RAK ON: Finding MORE in Your Life

Dr. Rak (“rock”) here.

This week, I'm reflecting on the journey of my friend, Melinda Joyner. Her story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of second chances and the pursuit of one's true purpose, or what Melinda calls our “More”.

Four years ago, our paths crossed at the hospital where we worked. Melinda is a dedicated social worker, and she sought support for her personal health and well-being. I was immediately drawn in by her unwavering motivation and deep commitment to serving others and our shared passion for helping others become the best versions of themselves.

Melinda's early experience as a single teenage mother in Jackson, Mississippi, revealed the power of community support in her journey. Her experiences guided her to become a resource for other single moms in her community. Her conversation about her journey with Po and me on The Health Feast last year revealed her extraordinary resilience and ability to gracefully overcome life’s hurdles.

For a deeper dive into Melinda’s story, don't miss her conversation on The Health Feast podcast! Links down below.

In that conversation, Melinda shared the concept of one's "more" - now a guiding principle in my life. Our "more" is about pursuing what fulfills us, aligning with our unique talents and passions in a way that serves the world. This idea resonates with the Japanese concept of ikigai, which emphasizes finding a balance between what we love, what we're good at, what the world needs, and what sustains us. It's this shared pursuit of fulfilling our "more" that unites us in making a difference.

My "more" lies in practicing Lifestyle Medicine, focusing on empowering others towards healthier living. My work involves sharing knowledge and enabling health transformations, and this aligns closely with Melinda’s impact through her work. As a social worker, her efforts uplift individuals, creating lasting positive changes in their lives and communities.

Beyond her role in the hospital, Melinda's quest for self-discovery and change has led to her latest project, The Gifts of 2nd Chances Podcast. Here, she delves into transformation themes, connecting with those who’ve embraced their second chances for a purposeful life. This initiative extends her journey, encouraging us all to consider the second chances we’ve had or can create.

So let's RAK Our Week by drawing inspiration from Melinda’s story, embracing our second chances, and discovering our "more." Her journey teaches us that our past experiences don't confine us but instead can fuel our future with courage and determination. By committing to our passions and enriching our communities, we embody our deepest values and aspirations, paving new paths of opportunity.

Roots Reflection ??:

• What is your "more" in life, that unique blend of passion, talent, and service that only you can offer the world?

Awareness Action ????:

• Dedicate time each day this week to quietly reflect on your "more." Consider journaling about moments when you felt most alive and fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you helping? How did it align with your inner values? This introspection can help clarify your "more" and guide your future actions.

Kindness Opportunity ??:

• This week, extend kindness by encouraging someone else to pursue their "more." Share a compliment, a resource, or your time to help them take a step toward their passion or goal. Recognize their unique talents and let them know you see their potential. Additionally, show kindness to yourself by acknowledging your progress towards your "more," no matter how small those steps might seem.

RAK ON Live! Dr. Rak’s Weekly Wellness Livestream Every Wednesday at 11AM PST / 2PM EST!

Dive into the world of Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Rak’s weekly livestream focused on lifestyle medicine, behavior change, and mindfulness. Whether you're a seasoned wellness enthusiast or just beginning your journey, these sessions offer valuable insights to enhance your well-being.

Can't join live? Catch up anytime with our post-stream recordings. Watch Live or Recorded on Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn Last week, Dr. Rak discussed How to organize your life - your time and attention- with Joy!

The Health Feast Corner ??

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Episode 08: Finding Your 'More' with Melinda Joyner. Join us as we revisit this enlightening conversation with Melinda Joyner, whose life transformation from a young single mom to an inspiring figure in the community exemplifies the pursuit of one's 'More.' Now a committed Social Worker in San Francisco, Melinda shares insights from her journey, highlighting the power of community support and the pivotal role of personal health evolution. This episode delves into the essence of discovering and living your unique 'More'—a blend of passion, talent, and contribution to the world. Don't miss this compelling exploration of transformation, intention, and realizing true potential. Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotif y | Substack | YouTube

Episode 23: Transforming Chronic Pain. In this episode of The Health Feast, Dr. Rak and Po explore chronic pain's intricate dynamics, emphasizing its realness and the importance of validation. They delve into the brain's role in pain processing, highlighting how psychological and social factors shape one's experience. Discussing modulation techniques like mindset and social support, they provide practical insights and guide listeners through a calming meditation. The episode culminates in a soothing breathing meditation, inviting listeners to embrace mindfulness and breath awareness in nurturing their pain. With empathy and actionable advice, this episode aims to empower listeners on their journey to understanding and addressing chronic pain, ultimately enriching their lives. Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotif y | Substack | YouTube

Thanks for walking this path with me. I always look forward to hearing your stories and insights, so feel free to hit reply or join the RAK ON chat and share a bit of your world. Or pass this message along to someone who could use a boost of Reflection, Awareness, and Kindness in their life.

Live Well and RAK ON,

Dr. Rak ????

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