If we never try, we will never know what we are truly capable of.
By Mary Boutieller
Motivation is an interesting topic, and one that others have covered in great detail. Just google the word “motivation” and the ensuing list is endless. What motivates us can come from an internal need or an external drive; it can be a life-long struggle or an effortless habit. So much depends on the motivating force. What motivates us when we are young is not the same as when we get older.
For most of my life, I was motivated by others’ expectations. There were many “shoulds” in my life, and I worked hard to meet those demands. Yet I knew I wasn’t happy. My cup was emptying faster than it was being filled. I knew what I had to do, but I wasn’t always sure what I wanted to do—for me.
There are many reasons why we can or can’t do what we want to do. So often, we tell ourselves we are too busy or tired or broke. We believe that we don’t have the willpower or energy to get up and get moving in the direction of better mental or physical health. And, while all of these are true and valid for some people, I can’t help but hear the fear beneath the message.
The fear is that we are not good enough; that we don’t deserve to feel good or be happy. The thought is, “If we don’t try, we can’t fail,” right? The problem is that if we never try, we will never know. We will never know what we are truly capable of.
I read a book a while back that talked about starting with small, achievable goals. For example, do one push-up against the counter every day. If you can do that one push-up, you are now someone who exercises. If you can take two minutes to focus on your breath every day, you are someone who knows how to calm and center themselves. If you get up every day and make your bed, you are someone who is motivated to live life instead of just surviving until you die.
When I thought about what motivates me these days, I realized that, somewhere between the “shoulds” and obligations, I learned to love myself enough to take care of myself. I decided it was time to let go of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, and instead aim to be happy. So, when I exercise, eat a healthy meal or release some age-old drama, it is an act of love.
What could you do, starting today, that would be an act of love? Maybe it’s a walk after work instead of doom scrolling on the phone? Maybe it’s making yourself a healthy meal instead of Burger Kinging it? Maybe it’s saying “yes” to the things that make you feel good about yourself, and “no” to ALL that does not serve you anymore?
The challenges in our lives are pathways designed to make us stronger. They are there to make us pause and reconsider the path we are on, willing us to choose a new course.
Carol Burnett said, “Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.”
Only you will know when it’s time to free yourself from the self-imposed cage you’ve built around yourself. Let it be of your own choosing.
I’ll leave you with this quote by Cathy de la Cruz, “Before doing something, ask yourself, “Is this something that someone who loves themselves would do?”
Trust that you already know the answer.
Mary Boutieller is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching yoga since 2005. Her work experience includes 22 years as a firefighter/paramedic and 10 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Mary’s knowledge and experience give her a well-rounded understanding of anatomy, alignment, health and movement in the body. She is passionate about the benefits of yoga and the ability to heal at all levels through awareness, compassion, and a willingness to explore. She can be reached at: SimplyogaOm@gmail.com.
