Dear Reader,

Many people join my newsletter because they are working towards a health goal. Sometimes it's about having more energy, other times it's about simply wanting to feel at peace in their mind and body.

These are great goals, and important goals that I write for and work to support each and every week.

The thing about our health however is that it is not something that changes overnight. This is not a bad thing, but it takes time – and in that process, it’s easy to feel frustrated, confused, tired, and lost. Sometimes that impatience makes us want to give up.

But anyone can find patience with their health goals, and not just tolerate it, but also enjoy the process of self-care.

Before I tell you how though, first let me talk about doors.​

​The Japanese art of fixing things

I was calling my friend in New York, and he was recently describing to me how the door to his porch broke.

It seemed outrageous for a door. I couldn’t understand it, until he went on to explain that while there was only one part to the door that was broken, but when he called for a replacement part, it was no longer made. If he wanted a fixed door, he needed a completely new one.

As a seller, if you don’t bear the social cost of waste, it makes economic sense to encourage buying new things, not fixing old parts. Consequently, buyers begin to focus more on buying, and less on fixing.

Growing up in Japan though, this practice felt so wasteful. Perhaps this mindset comes from a time when Japan was resource-scarce, but growing up I was often taught to appreciate the importance of caring for and repairing what we have.

Many Japanese people have learned to speak of throwing things out as mottainai (勿体無い), or how it’s regretful for something to go to waste. There is the practice of kintsugi (金継ぎ), or the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, to show how treasured ones cups or dishware is. It’s not uncommon for someone to go to a shokunin (職人), or craftsman, to repair their knife, furniture, or jewelry.

In this way, the practice of fixing things is not simply rooted in frugality or thriftiness, it’s seen as principled, and sometimes even beautiful.

There is value in quality, and taking the time to take care of things. It can bring us joy.

Something that deserves your care, love, and patience

I think we can also extend this perspective of care to our bodies and health. To have patience with it as we try to navigate new health journeys, and to find fulfillment in the little steps we take every day to improve it, strengthen it, and feel more confident. It’s an art, not a race.

So let yourself feel proud of the acts you take every day to improve your wellbeing. Whether that be taking a walk, slowing down when you eat, cooking yourself a nourishing meal, or simply taking the time to soak in the sun outside.

Like how you might look after a cherished item, we can offer this perspective to our wellbeing as well.

Because I can think of no other thing that deserves more care, love, and patience than our own health.​

What has your health journey been like so far?​

Warmly,

Kaki

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