Dear fellow sleep consultants and parents,
I have been consulting families about their children’s sleep for many years. Today, I want to share something close to my heart – how I found meaning in my work and why it matters so much.
Recently, I came across a study from Harvard that looked into what makes life meaningful. To me, the findings felt very personal. They mostly talked about 2 things – find fulfillment in what you do and know that your work makes a difference. It felt like they were describing the exact reasons why I love being a sleep consultant.
This Harvard-led research found that people see meaning in work that impacts others (Prinzing et al., 2021). When I think about the families I have worked with, I know this to be true. Each time a parent thanks me for their first peaceful night in months, I’m reminded of why I do this. And I also know that better sleep means way more than just feeling rested – it also means a calmer home, stronger bonds, and parents who feel capable again.
Staying True to What We Believe
The Harvard research also talked about authenticity – living and working in a way that aligns with your values (Prinzing et al., 2021).
Many of us became sleep consultants because we know what it feels like to be helpless and terribly sleep-deprived. Because we have been there, now we show up for parents not just with advice but with empathy and understanding. Parents trust us with their hopes and fears about one of the most personal parts of their lives. That trust is a privilege. It is what keeps me grounded. It also reminds me to approach every family with care and respect.
Finding Meaning Together
Whether you are a parent reading this or a fellow sleep consultant, I hope you see the deeper purpose in what we do. Every baby who sleeps better because of our help, every parent who feels supported and heard – that is where the meaning is.
Thank you for the trust you place in us and the shared mission of helping children and their families.
And now, as I wrap up my thoughts, I want to share something that many years ago helped me find my way. This is one of my most favorite TED talks on life meaning and purpose – “There’s More to Life Than Being Happy” by Emily Esfahani Smith.
In this video, Emily talks about how meaning is different from happiness. She explains how things like purpose, connection, and helping others can give life meaning. When I first watched it, something clicked. It helped me see how I can live in a way that feels right to me.
If you are looking for clarity or just a little inspiration, I think you will find her words as helpful as I did. To me, this is one of those talks that stays with you.
References
Prinzing, M., De Freitas, J., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2021). The Ordinary Concept of a Meaningful Life: The Role of Subjective and Objective Factors in Third-Person Attributions of Meaning. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 17(5), 639–654. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2021.1897866
Smith EE. There’s more to life than being happy. TED Talks.