Freedom Motivation
If you live in a free country and your life isn't in constant danger from widespread violence, you're incredibly lucky. I know it seems very removed to us here, but freedom and safety are complete unknowns to a huge percentage of the world's population. What you see on the news is just a peek into everyday horrific reality for entire populations.
"Count your blessings" has usually been a suggestion made to those who need to stop feeling sorry for themselves, or see the positive side to a situation. But lately, for me, counting my blessings has been a huge source of motivation.
Are there things you want to do with your life... maybe goals you want to accomplish... that you know will require an intimidatingly large amount of dedication and work? Maybe you tell yourself and everyone else that plan on doing them, but in the back your head you wonder if you'll ever actually get around to completing them. Because they are a lot. I have these thoughts sometimes.
If I make a list (yes, actually write it out) of all the opportunities, freedom, luck, learning experiences, and all the other great things that have come together for me, I can see that it's exciting how uniquely ABLE I am to do the things I dream of doing.
On the other side of the Earth there may be an incredibly gifted storyteller who could write a liftime of modern classics, but she'll never write a single page because she's struggling to stay alive each day and find food for her family.
I'm not suggesting you count your blessings in a "guilt-yourself-into-working" kind of way - it's not like telling yourself to eat your vegetables because there are starving kids in Africa. The point is not to make you feel bad about how fortunate you are.
If the only thing between you and your dreams and goals is work and effort and self-discipline, it's like the road has been paved for you and all you need to do is walk on it.
Have a wonderful weekend and Memorial Day!
-Brigitte
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Comments
Eric Jaffa Friday, May 28, 2010
One of your blessings is a talent for making YouTube videos.
I wish you'd make YouTube videos more often than you have recently.
Today, I watched a 2006 video which was funny in which you talked about Emmy fashions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xC2suZ41SU
Maybe you can discuss the upcoming 2010 Emmy fashions in a YouTube videos.
Joe436 Saturday, May 29, 2010
Happy Memorial Day Everybody!
David P Saturday, May 29, 2010
This is so true, I especially like the last line
Thanks Brigitte, I always love reading your motivational articles!
How come you stopped posting videos on you-tube? we miss you!
Cheers!
romeo Monday, May 31, 2010
having dreams and following through to it's completion is very satisfying and as the sense of contentment sets in ~even this will be exceeded by the new surprises far ahead on and along the journey shared with a true friend
hans duncan Tuesday, June 01, 2010
count your blessings everyday, polish the small miracles and cherish them, pass it on.
Dawn Friday, October 22, 2010
Your words, though short and simple, are really very touching :)
Counting your blessings is but one of the ways to be motivated, no matter how small they are.
Still, is a very important way ..
I pray for the free souls, who suffer everyday, the chains within their bodies ..
But if we have the enough will and resistance, and we took the time to dream during the very busy days we have, I think we'll be much more able to actually achieve our dreams one day.
Thank you for your words, beautiful blog :)