Chapter Eleven: Define Your Why(s)

Have you ever felt simply drained from life?

I know we all do. Life can get the best of us. When we get used to a routine, we will dread doing even the simple things then we start to question "What is life?" But is changing up your routine the right move?

I didn't understand the importance of today's topic until I placed myself in a room with others who either had their WHYs or those like me who were wondering "What is a Why?"

"Your why" is a declaration of your purpose and driving force behind your actions and way of life. It can define how you make a difference in the world, how you provide value to others, or how you go about doing things differently. Understanding what your why(s) are will provide stability and direction during hardships.

Define your WHY(s).

Why do you want to be a better version of yourself?

Will this Why make a difference or add any value to your life?

Who are you doing this for and why you are doing it for them?

Are you doing this for yourself or for something/someone else?

Each person's "Why" is concealed in many unique ways and can be found in a variety of methods. Assessing your passion, values, and motives could be the first step to help you determine your why(s.)

Your why(s) must be stronger than your excuses.

Your why(s) must be what you are willing to live for, breathe for, change for, etc. They can be certain goals, your loved ones, your mental health — you decide.

Keep in mind that your whys will change when your life change.

Here are my biggest Why's:

Behind every person is a group of people who pushes them forward.

My first biggest why are my two boys. Being a single mom, I grew alongside them. I learned to make things work even when I wasn't sure. I do not settle for anything less that do not serve us. Everything I do, my boys are the ones I think first from the smallest to the biggest decisions.

Secondly, my parents aka Grandpa and Grandma Yang. They migrated to the US during the Vietnam War in an effort to improve their quality of life and create a better future for their children. I know my parents have done so much for my siblings and I. Now, they are the best grandparents anyone can ask for. They are my whys because I want to continue providing the life they deserve.

One of my goal is to be the best version of myself. From plane rides to road trips, they never fail to take my breath away. I treat traveling as a kind of therapy, therefore I push myself to schedule time to discover new places. This demonstrates to me that I am adaptable and enables me to view the world from a different perspective. So even when going on a vacation can be so overwhelming, I know the experience will benefit the person I want to be.

Self-improvement is a process rather than an instant cure. Many times in life, you will feel as though you have arrived at your destination, only to discover that's not the case. What keeps me going after each trial is knowing that I am not the only person who see the value in what I do — that is my why. I was that person who was seeking for someone who I can relate to and learn from them. There will be someone out there who is looking for answers and has yet to stumble across my story.

What are your whys? Are they strong enough to motivate you to achieve your goals? If not, take the time to reevaluate. Sometimes knowing the deeper meaning of your why is more important than just knowing your why.

Please do share your whys with me down below!

Thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed the read and you or someone you know can relate. Please leave any respectful feedback. Have a blessed day!

Xoxo,