The Digging of the In

Recently I read an article that talked about Today is one of my favorite things to read. It is a guilty pleasure, because there has always been a fascination as to how people work, what makes them tick and the many different perspectives there are.  Recently there was an article about the best traits for those who are mentally strong. Two of the characteristics were grit and curiosity.

I think another one, though it did not make the list, is perseverance.  No matter what, you can’t give up, you must be able to dig your heels in and just do it.

Sometimes we need a break, so step away and clear our minds.  This can do wonders for our mood, our perspective and our outlook. And then there are times to just take control.

I have taken several breaks lately, but I am thinking that is the wrong way to approach life right now.  Instead of running away, or taking breaks, I need to dig my heels in deep. One of the best ways to get the To-Do list done, it to start doing it.  So little by little, I will check off the list.

And already there is a good start:  Belly dance and kickboxing classes have been started to help with exercise and getting back into shape.  Things have been put into motion career wise and will soon take place.  The rental house is coming together. I am getting ready to paint, and smaller things like laundry and cleaning out the garage are coming a long as well.  I am studying grace and forgiveness, improving the frequency of my creative writing and planning the planting of the garden.

I am better when in motion, even though rest and relaxation do have their place.  But what was I thinking running away, instead of facing the long list of To-Do?  And after the list is done, before the next one is stated, that is when to get away, to celebrate, to enjoy.

Spring is here and Summer is coming, and if the timing is just right, all can line up perfectly. The time is now. Life is now. And I cannot wait, as a serge of optimism runs through me.  Digging into life is going to be delicious.

Driving Ms. Motivation

We all go through those times in life were we have to take pause and figure out our next move. And sometimes it can be difficult to get motivated to take the first or second step, especially if we have felt overwhelmed or burned out.  It be difficult to get out of a rut..

Recently I have had trouble just doing it, whatever it is that I have planned for my next move, getting motivated to really put 110% in all of my projects and pans.  This is new to me.  I am usually very driven and serious about obtaining goals I have set for myself.

This week, I watched a friend’s video challenge about working out, and she asked, how do you get out of a rut? How do you stay motivated? This started me thinking…what does make people motivated? What drives you? From where does the passon come? And where is mine?

And so I asked, many friends, to share  their thoughts on motivation, passion and drive. One  of my friends said he plays drums, or goes to a park to eat and think or makes love to his wife. Another says what motivates him to keep going, even after failure, is to be better for his children and to show them that you have to keep going and keep trying always. To never give up.  He also wants to show them, through example, to always follow your heart and your dreams. And Yet another friend said it was his curiosity and sense of adventure that motivates and drives him to his goals. He wants to see if he can do it.

One of my best friends says when she is in a rut, she thinks that you have to step out of your comfort zone. She also sets realistic goals, prays a lot and has faith that anything is possible with God. Another friend says she meditates and says affirmations that help give her strength when she is tired.

All of these are great answers and reasons. For me, I think it is going to be a combination of all of these reasons and rationales.  I am stepping out of my comfort zone, quite a bit, stretching, reaching to grow and be better.  I pray and try to have faith, though sometimes it is hard and I fall short.  You should always follow your dreams, and indeed I am living them by being a writer. But there is still something else that is missing.

The trick is to figure out how you want you life to feel, and be motivated to follow the steps to make it so (yes, I did just quote Star Treck). There are personal and professional goals that have been set.  Bridget Jones and I are looking to loose that illusive 20 lbs. Taking my career n a different direction, finishing the book, projects on the rental house, and saving money are all on the agenda. OH, yes and finding my motivation.

And I think sometimes, when you have felt overwhelmed, confused, unsure, insecure or even a little lost, sometimes you just have to reach deep down inside, where the soul meets the ground, and pull your motivation up from deep within. You have to just do it, by sheer force of will, even when you have no desire to do so. Lack of motivation can be the motivation, to get past it, baby step by baby step. And the thing about baby steps, is that eventually you will travel miles.

And I never want to settle, never want to stop striving to be better, a better person, a better writer, and better friend, daughter, a better me.  And I want to be of service to others.  I am truly the happiest, when I am serving and helping other people for whom I care. To lavish love, care and friendship on those who are closest.  This is what makes me, my life, feel the best. And I want more of that.

And that is the thing about life, the gift of it, is that this life is ours to write  We write the life that we want, the story we want.  And if we really could have a map that tells us exactly how to get where we want to go, straight from point A to Point B, would we really want to take that straight path? Or, would we still choose the meandering sidewalks, and all those wonderful, unplanned people, magical moments, tears, laughter and stories that happen along the way?

Who cares if things get a little out of order on the journey?  And what does it matter if we have to put out a sign every now and then that says “remodeling, please excuse the mess”?  It’s ok, we can do it.  We can have the life we want to feel.

And what do I Ant? A job that is creative, where I can work in a good collaborative environment, a book that sells many copies and inspires people to laugh and love. and in love, I want a man who I can laugh with, trust, and who makes me feel loved and wanted. In essence I want a life that feels good. And I can get there one baby step and one prayer at a time.

***Thank you to all my friends who contributed their insights on motivation, drive and passion.****