Living With Purpose

Living a life filled with purpose is all about connecting with who you really are and finding your dharma—an important idea in yogic philosophy that represents your unique path or destiny. It’s similar to the Japanese concept of ikigai, which means your reason for being. Your ikigai is all about figuring out what truly matters to you and chasing that inspiration for joy, fulfillment, and meaning as you go through life. This isn’t just a surface-level search; it’s a deep dive into what makes you tick, what you value, and how you want to make a difference in the world. Finding and living your ikigai is actually associated with a longer healthspan.

Finding your dharma or ikigai isn’t always easy; it takes some serious soul-searching and reflection. While a lucky few might know their purpose very early on, for many of us, it’s a journey that involves a lot of thinking and introspection. It often means hitting pause on distractions and what society expects from us so we can really listen to what our hearts and souls are saying. When you finally discover your dharma, it’s like a light bulb goes off, and you feel this amazing connection to your true self, often bringing a wave of joy and completeness. On the flip side, if you’re living a life that feels disconnected from your purpose, it can lead to confusion, feelings of being lost, and a struggle with your day-to-day choices. Without that connection to your ikigai, life can feel pretty draining and unfulfilling.

Looking back at my own journey, I’ve definitely evolved in my sense of purpose as I’ve moved through different stages of my life—going from student to mother, educator, and more. Each role has helped me get a better grasp on where I fit in the world. When I think about all the careers and experiences I have had, there’s a common thread running through them. I’ve done a bit of everything—teaching, therapeutic horse riding, education researcher, massage therapy, being a birth doula, and now, I’m a health coach. Each of these experiences has added to my understanding of my ikigai, which has become clearer as I see the reasons behind my actions and choices every day.  Are you living your dharma? If not, are you ready to do the deep listening that is needed to find it?

To give you some background, about ten years ago, I went through the heartbreaking loss of two incredible women in my family due to Alzheimer’s disease. Their passing left a huge hole, especially for my kids, who didn’t get the chance to know their amazing grandmother as adults. The impact of these losses has been profound, and even now, they shape my motivations in ways I’m just starting to understand. Watching someone you love slowly fade away is a gut-wrenching experience that leaves a lasting mark. It’s also a harsh reality that women are hit harder by this disease than men, with two-thirds of those diagnosed being women. This is a significant public health issue that needs our attention.

Today there's exciting news! As science advances, our understanding of Alzheimer’s is evolving. Researchers and experts are uncovering new insights, suggesting that Alzheimer’s could be considered Type 3 diabetes. This perspective implies that the disease may begin much earlier than traditionally thought. This means that we hold the power. Gaining a deeper understanding of what causes this condition is crucial for developing strategies to prevent or delay its onset and symptoms. This knowledge is empowering and offers hope to those facing the challenges of aging and health.

This is my ikigai—assisting women in aging with strength, vitality, and joy, qualities that were unfortunately lost by those I care about. Every day, I am motivated to rise and advance this conversation, share this truth, and support those who wish to transform their health. If you are curious about the drivers behind this frightening statistic facing women as we age, reach out and together we can begin to lower your chances of this horrible disease and set you on a path towards strength and connection to self. I hope you set up your complimentary call today. I can't wait to support you,