How to Find a Reason to Get Up in the Morning
Two days ago I watched one of those heart-warming, tear-jerking videos online. Let me give you a summary of the story because it illustrates my message for today.
The man in the story describes how, just five years ago he was overweight (340 pounds), unhappy, unhealthy, and felt so disconnected that he isolated himself from the world around him. An embarrassing incident prompted the man to hire a nutritionist and her first instruction for him was to adopt a pet from the local shelter. The point of this was to get the man more physically and socially active.
He visited the shelter and found a dog who appeared like himself, middle aged and overweight. Though their first few days together were awkward, the man and his new dog, Peety eventually formed an inseparable bond. The unconditional love of this companion motivated the man to be a better person. He lost over 140 pounds and began running marathons. The dog’s health improved too. Ultimately they both saved each other and brought each other back to life again.
They gave each other a reason to get up in the morning.
I know how hard it can be to find the motivation to LIVE. I’ve suffered depression myself and some days (even recently) I have found myself struggling to find my own reason to get up in the morning. So if you or someone you know can relate, I’ll share three ways to help you find your motivation so you can show up another day to live and breathe, feel like you have a purpose (because you do!) and find your joy again.
Three ways to get motivated about your life
The purpose of this list is to help you find at least one thing that inspires passion within you. Passion is one of the 7 Essentials for Vibrant Health and without it life can seem meaningless. In essence you want to embrace something that will give you something to look forward to.
1. Have a clear vision of your future. When you were a kid did you have a big dream about what it would like to be grown up and live the life you wanted to live? That’s the kind of clear vision that spurs you to show up and never give up. What is it that you would really, really like to do, be or have in the future. Spend some time letting yourself daydream about your vision and allow yourself to fully feel the excitement of achieving your goal.
2. Share yourself with another living soul. Humans are social creatures and we need to feel connected and valued in order to thrive. Surround yourself with at least one other person or animal with whom you can build a close bond. Find someone who cares about your happiness as much as you care about theirs. Caring for others motivates you to act with generosity and strive to be a better person.
3. Join a movement. Victor Hugo once said, “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” What kind of activities or causes interest you the most? Do you love animals, have a penchant for quilting, or desire to help end world hunger? I can guarantee there is a meetup event, club, or volunteer organization dedicated to your interests. When you gather with likeminded people to focus on a singular idea, the collective energy expands and fills you with joy and satisfaction. Essentially you ride on the vision of the group and you begin caring about something greater than yourself.
Vibrant joyful living begins with you.
The good news is that every one of us desire’s meaning and deeper connection in life. Reach out and ask your friends what reason they have for getting up in the morning. You might learn something new about your friend and it might help you create some motivation in your own life.
So let me ask you. What gets YOU up in the morning? Share in the comments below to inspire others.
