Let Me Be Your Motivation

When rent is due but your motivation is on hold.

I wrote this on a treadmill, listening to “Thong Song” by Sisqo. (Just thought I’d throw that in there).

Every once in a while more often than we’d like, our motivation is at below zero. Matching the temperatures of a cold winters night. Everything we do, seems to come easier to others and even getting out of bed in the morning can be a difficult task. I’ve had quite a few of those days, you’ve had some of these days, yes even the people we think have it all together (*cough* Nara Smith *cough*) have had some of those days. This journal entry is for those that beat themselves up when things don’t go accordingly, when the last ounce of motivation is dead and gone and your thoughts are in Shakespearean English: Oh, motivation. Where art thou?

So, how do we find motivation? Well, for one motivation is not in Narnia, we won’t find it by stepping into a wardrobe. On the big chance of sounding cheesy: motivation is within us. It never really leaves. Let me land: Maybe it is underneath the deep layers of self doubt, life’s daily stressors, the argument you just had with your partner, the co-worker that makes those snarky comments that seem innocent but are highly provocative and got you thinking “I wish a b* would". Do you see where I’m going with this? Motivation is easier to reveal itself, when we are at peace. You ever notice how being on vacation makes you a completely different person? We smile more, explore more, tap into ourselves a lot more and do things that we usually don’t do during our day to day life. Why? Yes, the sandy beach may be an important factor but it is us being away from our daily life and its stress factors. I mean, you won’t open up your letterbox while you’re sipping Mai Tais in Curaçao and hear Destiny Child’s Bills, Bills, Bills, playing in the back of your head. Now, while we would all love to be on holiday every second of every day, every month of the year; for most of us it is not possible.

Bring your vacation home.

If you’re someone like me that gets overwhelmed when things are all over the place and like to plan things then maybe try eliminating stress by bringing in structure. I’ve been using the structured app which has made such a difference for me. Know that it’s okay when what you planned goes sideways, sometimes it’s in the detours that we get redirected to where we are supposed to go. Go for a walk, dance like you’re a video vixen in the 00’s, plan in rest moments, where you allow yourself to do nothing without allowing the guilt that you’ve associated with resting to eat you up. Don’t rush out the house in the morning without expressing gratitude for the tiniest things. Stop and admire the sunrise or the sunset. Being more present is the best present you can give to yourself. Find joy in the little things and I promise you, you will notice how big they really are. I often like to say: “I don’t have time for this.” Anytime a minor inconvenience pops up. I only have 24 hours a day. “Only” 24 hours minus the 8 hours of sleep you try to get every night is more than anyone whose time has ran out.

So turn on that song that makes you feel like you’re sipping (virgin) mojitos on the beach listening to the waves dance along the shore. That song that makes you feel like you’re on the dance floor whining on somebody’s child, carefree, knowing this is going to be a night to remember. Pick up the book you’ve been putting off for when you have more time. Wear that dress that you’ve been waiting to showcase on a special occasion. Spray that expensive perfume, go for brunch that you’ve been meaning to schedule. Book that hotel for the staycation you’ve been wanting to have. And for crying out loud try one of those restaurants you have saved on Instagram and TikTok (talking to myself here, but if you feel like this applies to you, by all means go for it). Even if it seems insignificant, you’re regulating your nervous system, bringing in vacation peace one act at a time and finding motivation while you’re at it.

Love,

Maame.

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