why?” I pressed gently.

“I want to look and feel better. I want to regain my energy and do my daily tasks like I used to. I want to feel alive again.”

“Why?” I asked again.

She paused for a moment before answering. “Because I want to be a supportive, loving wife and mother. I want to be there for my family.”

“Why?”

She thought for a moment. “Because I love my family. I want to be with them as long as possible. I want to enjoy my time with them. I want to live.”

A meaningful silence fell between us as the realization dawned on her. “You have found your ‘why,'” I said. “This is your driving force. When you are tempted, remember this deeper reason. When you feel weak, return to your ‘why.’ It will strengthen you.”

This simple yet profound shift in perspective changed everything for her. With this newfound awareness, she has now embarked on her journey with renewed determination. In time, Spirit showed me, she will lose the excess weight, feel stronger, and radiate a sense of empowerment she hadn’t felt in years.

You can do the same.

You have a masterpiece inside you, you know. One unlike any that has ever been created, or ever will be ~ Gordon Mackenzie

The Power Of Knowing Your ‘Why’

Understanding your ‘why’ isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about creating a life filled with meaning, passion, and fulfillment. Here’s how it can shape your journey:

A clearer sense of direction: Without clarity of purpose, life can feel like an endless loop of going through the motions. Your ‘why’ acts as a compass, pointing you in the direction that aligns with your soul’s true calling.

Resilience in the face of challenges: Difficult times are inevitable, but when you are driven by a deeply rooted purpose, obstacles lose their power to derail you. Your ‘why’ will remind you why the struggle is worth it, fueling your perseverance.

A more authentic life: People are drawn to authenticity. When you align your actions with your true purpose, you naturally attract opportunities, relationships, and experiences that resonate with your soul’s essence.

A source of inspiration and creativity: Passion breeds innovation. When you’re truly invested in your purpose, creative solutions and inspired ideas flow effortlessly. You’ll find new ways to overcome obstacles and achieve your highest potential.

“I believe each of us has a mission in life, and that one cannot truly be living their most fulfilled life until they recognize this mission and dedicate their life to pursuing it ~ Blake Mycoskie

How To Find Your ‘Why’

Discovering the driving force that moves you toward transformation is an inward journey. It begins with honest self-reflection and a willingness to ask the right questions:

What truly brings you joy? Consider the hobbies and activities that make you feel alive and purposeful. What sets your soul on fire?

What are your strengths? Reflect on past experiences in which you felt fulfilled and accomplished. What innate talents do you have?

What values define you? Identify the principles that are most important to you — whether it’s love, freedom, creativity, or service.

What do others see in you? Sometimes those closest to us see our gifts and strengths better than we do. Ask a trusted friend or family member what they admire most about you.

What patterns do you see? Are there recurring themes in your life that either inspire you or hold you back? What lessons keep coming up?

What mission do you want to pursue? With all these considerations in mind, create a statement that embodies your purpose. Let it be your guiding light.

The beauty of this process is that you don’t have to wait for a crisis to begin searching for your ‘why.’ Various spiritual teachings emphasize that all the answers are within us — we just need the courage to seek them out.

Imagine waking up each morning with a sense of clarity and excitement for the day ahead. Imagine feeling connected to something greater than yourself, knowing that your life has meaning beyond mere existence. This is the power of discovering your ‘why.’

Your journey is unique, but the process remains the same — look within, ask the right questions, and listen to the answers that come from your soul.

If you have not yet found your ‘why’… you can start today.