“Head up, heart open. To better days!”
— T.F. Hodge
This article was inspired by a short email we received this morning from a new course student:
Dear Marc and Angel,
There’s so much I still want to create and foster in my life, and yet I feel utterly beaten down. I feel like I have nothing left to work with. I’ve been through a lot on my journey thus far, and I’m now at a point where I’ve lost all my motivation – I just can’t seem to find the external and internal sources of motivation I used to have. Do you have any wisdom you could share?
Sincerely,
A Discouraged Student
Our reply (an open reply to all who have lost their motivation):
Dear Discouraged Student,
It’s time for a quick story about life…
Once upon a time there was a woman in her mid sixties who noticed that she had lived her entire life in the same small town. And although she had spent decades enthusiastically dreaming about traveling and seeing the world, she had never taken a single step to make this dream a reality.
Finally, she woke up on the morning of her 65th birthday and decided that now was the time! She sold all of her possessions except for some essential items she needed, packed these items into a backpack, and began her journey out into the world. The first several days on the road were amazing and filled with awe – with every step forward she felt like she was finally living the life she had dreamed.
But a few short weeks later, the days on the road started taking a toll on her. She felt misplaced and she missed the familiar comforts of her old life. As her feet and legs grew more and more sore with each new step, her mood also took a turn for the worse.
Eventually she stopped walking, took off her backpack, slammed it on the ground, and sat down beside it as tears began streaming down her cheeks. She stared hopelessly down a long winding road that once led to an amazing world, but now seemed to lead only to discomfort and unhappiness. “I have nothing! I have nothing left in my life!” she shouted out loud at the top of her lungs.
Coincidentally, a renowned guru and life adviser from a nearby village was resting quietly behind a pine tree adjacent to where the woman was sitting. When the woman began shouting, the guru heard every word and he felt it was his duty to help her. Without thinking twice he jumped out from behind the pine tree, grabbed her backpack, and ran into the forest that lined both sides of the road. Stunned and in complete disbelief, the woman started crying even harder than before, to the point of near breathlessness.
“That backpack was all I had,” she cried.” And now it’s gone! Now everything is gone in my life!”
After about ten minutes of much-needed tears, the woman gradually collected her emotions, stood up again and began staggering slowly down the road. Meanwhile the guru cut through the forest and secretly placed the backpack in the middle of the road just a short distance ahead of the woman.
When the woman’s teary eyes fell upon the backpack, she almost couldn’t believe what she was seeing – everything she thought she had just lost was once again right in front of her. She couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. “Oh, thank heavens!” the woman exclaimed. “I am so grateful! Now I definitely have what I need to continue onward…”
REMEMBER:
As we journey through our personal and professional lives, there will inevitably be periods of incredible frustration and despair. During those tough times, it will sometimes appear to us that we’ve lost everything, and that nothing and nobody could possibly motivate us to move onward in the direction of our dreams. But just like the woman who stumbled across the guru, we are all holding with us a backpack of support that comes in many forms – it can be a simple email or text message from someone we respect, inspiring blog posts, insightful books, helpful neighbors, and so much more.
When we are feeling discouraged and demotivated, our opportunity is twofold:
- To recognize and appreciate our backpack of support – our external sources of motivation – before a random guru (or someone with far more crooked intentions) has to steal it from us so that we can finally see what we have always taken for granted.
- To be present and tap into our own hearts and minds – our internal sources of motivation – which have the power to push us back up on our feet and guide us down the road to our backpack of support, even when it appears to be lost forever.
No matter your circumstances, you always have what you need to take the next smallest step.
As Epicurus so profoundly said, “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
Be mindful. Be present.
Keep going.
Sincerely,
Marc and Angel
Your turn…
Please leave a comment below and let us know:
What’s one source of motivation you typically turn to when you need it most?
Anything else to share?
We would love to hear from YOU. 🙂
Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Photo by: Patty Maher
Mara says
Thank you for this letter, Marc and Angel. It’s a wonderful response to a very real and present struggle many of us go through daily.
Even when times are hard and I’ve lost my motivation, or when I’m simply struggling to make the slightest progress on a meaningful goal, my #1 strategy is to stop myself from worrying and complaining too much. I just do the best I can, one small step at a time as you say. This is probably the most important idea I’ve picked up from your course and coaching (although there are many) – it’s a strategy I use almost every single day.
Also, I try to keep this quote from your book in mind also: “Worry will not drain tomorrow of its troubles, it will merely drain you of your strength today.”
Johwondine says
That was beautiful and spoken to me directly. I’ve always dreamed big, the downside is that if you’re not careful every day is a failure. Lately, I’ve gotten tired and don’t even know how to show my children to live the lives they’ve imagined. … Yes, I am today somewhere I once longed to be. Big decisions are a bit harder to make with 5 children in tow but it is so important to find my drive and keep him.
Peggy says
When my husband of 31 years choose to leave our marriage with a younger woman and found out the courts don’t care about infidelity, I felt broken in more ways then one. But I was determined this was not going to break me and knew getting back to my Lord would be my strength. He is my strength and the others in the church and their prayers for me I can feel are making a difference in my life. Some days are very difficult, but put one foot in front of the other every day; no matter what. And smile every morning it will make you feel better even when you don’t feel great and people will treat you a bit better too. Keep working at it, keep asking for the peace of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Know there is always someone who cares, even when they all seem too busy for you. God bless and may His grace surround you and help you through whatever you are going through. Every tomorrow is a new slate to begin over if necessary. Smile 🙂
Marc Chernoff says
Mara, it’s truly inspiring to hear that Angel and I have been able to assist. Keep taking those small steps.
And of course, thank you for supporting our work.
Christian Meadows says
I agree with Mara, this post is a great one! Extremely needed. Lately I have been just like your discouraged student in many ways, as I’m going through a period in my business life where nothing seems to be going as planned. I feel demotivated almost every day, and the vast divide between where I am presently and where I want to be is killing me inside, but posts like this and books like yours give me hope and help push me forward one step at a time. Thank you as always for everything you do.
Jean Larson says
I absolutely love when your blog’s emails hit my inbox right when I need to read them most. Your work is always something I know I can turn to for motivation when I need it most. 🙂
pamela says
I agree! the universe is special like this!!
Marc Chernoff says
Thank you for the kindness, Jean.
And “thank you” to everyone who has shown us the same kindness. I’m happy this short post resonated with so many people.
Rose Costas says
Thanks for this awesome reminder! As the new year continues to unfold I know I tend to look at what I have achieved over the past year and most times I am disappointed. The good thing this is a new year and once again life has given me a brand new slate to carve out my life and what I want to achieve. I love life and one of the reasons life is so fascinating to me is every day I believe I get another change to go after my dreams. When life becomes difficult I look forward to a new day and what that new days brings.
This will be a great year for me. I am excited and eager to face life and what it has in store. I have sent too many of my years in fear of the unknown. Now I eagerly anticipate everything and fears nothing.
Thanks gain for the encouragement.
Aysha says
This post made me smile. I’ve hit a point in my life where I am feeling numb, demotivated and stuck! Stuck in a toxic relationship that drains the life out of me. Stuck in a cycle of work and responsibilities of bringing up 3 children almost single-handedly. I have no energy for anything except just getting through one day at a time. Future dreams and ambitions are a blur: a thousand miles from ever becoming a reality. It’s all got to such a point that I no longer know what it is to be truly happy. I know things have to change, but it requires strength and determination- none of which I have in abundance.
Reading your article gave me hope. This morning, I will spend some time looking at what I have in my ‘bag of support’. I already know that I have a great set of friends (whom I hardly see due to long hours at work). Now to try and remember the dreams I once had: the ones I sacrificed for a man who has only brought me tears and pain.
Marc and Angel, I can’t thank you enough for your articles. I turn to your site often just to get away from things. Just writing this has made me realise that you are indeed in my ‘bag of support’. I feel so grateful that you write these amazing articles which have such a positive impact on my life (and lives of others).
This morning, I woke up with a little more sense of determination to make changes. I hope I have the strength to get rid of the toxic relationship in my life and to work through what it is that holds me there hostage even though it brings me so much pain and turbulence. One day…One day…I’ll come here and say, “I did it. I took the poison and manipulation out of my life and I’m happy again. I finally know what it is to be happy.”
I guess ultimately that is my dream. To experience true happiness.
Thank you for being part of my backpack of support.
Chaya says
I feel like how you feel … I don’t have 3 kids or a toxic relationship but my relationship of 2 years ended and I have no reasons why! Neither of us cheated, we both gave our 100% and one morning my world came crushing down. I am 38 and he is 44, this relationship was my all … I am trying to pick up the pieces and move on again, I am trying to find trust again but I feel that all has been shattered …. All I ever wanted was to be loved and to love, to be happy and to give happiness, for loyalty and stability.
I’ve often read and heard that happiness comes from within, that one should love oneself first …. I do have happiness within and I do love myself …. I met my BF at a time when I was nothing but happy, when I loved myself and the world around me … I attracted our relationship through the universe and it truly was an amazing relationship. It’s been just over a month and I haven’t been able to tell some people (except close family and friends) our relationship has ended cause I am so ashamed. I had placed this relationship on a pedestal, everyone knew how blessed I was.
Maybe one day I too will wake up to a realization that happiness is out there … That I am free from betrayal and trust issues, that I am loved with loyalty and stability again.
Thanks to you and Marc & Angel for my bag of support. Your post encouraged me – I hope to be as determined as you to make a change.
Gigi says
Aysha, I too feel much of what you do…..no motivation, no energy and plenty tired. I have 2 jobs — one ends at 5pm and the night job starts at 6pm …all day Sunday. I have no hope, faith or belief that it will change or get better.
Carmen says
Thank you so much for the encouraging message you put out. I purchased your book awhile back and I read it from time to time when I’m feeling discouraged or unmotivated, and it helps me. I still deal with these issues but I always pull through with my faith and these inspiring story you and Angel share with all of us, so thank you ?
Maia says
I needed to read this post. And I couldn’t agree more with Jean Larson too. For almost two months now I’m feeling so hopeless every morning I wake up… So many bad things happened to me right after the New year. And I know I am my own best motivation and also my worst enemy when going down this negative spiral with my thoughts.. But this article really touched me. I just cried because of your paragraph about how we shouldn’t take for granted what we (still) DO have. Yes, I agree… Focusing on what we have in these tough times is crucial. Thanks for reminding me on that! Because I do have such a great support from my friends, they really care and try to motivate me. But in the end… its me, who has to motivate myself really. And it so hard to do that right now. When I think that I’m alright, I will get through, but then in the night its the worst time for me.. and the mornings when I think about the love of my life who unexpectedly walked away with somebody else after 15 years together… It hurts so bad.
But after almost two months now I realize that somehow I have to accept the reality.. Accept that he loves me, but not anymore in the way I love him… And so many things on my mind.. Sometimes I really fall in that pitty feelings for myself, ughh don’t like that, not in my nature, but I admit I do… and I look at my family wich is torn apart by alcoholism, i watch my mum suffer and my brother doing all the wrong choices and I feel sorry for myself.. Cause i would really love to have a home to go to, to cry and feel safe. But I don’t. And then I always come to conclusion, I have to somehow pick up myself up, so my mum will at least have something in her life she will feel proud of.. or that she will feel she didn’t completely screwed up in the past (mine and my brothers childhood).. but then, in the edn..I remember all the things you write and really resonate with me… and then I know, I guess the only smart thing is to do things for myself, to believe in me. But its so hard…
I really don’t know what to think anymore or what my motivation is. But I will keep reminding myself on this strategy of doing one little step at a time. And I really like the Epicurus quote/thought, I’m gonna write it down and put it on my motivational-board 😉 Thank u guys, thanks for all your posts, I really love you!! 😉
Trey zLittlejohns says
I love your posts, and I send them to my loved ones.
Nancy says
This post has come at the perfect time. I’ve been trying to encourage a friend who is going through a very rough patch right now. She courageously has gone back to college full time at age 50 to pursue her dreams and is questioning her decision to do so. I have forwarded this to her in hopes it will motivate her as it has me. Thank you.
Maureen says
This post is a great one…I am moved by it… GOD BLESS YOU… keep it up!
Debra Dixon says
Each email I read from you website inspires me to think and live life with more gratitude and love.
Thank Marc and Angel, you are doing great work!
Kathy says
Beautiful letter – filled with wisdom.
When I am feeling defeated, demotivated, etc., I focus on GRATITUDE. It turns things around magically and instantly.
eyiuche says
Yes! Thanks for sharing your wisdom at all times. This will help pick me up because I really need some serious motivation right now.
Abbott Temple says
This is just the kind of letter I needed right now. Thank you so much.
Les says
This post has great meaning for me.. I was given unpleasant news over a year ago.. News that made me question the reason ( or need) for my very existence, and my depression has become a chronic weight that I carry even though I appear to function. I have lost faith and trust in the one that should hold most dear and I have lost hope… I have lost hope in my dreams for the future. My life is past the halfway mark and as I look back on it all I see is mediocrity and outright failures.. Yes, I have accomplished some things ( college degrees,etc) but now have no faith in my abilities.. I used to be able to say that I may not be a bright flash, but could plod forever, but now I feel as if I am walking in deep sand… Essentially in place while my remaining time ticks by… I know that I have much that I can be grateful for, and try to remind myself daily, but they are just words without the conviction to back them up.. I look forward to your posts daily because they always seem to touch on what is uppermost in my mind for that day.. I WILL get through this… one plodding step at a time..
April Angell says
This story is more real than people realize. For those of you that have been through a separation/divorce…you know what I’m about ready to say. What you once knew of your life of 13 years…suddenly ends when your spouse walks out on you. With no explanation and many unanswered questions, you know you are about to go down a very scary road with unknowns and wonder if you will ever see light at the end of the tunnel or a train! I can promise you the road ahead will lead you into a life of new beginnings and you will learn with time that God let this happen for a reason. Sometimes you have to lose everything to bring you back to the basics. Its amazing how much you learn about yourself as you are healing and becoming the new you! This story can be used for so many parts of our life. I’m truly blessed to be who I am today. The key is to NOT give up. There truly is light at the end of the tunnel.
agnes phiri says
WOW this was on time for me….Thanks a million.
Kris says
Wow, thanks so much for a great lesson. I’ve been struggling so much the last few days that this was exactly what I needed. I know the letter wasn’t to me personally, but it sure came at the right time. Thanks for putting my backpack out in front of me 🙂
Tamrat says
Dear Marc and Angel,
I can’t agree more with your answer to the question. We all have something in our back back to be thankful. When my wife sometimes get upset or complain, I always tell her how lucky we are, we got a house, we are blessed with two beautiful children (a boy and a girl), we both work and make decent income, etc.
As in your story, if there is something inside us we really want to do the time is “NOW”. About 5 years ago, I finally did something that I dreamed all my life; riding a motorcycle. In 2010, I was telling my co worker how I have always wanted to ride a motorcycle, he just looked at me and asked me ” why don’t you just go now to the ministry and do the test and get your learner’s permit. Believe it or not, I went right that minute, did the test and got my learner’s permit. A few weeks later I bought a Honda Shadow with 1100 CC, and then a couple years later I upgraded to a Goldwing GL1800. In my case there are a million things I should be thankful for, but this doesn’t mean that I got everything, I still owe a lot of money on my mortgage, CC debt, and many more things; but I try to focus on what I HAVE.
Thanks for all your inspiring articles. You guys are amazing.
Marie Conklin says
I too have had a very hard row to hoe in life, but when I look at the promises of God in His Word, I have learned to use my faith to ride the tide. Because I have learned that He is faithful to His Word, I can trust that I am not alone, and He is my provider. That is not to say bad things will not happen in life, but He will see me thru. Beautiful story and I have seen it many times in my life, where gratitude was/is a mighty force of inner transformation.
Nora says
Am grateful for the tools of gratitude inquiry etc. Once upon a time e I felt so similar to the writer of the letter and can only say life got better one step and one day at a time. So many things and people have he,lped me along the way. Am reminded of this wisdom that sometimes I am “trudging the road to happy destiny” and need to remind myself to enjoy the journey along the way. For me that requires mental discipline and using the little things like gratitude along the way.
xnavygal says
Great read as always, thank you M&A. There are several sources I turn to for motivation, however, I must keep a running dialog with my “Higher Power”. I am great at procrastination, fear, auto-defense etc…I write a gratitude list (1-20 or A-Z), try and stick to the FACTS~{Forget the past, Accept your mistakes, Cry and move on, Think gratefully, Smile Always}. I also remind myself,..”If you want what you’ve never had, you must do what you’ve never done”. Stay in the Moment, Take Action {{any change to improve one’s nature}}, Thoughts without actions are daydreams, actions without thoughts are nightmares! Let It Go…instead of hanging on thinking “my life depends on it”, It’s imperative to let it go BECAUSE “my life depends on it”. Finally, give yourself a break. Keep HOPE alive {{Hang On Pain Ends}}. I try my best and it can be really tough, to enjoy my journey because I know it’s my choices not circumstances that determine my success. ~Selah~ _/l\_
Chizoba says
You know what? My backpacks are:
Gratitude
You guys
My bible
My great friends.
I see my glass each time half full and never half empty. A nigerian ibo proverb says “nkemjika” meaning: what I have is worth more than what I don’t have.
Thanks so much for your pretty articles.
Pam says
Thank you. I am that women now in her sixties … I made the realization when I was forty eight, when my children were heading out on their own.
If I ever even come close to discouragement, or more likely, the thoughts that time is running out, I look back to the pain of longing, denial, and incongruency I lived before I emptied my existing backpack. I put back in what I carefully selected for moving to what I now allow for myself – which includes a revived, ever-evolving forward-focused career. It includes my husband, father of my children. I made a decision to stop “stinking thinking”, including the pain of living the incongruency to make others happy (or, so I was convinced). I took a huge leap of faith, and now I take baby steps. I now know the baby steps move me on my journey, even if zig-zaggy! Time is time. I am moving, my shoulders are back and my chest is up. For me, the slouch wasn’t helping. I am grateful for the people who helped me get from there to here. I learned to ask for this support. And that was the biggest step of all. Best to all, with love and caring.
Diane says
Thank you Marc and Angel! I really appreciate your daily words of encouragement and especially this one today since I’m on the downhill slide to 63!!
After 33 years of marriage my ex walked out on me and the divorce went through the day before my 60th birthday. Even after 5 years, I still feel displaced and at a loss sometimes of what I want to do and be when I grow up, but I’ve been working very diligently on my optimism and rebuilding a life that suits me. However, I do have many people to thank for their support and encouragement along my journey.
One thing that is currently motivating me is that spring is on its way after this long, cold winter! Sunshine and flowers really boost my emotional mood so I’m going to spend as much time as possible outside and be grateful for the beauty of nature where I live.
Rich says
Thank you for sharing. I want to say hang in there but it’s risky. I don’t want to sound simple. Be strong and I believe you are based on the words you already shared.
Lisa says
This post was my lost backpack.
CJ says
Mine too.
Boniswa Jonas says
Thanks for the ever great messages. I am not sure how much you know and understand the impact this blog has in our lives. I have been reading them for the past 3 years and it’s amazing how much I have grown and become strong as a person. I keep referring to them whenever life make me smile not struck me down. It’s even more appropriate when I am am happy as I learn a lot and be empowered in the process. I have subscribed most of my backpack and they so much enjoying them.
It’s amazing to have such a wonderful backpack in life.
Fear is s thing of the past ???
Ava Philippus says
When I saw this title today, I nearly flipped, for I was just thinking the same thing this morning. I find it very difficult to use my internal resources to motivate me. Perhaps that is a matter of meditation practice?
Question: I have a pattern that whenever I become ‘comfortable’ with where I’m working/what I’m doing, then I cease being excited by it and feel I should find something new and ‘push’ myself. Is this a good thing, or a negative thing? Can you talk more about it?
Happiness says
I am so glad I read this article today.
Recently, I have been hovering between feelings. Sometimes, I feel great and strong and able to face life with all certainty but somtimes I feel like the whole world is on me and I can’t help it. I am a student. Schooling has not been easy in terms of finance. During our last holiday, my laptop and my phone was stolen.
I can’t remember the last time anybody gave me money for clothes. I try to help myself but I do not want to do it the wrong way. I have told myself that I will not sell myself or indulge in sin just to make ends meet.
I got another laptop but the battery runs down quickly, it can’ t hold up for long as it supposed to! I have not replaced the phone because I do not have the means to and now the laptop is disturbing.
I find it difficult to talk to anyone about certain things because am very self-conscious and highly sensitive… that’s part of the uncomfortable part of introvercy.
I get motivated by hymns, christian songs and of course your articles. The Bible is very helpful, verses like 1Cor. 10:13; Rom. 8:26. Jonah 2:7; Rom. 8:19. etc.
Sometimes when I can’ t help it, I just remember all the things I have and hoe far He has brought ne and I am just grateful. I try not to take certain things and people for granted.
Sometimes, I feel like being alone and thinking. The feeling can continue for days. It gives me lots of energy and then I can feel like being around people again…
In all, Thanks for your post and keep it up.
Rich says
Thank you for this post! I got my backpack. My family, Etc. I am so blessed to have this life. I need to get ready to take my next step.
Seema K R says
Very nice article , in fact these articles are one back pack I have when I need the motivation 🙂 Thank You for such nice articles, keep going
Vishal Kataria says
Pain. It’s not what I turn to for motivation Marc, but it helps me get out of my comfort zone. Feeling angry is one thing – it makes us sulk and plot revenge. But feeling pained is another. I have experienced mental pain to the levels of wanting to pull my heart out. I’ve sobbed, asking God why He is doing this to me. But each time, the person who emerged is stronger and has taken the path that I otherwise was avoiding.
Then when I read Rumi’s quote – The wound is where the light enters you – it all made sense.
Thanks for this lovely post.
Yvonne says
Wonderful, inspiring and uplifting post! Thank you so much for reminding me what I already know but sometimes fail to practice!
Also, the many words of wisdom from your readers are also very welcome and a source of great encouragement. The advice that comes to my mind is ‘do what you can, with what you have, right where you are’!
Have a fantastic week. ?
Faisal Shahzad says
Dear Marc and Angel,
You people are incredible. No doubt, I am not first one who wrote these words for you, you guys are really Angels on earth. Your continuous writing, and content sketching gives new hope and strengthen many hearts to fight whatever the circumstances and move forward.
Thank You
Deb Weaver says
Thanks so much for your well-timed messages.
As I get older (that in itself is a gift), I feel the need to maintain a life “balance”, as I seek to make the most of what life has to offer, even as I discern what would be my “best pathway”.
Your blog provides much food for thought, helping me to reflect on my current situation, and plan for my future.
Namaste’
Rebekah | More Radiance says
Wow, talk about a change in perspective! What a thought-provoking story.
The things in my life that I take for granted would be…
God and His amazing grace
My Bible
My family and friends
My pastor and church
Good books
My blog
Really, with God and His Word -plus all the blessings He has given me… I really don’t “need” anything else!
Rebekah Joy
moreradiance.com
E.Thomas says
Excellent reading! We all go through so many different things in life! Myself, I have a big heart I give and when I love, I love.. I was married for 27yrs… my husband passed in 2012 .. I stood by his side before he passed and he told me he still loved his ex-wife and was in love with her… My Goodness It Hurt So Bad.. One Day My True Love Will Come Along!! There is someone who I love very much.. From My Past… he treats me very well.. He needs to get himself together a little more though. I’m happy for now.
Saundra says
I think gratitude is the attitude that brings the best in life to you; if I remember to practice a gratitude ritual, I find it keeps me mindful of the wonderful people and things that I currently have in my life and yes, sometimes when my clients have sucked me dry I don’t feel so gracious. When I feel ungracious I know it is time to unplug and get a massage or take a slow walk through the forest; doing things that refill me that I have denied myself due to time constraints or whatever, seems to kick the gratitude back into me somehow. Taking time for me, and just me, helps me feel the love again.
Thanks for your reminders!
Namaste,
Saundra
Michael Todd Gwin says
Thanks Marc, for another great story. I always love hearing your stories.
Yolande says
I’m glad I stopped to read this today. I’ve been feeling really let down by my support sources lately. Trust you to know what to say. Thank you.
S says
Thank you.
A great story .
Very helpful
Aysha says
Gigi and Chaya, Feel for you both. We are all battling away in our own worlds, but it’s nice to know that there is solidarity in our problems. One of the ways I benefit through this blog is by reading the comments people leave which helps me to realise I’m not all alone in all this. I wish there was a forum to converse and share.
Gigi, please believe that it won’t remain like this forever. Nothing lasts: the good or the bad. It’should the one thought that keeps me going. Sometimes you can only get through an hour at a time, or a day at a time. Look after yourself.
Chaya, heartbreaks can be so painful. A few years ago, I remember separating from my husband and it felt like the end of the world. I thought life would just stop. Then, slowly, I made small changes in my life. Little by little, the pain eased up and I made a life for myself. However, I allowed him back into my life believing and hoping that things will be good like they once we’re many years ago. It was probably wasn’t the best decision, but I forgive quickly. Now, I wish I could get my peace again! I understand the saying ‘Be careful what you wish for’….sometimes what we want is not good for us.
Take this opportunity to do something different. I made a list of 20 thinfs I wanted to do. Everything from working with orphans, learning to ride a bike, learning a new language and climbing a mountain! I’ve ticked off a few of those!
Don’t make a person the whole focus of your life. I did and I’ve paid highly for it. But I don’t regret things. I’ve realised it’s those very negative experiences that have helped me become who I am.
Sugandha says
Dear Marc and Angel,
I am a believer and I found your articles when I was looking for answers.. Everything I read here made sense…sometimes I knew those things already…
Today when I read this open letter for motivation …. I felt a calm spread through me.
I really appreciate all that you guys are doing.
Blessed be
Sugandha
Pao Alfonso says
Motivation is something you replenish everyday. It is not something you put up at the beginning only and leave as is. There will be days you will feel down and pushed to your limits, but you have to keep your eyes on the goal. Nothing comes easy and hardships and difficulties are there to test how bad we want it. Go slowly if you want, just don’t stop. With all of these, you grow and become the best version of yourself, capable of reaching the goal you set in the very beginning. Keep moving! Enjoy the journey! 🙂
Ishita says
Hi!
Somehow, whenever I come visit this blog I find exactly what I need to hear as the first blog I see! Thank you so much! This really made my so called frustrating day better.
Terra says
I turn to the Bible, online devotions, and blogs like this. There are some broadcasts that I watch as well, but when I need a great laugh, I can never go wrong with Family Feud and The Golden Girls. Thank you for this post, because while I’m not totally unmotivated to live out my dreams and goals, I do have moments where the PUSH is needed or something comes to remind me of HOW MUCH I already have and I’m equipped to have sooo much more, and not just materialistically. I’m so grateful and thankful for the life I have, regardless of what I think is should have happened by now or should be happening now; Life and God is Good.
Boks says
Thank you.
Joyce says
Thank you so much for this post. I’ve had several setbacks in the last year, and over time I lost the momentum, drive and energy to do the things I initially wanted to do – start my business, and go to design school. Today, my backpack came in the form of a message from an old friend who wanted to know how my business was coming along. And 2 hours later I came across this post. I’ve been drifting for too long, and it’s time to get down to business!
Dave | Welcome Presence says
Oh wow, that story made me smile. Such a great message in this post, and I’m jotting down the backpack story so when things get tough I’ll never forget what I already have. Thanks!
Neds says
cried while reading this. 🙁