I can still remember my mother clutching her heart, threatening to have a heart attack and die, and blaming it on me.
—Anonymous
Motivation Through Joy
Can you relate to this quote? I spent much of my life trying to avoid the guilty feelings I had when I didn’t meet other people’s expectations. As a result, I developed resentments toward many people, including myself, and I was filled with rage. Either I succumbed to others’ expectations or I rebelled against them. But I spent little time trying to notice what I liked, loved, and wanted. I was motivated by guilt, shame, and worry.
Then at the age of 25 I had a dream to own and run a horse farm. I decided to go to college to pursue it. I wasn’t certain I could succeed; I had been raised in the city and I knew nothing about horses. Still, I was convinced this was my new career and I drove 75 miles each way twice a week for three years to earn a degree in Practical Horse Management. I worked my tail off without resentment or anger because it was something I wanted to do; I was motivated by joy.
In the end, I decided that kind of work wasn’t for me, but I had become so excited about college that I went on for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. When all this started, many people in my life raised an eyebrow. After all, why would I want to own a horse ranch when I didn’t know anything about horses? But when they saw how committed and excited I was about it, they supported me. Really, how can you not support someone who is filled with joy?
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Be aware today of the times when you are motivated by joy and how you feel.
—Anonymous
Motivation Through Joy
Can you relate to this quote? I spent much of my life trying to avoid the guilty feelings I had when I didn’t meet other people’s expectations. As a result, I developed resentments toward many people, including myself, and I was filled with rage. Either I succumbed to others’ expectations or I rebelled against them. But I spent little time trying to notice what I liked, loved, and wanted. I was motivated by guilt, shame, and worry.
Then at the age of 25 I had a dream to own and run a horse farm. I decided to go to college to pursue it. I wasn’t certain I could succeed; I had been raised in the city and I knew nothing about horses. Still, I was convinced this was my new career and I drove 75 miles each way twice a week for three years to earn a degree in Practical Horse Management. I worked my tail off without resentment or anger because it was something I wanted to do; I was motivated by joy.
In the end, I decided that kind of work wasn’t for me, but I had become so excited about college that I went on for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. When all this started, many people in my life raised an eyebrow. After all, why would I want to own a horse ranch when I didn’t know anything about horses? But when they saw how committed and excited I was about it, they supported me. Really, how can you not support someone who is filled with joy?
*************************************************
Be aware today of the times when you are motivated by joy and how you feel.