This is one of the most important steps in any health journey. Making big changes – even if they’re for the greater good – can be very difficult. It’s easy to feel discouraged when challenges arise, but by understanding and connecting to the vision you have for your future, you can much more easily move through those moments that threaten to derail your progress.

If you’re reading this now, you’ve probably decided that something needs to change in your life. Most likely it involves healing your body, but it may also be that other parts of your life – mental, spiritual, relationships, etc. – need healing, too.

So here’s the fun part: imagine yourself in three months, a year, even five years! You’ve achieved your health and life goals. What do you look like? How do you feel? How do you act towards others? What are your relationships like? What are your favourite activities? And how are you being of service to others?

Often, people who are starting out on a new path towards health don’t consider that last question. But the truth is that we’re all here on Earth for a purpose, and I believe that through holistic healing we can truly align ourselves with that purpose and bring our genius and passion to the world.

Right now, your health challenges may be holding you back from living your purpose, but as those challenges fall away you will rediscover your true self and live that purpose with joy.

So take a few moments now to create a clear mental picture of that person living his/her best life. You can even jot down some notes or make a drawing to remind yourself of that vision.

If you’re a visual person, you can make up a vision board or post little pictures around your home that remind you of your future self.

Come back to that vision whenever you’re feeling down, deprived, frustrated, or challenged along the way. And remember that even when setbacks happen (which they almost inevitably will), you’re still working your way towards that beautiful vision of yourself.

And now when you ask yourself WHY you’re making all these changes, you have the perfect answer. You’re doing it for your future self and the beautiful life you’re creating together.