“Head up, heart open. To better days!”
— T.F. Hodge
Struggling to find your motivation? Feeling unsure about the next steps?
There are just a few things you need to know right now.
This quick read is for YOU…
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 roughly 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…”
Sometimes we need a healthy wake-up call.
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 DM or text message from someone we respect, inspiring blog posts, insightful books, helpful neighbors, supportive communities, and so much more.
When the going gets tough — when we’re losing our motivation and feeling completely unsure of everything — we need to wake ourselves up and remember…
- To trust the journey, even when we do not understand it.
- To accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in the road ahead.
- To start exactly where we are, use what we have, and do what we can, one step at a time.
- To look for the blessings hidden in every struggle we face, and be willing to open our hearts and minds to them.
- To recognize our backpack of support — our external sources of hope and 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 hope and 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.
- To laugh at the confusion, live consciously in the moment, and appreciate the lessons found at each twist and turn.
- To not compare our progress with that of others, and accept that we all need our own time to travel our own distance.
- To see how many of the things we never wanted or expected ultimately turn out to be what we need.
- To be OK with not ending up exactly where we intended to go, while opening ourselves up to the possibility of eventually arriving precisely in the right place at the right time.
Bottom line:
If you are struggling right now, you’ve got this!
No matter your circumstances, you always have what you need to take the next smallest step.
Or 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, one day at a time, one small step at a time.
It’s your turn…
Please leave a comment below and let us know:
What’s one source of hope, motivation, or gratitude you typically turn to when you need it most?
Anything else to share about this essay?
Angel and I would love to hear from YOU. Your feedback is important to us. 🙂
Finally, 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.
Cynthia says
I was just sent this article by someone I often turn to in times of struggle, or when I’m in a bewildered state. I thanked him for this new tool for my tool box. It turned out to be a whole backpack of enlightenment. The name of the woman in that story, in my life, is Cynthia — me. She is a work in progress. Thank you for sharing such support.
Cynthia Moore says
Hi Cynthia! My name is Cynthia too. I saw my name listed and thought did I write that and forget that I wrote it?…could have been me. I felt the same and wish you luck finding that moment to start fresh and change perspective on life. Maybe it’s now for you…and me? Happy times ahead! 🙂 ~Cynthia
Bb says
I’m a 62 yr old woman who was divorced after 30 yrs of marriage. After a second relationship with a man for 10 yrs, it’s time for me to move on and im feeling stuck. Thank you for this. It’s exactly what I needed now.
Petra Gills says
There you go again, Marc and Angel, dropping a new article link in my email right when I needed to some perspective. I feel like one is such a great highlight of what I’ve learned from your blog and book over the past year. Thank you!
And to answer your question about what I turn to on down days when I need an extra push…simple reminders like:
1. “This too shall pass.”
2. And of course, articles like this one.
di says
Thank you. Your letters are unfailingly inspiring. One particular sentence really hit home for me. I am at present almost decided to sell my house (downsizing) from the house in the city where I currently live. For a long time I wanted to live in this space more than anything else in the world. There’s a lot of other things; it’s been a city where I’ve ‘lived the dream’, working at a university and having a full life. Circumstances changed and at 74 I’ve just been divorced for the third time. Although I still have my house the city is so full of memories – and the house too – that I feel I have moved on. My life has been rich and I have travelled, but the urge to start afresh – to move closer to my family is really strong. I always vowed I’d never move to be close to either of my children. I feared being too dependent on them. It’s really such a difficult situation, but your letter made me think slightly differently. I just don’t quite know what to do. But I think that’s okay.
Alice says
I, too, am 74. Trying to figure out how to move forward when my dreams are coming to an end. I had an amazing job where I was revered. I raised two amazing independent children. I started a second career as an oboist and have made amazing strides in playing with professional orchestras. Maybe not as far as I would have liked to have come but amazing for my age. As my second (or is it third?) career winds down, I find myself without a dream to reach for, I have done all the things that were important to my life. Now I am unmotivated. And stuck. Such a wonderful and full life but what to do when you have reached the summit. I need a plan.
Dorothy says
This is a very good advise and have enjoyed reading it. The heart is very deceiptive and wantd what we do not have. i will always remember this. What ever i have now is what i had hoped for and God provided
Thomas M says
My road and journey has definitely been an eventful one. 20 years ago I was basically homeless and crashing at my cousin’s house. With each step forward each day I’ve come to own a home and married to the greatest woman ever! I enjoy reading your books and the daily emails I receive. My bag of support has certainly gotten me though, and this log is in that bag.
Jamie says
I love what you said about being present and looking at what you have rather than what you don’t have. And I also like how you mentioned that we have everything we need to take the next step forward, and that it must be accomplished one small step at a time. Honestly, this is what your Getting Back to Happy lessons and coaching have helped me with most. In the past I’ve been a slave to my own negativity and self-limiting actions. In fact I’ve literally behaved just like the woman in the opening story of this post. I’ve held myself back simply by telling myself it’s not going to work, or that I’m not good enough because of some past failure or rejection. Thus, I appreciate these reminders today. I’ve come a long way! And it feels good to see the progress firsthand.
And M&A, your work is often the source I turn to most frequently when I meed an extra push in the right direction. Love your emails and books. Thank you.
KJ says
Thank you! This quote from Epicurus is absolutely everything to me today: “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.”
Don Wickersham says
At 72, I sky dived and had a role in a play when I never acted before and the next play, 9-5 ,I was honored with the lead role! After our first script reading, I had to drop out, to support my wife in her dementia journey. Even this I am grateful for because it gives me new passion to be the best caregiver and focus on a loved one besides seeking another accomplishment for myself. Softball and umping will be put aside to attend to her needs. Everyday is a new challenge with the support of wonderful people in sun city huntley. Get up, dress up, show up and do not give up!!
Mia Jones says
God bless you for your love and support for your wife. Thank you for sharing on trying new things in your life. I’m 68 y.o. and find myself at a crossroads on what my next direction is. Your sharing is inspiring on many levels…Mia J.
Faye C. says
My husband and I recently retired, sold our home in Wisconsin and moved to Arizona. We took a minimal amount of things and gave away the rest to our kids and donated for good causes.
It’s been a year now and I’m having problems with anxiety and depression and questioning why I ever left the familiar. I question myself every day but promised my husband (and myself) to give this new move a chance.
I’m having problems leaving my house (for the first time in my life) just to go out to eat.
I have been reading your writings for a couple weeks now which really resonate with me. I’m getting ready to go out to eat as we speak, my heart is pounding, BUT I can do this after reading your writing today especially!
Thank You!
Faye C.
Jamie says
Wow, again, I needed this article.like others I’ve read of yours. The past 4 years for me have been a huge journey, a struggle and a blessing. When times are rough and uncertain for me, as they are now, what I do honestly, is talk to my mom who passed in 2021. In fact I visit her every Sunday and even then I ask her to send me signs that everything is going to be ok and the path I’m headed down is where I need to go. I sometimes feel like there have been huge bumps in the road for me but I have to remember that I will grow from this, I will learn from this. This, where I’m at now in my life is not my final destination.
Lee Ann says
The entire first part of the story about a woman is ME. I endlessly dreamed of seeing the places that thrilled me inside before I died. At 65, I realized that I don’t need them. Places are different but people worldwide are all the same: same needs, same desires, same endless searching and all we ever needed to be was thankful and satisfied with the marvelous things and people we share all our lives. Thank you for the reminder as well as sage advice. You are true gems!
Irma says
Thank you – this message couldn’t have come at a better time.
Lorri says
I especially oved the Epicurus quote. It made me realize that I have much to be thankful for. THANK YOU
Mark says
I am humbled after reading this. I may have know this but certainly haven’t lived it. So here I am in crisis mode trying to cope. I found this very refreshing. I feel more confident. Thank you.
I am starting a relationship with a counselor in a couple of days and this will help define my issues and help me move forward.
Bless you for your ability to amplify the positive energy you create.the energy you propane. I feel alive.
Dania Lynne Buchanan says
Your articles are such an inspiration. I am at a crossroads in life and am not sure which direction to take. Your blog provide me with motivation to simply not sit down in the road.
Becky says
I find that the effort put towards spirituality is my “go to” . Everything else needs my spirit to be healthy so that it falls where it may.
DR. DINESH SHAH says
These are fantastic principles on which we must rely while dealing with difficult periods of our life . Thank you so much for helping everyone and thus the community by your wonderful insights. Your work is tremendously beneficial to the world.
LOU says
VERY GOOD I TRY TO LIVE IN THE PRESENT AND ONE DAY AT A TIME AND TRY TO SMELL THE ROSES.
Chizoba Emefo says
This is another beautiful post as ever. I remain thankful to you both and your books too. Without your words, I wouldn’t have been able to make all the progress in my life. The confidence I gained is incredibly tremendous. On a difficult day, what comes into my mind is “after rain comes sunshine” , nothing lasts forever. A bad day does not mean a bad week nor a bad month or bad year.. It shall come to pass and I count my blessing and name them loudly out and it chases away my frustration .
Thanks from Toulouse FRANCE
Layrie says
As always just what I needed. The 2 things that get me by is prayer and that “this will be a memory”. Thank you so much.
Reenu says
Thanks for this article. Since last few months I was feeling so devastating and lack of motivation. This article is the one I needed since a long time. My wake up call.
Earlier when I felt the same way, I always took the inspiration from my mother. I never ever discussed my any problem with her, her presence only worked for me wonder. But after her demise. There was no one I look upon.
Thanks for motivational articles.
You are ray of hope to many..