“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 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’ve lost our motivation and feel 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.
Now it’s your turn…
Please leave a comment below and let us know:
What’s one source of 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.
Dania Lynne says
I just want to quickly say thanks. Your weekly essays and emails are such an inspiration. I am at a crossroads in life at 50 and am not sure which direction to take. Your writings provide me with motivation to not sit down in the road, but instead to take those small yet important daily steps. Thank you, as always.
Jamlick says
yes this is good one,’To start exactly where we are, use what we have, and do what we can, one step at a time”.These kind of messages offers good encouragement .
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!
Susan H. says
Totally agree with you!
HN says
It’s funny how I stumbled on this article in the mist of dealing with uncertainty. I am finding it difficult to keep going some days. I have been recovering from burnout recently but I have a lot who depends on me (husband, kids, parents, and work), and I love my family but I find myself feeling like I cannot give anymore. Thanks for reminding me of the “small steps” I can take today.
Laura says
I too found this article in times of uncertainty. I’ve suffered tremendous loss recently. In the last 2 months my father passed and then just before Christmas my beloved pet dog of 15 years also passed. I have never cried so much in my life and have felt so depleted. As you, I felt I had nothing left to give. It took some time to realize that I am grateful for the experiences, love and time I shared with them. I am truly blessed and honour their lives by holding them forever in my heart and living my life knowing they loved me too and want me to enjoy my life. (Instead of constantly feeling the loss, to look at what I’ve gained in my life because of them.) I am truly blessed.
dede 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 and I’m now living alone. 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 fresh – 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 for now.
Sue Campbell says
I can so relate to your current situation. I am 72 and on my own now. I sold a small Florida home and a small Michigan home. I decided I could no longer manage the two homes so far apart. I moved closer to one of my three children. That has proven to be an issue with my kids, sibling rivalry never ends. I feel I caused the problem to rise again. I am frustrated, feeling like I can’t quite settle in. I have had many losses the last few years too, from devastating personal deaths to noticeable changes in my body not being able to be totally independent. I find it difficult to be positive and have a reason to get up on some days, and yet I know I must. Anyway, your comment made me feel less alone right now. So thanks.
Faye 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 doubts 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 months 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
Sharon says
I feel your pain Faye, but please remember to be happy for what you have, like your husband and children.
I am on the brink of divorce and would give everything to be in your situation right now. You are loved and you are safe. You can do this ?
Shelley Jeffers says
I am amazed at how many of us are in the same basic situations. Getting to be 70 in 2 months has been bothering me. I don’t want to be 70 and I don’t want to be old. None of us do. My husband is losing some of his memory and ability to work things out. I am working full-time and that keeps me getting up in the morning. Retirement is not in the equation at the moment. I lived my dream, buying land and a horse and for the last 20 years that has kept me going, but my horse is gone and the land is empty. I know there is something on the horizon, but do not have any idea what it is right now. Thanks for encouragement.
D says
You’re able to pack so much food for thought into the statement that you make, that I have to read them over again to make sure that I’m getting out of it what pertains to my situation right now.
I have all that I need! I feel that’s an amazing statement. But I’m really content with what I have on hand to do each day. Studying, meeting people, even the shopping and the cooking and the cleaning are engaging. And even though I sometimes go through a “loop the loop”, I seem to always land on my feet. Haha! And I thank God for that. He manages to help me take things graciously. I’m looking forward to my next fun filled, fascinating little adventurous steps forward.
Your essays are definitely an exciting addition to my adventures. Thank you! You’re great!
Andrea Gerardi says
A good reminder to be grateful for what we have but also to have courage to make necessary changes. There are times when our decisions may not be the best. We have to learn to be compassionate with ourselves and continue to move forward. Just one step in the right direction for me today…
Normanvb says
87 years-old and I can still get better. Life is a journey, and I’m still on it. Thanks for the extra inspiration today.
Maria says
Hmmm…thanks for this. I was very ambitious growing up, but I didn’t see it as a bad thing because I know I’m multi-talented, and everyone around me (including me) expected great things in my life, as I was also a top student from kindergarten to the University. However, after school, things started taking a downward turn even when I put in more efforts and showed resilience. At 40, I feel that I have nothing and have failed my parents who are dead now.
I’ve been really down over and over again in the recent past, but I’m learning to be at peace with where I am now. And I’m inspired by the idea that there is more growth on the path ahead for me.
Tammi says
Yes, you have a lot to look forward to. I’m 59 and I’m still having to remind myself to slow down, cause my body isn’t as young. Anyway, I had to comment to you, age is so much more than just getting older. The wisdom and enlightenment that comes is amazing. Kinda hard to explain but most things that mattered before are almost none existent now. It’s time to relax and do little things that will show up from time to time that you might have ignored before.
Age is truly just a number, your state of mind and physical being are most important the older we get. I Really hope anyone that reads this will self reflect.
Linda says
Thank you so much.
Reminding ourselves of this makes all the difference sometimes.
And today is one of those days for me.
Cynthia says
I was just forwarded 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. This is my year! Thanks for sharing such supporting words today. They helped me.
Lea says
Thank you, so needed today
Adele says
Thank you for this wonderful article. I’m 72, and have always felt positive and strong, but the past couple of months have been weird to me. I have felt a bit down, but why? I’m having trouble getting motivated to do the things that have proven to be right for me, but why? Went back to my part time job yesterday after two and a half weeks off and felt a little better, especially seeing the wonderful team I get to work with. So some of these tips are making me think about all this and hopefully will get me back to my positive self!
David says
Your essays are always quite amazing, and in this one, your bottom line is motivating and encouraging. “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.”
Being grateful for the little thing applies also. Life is a challenge for all, and I believe that there is a power greater than I who is well-meaning and there to help in time of need. He is all powerful and ultimately He is the one I seek to please; my all in all. Hugs.
Ashli Pearce says
Intention, Purpose & Embracing NEW!
Thank you!
Bill Bingham says
The quote from Epicurus hits it on the head. I need to appreciate what I have (and remember that it is what I always hope for!). At the same time, it so difficult to recognize my good fortune when I am struggling with medical issues and other serious distractions.
Dev says
I just want to say thank you , your essays just make me go everyday and it feels like it’s so precisely written about my circumstances and life I have been living. Please keep it up and thanks again
Heera Nawaz says
This is similar to my story. It’s started with a dream I had for a long time. I worked for it. I waited for it. I did everything I could. But I still don’t know if it’s there. There’s frustration when fone has a dream for sa long time and then it’s out of reach. But still I will always believe in an Omnipresent God who got me this far.
Your article was a revelation. Small sure steps in the right direction is better than a wild jump One famous Guru, said you are climbing a dark staircase. You just need enough light for the next step every day and step by step one day you’ll get to the top. Yes, even a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Thank you much for your wonderful articles. They are like a fresh whiff of breeze on a warm day.
Subha fertility center says
Beautifully put — a great reminder that even in the hardest times, we already have what we need to take one small step forward and that growth often hides inside the struggle
Marie says
Thank you for your blog. You are a life line in times of struggle and a great reminder of all that’s good. I felt alone in my struggles this morning.
Thank you.