Find your very own 'why'.

How hard is it to motivate ourselves to do something that, in the end, will be very beneficial for us? Finding your reason, your personal why is very helpful for this. 

What is our why, exactly?
Our why is our ambition in life, our personal motivation that keeps us going when times get tough. The why is our driving force that keeps us joyful when things are going well.

Even though we all know the common dreams we wish for- dreams of love, success, financial security maybe- everyone has a different purpose. Mine, because I have someone I deeply love and enough success in other parts of my life, is strive for staying healthy as long as I can. I still have so many plans. I want to stay active to travel the places I love. I want to see people I love as often as possible. And I love running, my chosen exercise to get there. 

Why is it good to define your personal why?
Shaping your why into something meaningful and affirmative will help you reinforce what matters most to you in your life. You know yourself best, better than anyone else can. Only you can say what is possible and good for you and how much time you can spare for an activity you want to start or retrieve. Self-awareness is key point in this. Think about the outcome you desire, but also consider how much you want to or have to contribute to others. Be very honest with yourself and the conditions you live in. Please do not forget your emotional wishes, be very mindful of them as they are a most essential part in the endeavour of improving certain situations you would like to change.

We, sometimes, are driven to contravene our own principles because this, to some degree, satisfies the needs of others. Read the last sentence again, please. Try to remember your own needs by asking what it is you love doing. What are you good at? What does the world around you (your family, your friends, your workplace etc.) need from you? Now look at the relations between the answers to those questions. See where they overlap, like in a Venn diagram. Amazing, right? Everything and everyone important to you are in it through the superposition. Examine them, think about them, and try to find alternatives that fulfil all the commitments you have but in a much more positive way. Go from there and find your very own purpose. Keep your definition of it simple, maybe only one or two things you want to start with. Write down a short but powerful statement, one that aligns beautifully with your own internal compass and at the same time is a strong affirmation. Congratulations, this is your why!
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I, for my part, get very motivated when I have a goal that is combined with some fun and travel. Below you see some of the activities I have confirmed to and paid for to participate in. 

London (UK) 25 February 2024
​London Winter Run

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​Ratzeburg (Germany), 16 March 2024
​SeenWeg Ratzeburg

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Birmingham (UK) 5 May 2024
Great Birmingham RUN 

I finished my last running training before the next event. With splendid weather I managed my home course in the village with ease, and I enjoyed it. For the coming days only light exercise, swimming and gymnastics, are on my personal agenda. 
Happy Sunday!

​Boltenhagen (Germany) 8 June 2024
Großer Ostseeweg

So, along with this new approach, you must not forget one thing: You are a masterpiece. Think about this for a moment. Let it sink in. You are a masterpiece. This is very beautiful in itself. But not only that, it is much greater! You are a masterpiece that is never completed until you die. Now  try to remind yourself of your why, have unshakable confidence in yourself, and get out your colours and palette. Start painting and be yourself!