[Boost Your Self-Esteem] SDGs Start with 'Valuing Yourself'!: A Foreign Minister's Award Winner Shares a Way of Life That Leads to Lasting Happiness

"SDGs are just about social contribution, right? My own happiness comes second..." Do you think that? In reality, the SDGs and personal happiness are closely linked.

Having been involved with sustainability since 2008, I am convinced that "activities that improve society also make you happy yourself, and vice versa."

Self-Introduction

While studying sustainability as a policy at the University of Hawaii Graduate School, I met friends who were having a great time protecting forests, preserving history, and communities protecting water sources. It was very educational, but when I returned to Japan, I felt a sense of doubt about the activities here that were accompanied by a sense of obligation and endurance.

So, I launched a leather goods business called Raffaello, valuing the perspective that "through our products, producers become prosperous, we as sellers can enjoy both decent work and economic growth, and consumers are happy to own them." As a result, I was able to receive the Foreign Minister's Award at the 6th Japan SDGs Awards.
For me, it was about wanting to solve the social issue of starving children right in front of me and pursuing a sense of purpose.

Through this experience, I strongly realized that "SDGs start with valuing your own thoughts rather than following rules set by someone else."

Why SDGs Lead to Personal Happiness

The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are goals for solving global issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental problems, but at the same time, they are a compass for enhancing the well-being of each and every one of us.

Taking action to achieve the SDGs can:

• Boost self-esteem: The realization that you are contributing to society brings confidence and satisfaction.

• Acquire new skills: By challenging yourself with new things, you can expand your potential.

• Deepen connections with people: Meeting people who share the same aspirations eliminates loneliness and becomes emotional support.

• Promote physical and mental health: Spending time in nature or exercising has a positive impact on the health of your mind and body.

• Find your purpose in life: Activities that align with your values give you a reason for living and lead to a fulfilling life.

How to find "your own" happiness:

When you hear "working on the SDGs," it might feel a bit difficult. But there is no need to think about it in a complicated way.

First, let's think about "what you truly value," "what makes your heart excited," and "what you can pour your passion into."

• If you want to live a healthy life...

  • Try to eat a balanced diet.

  • Incorporate regular exercise.

  • Ensure high-quality sleep.

  • Find ways to relieve stress.

• If you enjoy creative activities...

  • Draw pictures or play music.

  • Write essays or start a blog.

  • Try a new hobby.

  • Share your work on social media.

• If you want to cherish connections with others...

  • Spend more time with family and friends.

  • Participate in local volunteer activities.

  • Join an online community.

  • Help people in need.

In this way, let's pursue our own unique happiness based on our values and interests.

Listen to your inner voice:

When we are caught up in the busyness of daily life, we tend to forget to listen to our inner voice.

Sometimes, stop and think,

• What do I enjoy doing the most?

• When do you feel fulfilled?

• What kind of future do you want to envision?

Try asking yourself these questions.

Taking action changes the future:

Following your heart and taking action might require courage.

However, by taking that first step, the future will change significantly. If you cannot think enough about yourself, you will likely not have the capacity to think about the future of society.

Even if you fail, you can learn and grow from it.

My practical examples:

I, too, pursue my own 'authentic' happiness in my daily life.

• Expressing gratitude: Expressing words of thanks to family and friends.

• Spending time in nature and with my cat: Taking walks in the park, going hiking, and cherishing the cat I own.

• Learning new skills: Taking online courses and reading books to record my growth.

• Sharing my thoughts: Sharing my opinions on blogs and social media.

These actions enrich my heart and give me a sense of fulfillment.

Now, why don't you also start SDGs that involve 'valuing yourself' starting today?

Let's be honest with our hearts and pursue happiness.

Your actions have the power to make the world a better place.

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