Chances are, there are aspects of life you are just not satisfied with.
It may be your job, your marriage, your environment, or even just a deep feeling you keep buried inside because it’s too scary to address.
And you’re not alone. 49% of Americans are not satisfied with their employment and many feel a lack of recognition and room for professional growth. 7.1% of adults in the US have experienced a major depressive episode; that number increases to 13.3% for adolescents. One reason for that could be that 46% of Americans feel lonely; it’s also estimated that only 17% of married couples are actually content. When it comes to reaching our goals, it doesn’t look much better. For example, 92% of people who create New Year’s resolutions do not achieve them.
These statistics aren’t meant to bring you down, they are meant to help you make an essential shift towards a healthier and happier life.
I’m here to tell you it’s possible because I was there. I was unhappily married, working myself ragged, and avoiding the parts of my life that needed improvement because it was all too overwhelming.
What I didn’t realize, was that I was neglecting my spiritual health. That means I was neglecting my personal integrity, my ability to be present and grounded, and my connection to my authentic self.
But I found my way to my happiest and healthiest self by enlisting the help of a coach. Many people desire change but lack the motivation or the tools to really make it happen or keep it going. A coach or a counselor can help you do that.
And don’t forget about the power of community; surrounding ourselves with those who elevate us and share the same morals gives us the strength to face challenges and reach our goals. A sense of community makes us happier, too, and is related to a higher level of overall wellbeing.
If you’re ready to face your own challenges head-on, check out last week’s episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy, where I sat down to talk to my personal coach, Lauren Zander. We discuss the transformative steps that helped me reach my goals and Lauren shares a wealth of knowledge, and humor, on how to address the lies we all tell ourselves and instead pursue our dreams.
You always have the option to dig deeper and work through the darker parts of life. This episode will inspire you to start today. I hope you’ll tune in.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD