Last week, I attended the graduation ceremony for NWTC Law Enforcement Academy students. The class leader gave a speech and asked the graduates to never forget their “why.” I am very happy to be able to get this message across to people entering this difficult field. I also thought it would be appropriate to share some additional thoughts on the importance of “why.” This “why” question is the foundation of our spiritual wellness. Spiritual wellness is one of the more complex elements because it is not as specific or defined as other forms of wellness.
Some people link spiritual health directly to their faith, while others apply it to activities and places that bring them peace and quiet. Each of us may assign to ourselves a specific example of spiritual health, but I would argue that it begins with: It is an awareness of something greater than ourselves. With this in mind, we can start thinking about places and activities that actually make us truly aware of our own vulnerable existence, and more importantly, help us understand our “why.” can do.
This simple three-letter word has incredible power to not only keep ourselves healthy, but to help others do the same. As leaders, we must know our “why” and be able to effectively communicate that “why” to those within our organization. This is many times the difference between a positive work environment and a toxic, dysfunctional workplace. The same is true in our personal lives: people who understand their “why” tend to live lives filled with happiness, contentment, and inner peace.
This “why” cannot be derived from financial gain or high status. It must be derived from the depths of our own being and from the personal character strengths, values and morals that shape us.
Over the past 30 years, I have been asked many times why I chose the field of law enforcement. Of course, it didn’t put me on the Forbes Fortune 500 or give me a lavish lifestyle, but it did allow me to meet essential personal needs. The need to be needed.” I value relationships and the ability to help others. It is as much a part of my physical body as breathing. This is my “why,” and it has been with me long before I became sheriff, and it will continue to be with me long after I am finished. My current role is just a means for me to live my “why”.
There have been many times when this desire has interfered with my family life and violated my personal boundaries, but it is still my driving force to persevere in the face of hardship and hardship. This desire is truly my source of energy.
So why is the “why” important? Because each of us may face pain, conflict, and setbacks in our lives. Applying your “why” to something superficial leaves you empty when you have to dig deep to find the courage and reason not to give up. Our “why” must take precedence over hobbies, possessions, and social events. Because all of this is actually ephemeral. Instead, we must search deep within ourselves for what is truly important to us and where we find both inner peace and outer strength.
So next time you’re around a campfire or visiting with friends, instead of having conversations rooted in nonsense like politics, sports, or gossip, share your own “why” stories. For those raising children, helping them understand the value of spiritual health is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. We need to model the “why” so they can imitate. We do this by sharing stories of challenges, struggles, failures, and perseverance, and by living an example of a balanced life with a solid foundation of spiritual wellness.
