Inspiration – Page 6

What Motivates You at Work?

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” ~ Anonymous

You might be thinking that was said by Confucius, but its origins have never really been tracked down accurately, so let’s just leave it at that – anonymous. In any case, it’s the idea that counts.

If you love your job, then you won’t really count it as work.

This is a lovely thought, which many hold on to. In fact, I believe in it to a certain extent, but I also think that it isn’t that simple. [Read more…] about What Motivates You at Work?

Originally posted on January 20, 2016 @ 8:30 am

How to Overcome Hurdles to Success

Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spirit

Success is defined in many ways, but in the workplace, there is general idea that being successful is doing a good job and going up the ranks.

Do you sometimes wonder why other people seem to be more successful at work than you are, even though you know you are just as good – or maybe better? [Read more…] about How to Overcome Hurdles to Success

Originally posted on December 2, 2015 @ 8:00 am

6 Videos That Will Inspire and Motivate You

Inspiration, Learning, Spirit, Videos

I don’t spend a lot of time on YouTube watching videos, but now and again, a Facebook post catches my eye. I then find myself watching that video, and sometimes, one thing leads to another and before I know it, I’ve spent more time on YouTube.

While that may derail my plans for a bit, I’ve found some gems that I think will be of use to you. There may be tons of “useless” videos online, but there are also inspiring and motivational videos that will either make you tear up or get your blood pumping.

Either way, these videos will touch you and perhaps nudge you in the right direction, whatever that may be for you at the moment.

Note: You may want to have some tissue ready just in case.

Inspiring and motivational videos

1. Gift

“Being rich is not how much you have, but how much you can give.”

This is the story of a little boy who hated his father because the was a poor man. Unlike his friends’ fathers, his dad worked hard and yet had nothing to show for it. He vowed that he would never be like his dad. But, as many things in life usually go, he finds out that things were not as they seemed – a little too late.

2. Ripple

Next to Gift, this video really tugged at my heartstrings. It’s the perfect story to show how one small action can change a life, a story that highlights the concept of paying it forward. It reminds me of my late mother who would never hesitate to help someone – stranger or not – whenever she could.

3. Love in Old Age

It seems to me that today, relationships are taken more casually than they ought to be. Couples consider giving up on each other more easily. Divorce is always an option (at least where it’s legal). Growing old together isn’t the norm but instead a novelty. I could be wrong, but if you think the same way, you will be inspired by this old couple whose love shines through even if caught on (candid) camera only for a fleeting moment.

4. Look Up

This spoken word video is targeted at people who have become ensnared in the “social world”.

One line: “I have 422 friends. Yet I’m lonely.”

Do you sometimes have that feeling? Watch this video, and look up.

5. Passion: The Secret Ingredient To Success

Everyone dreams of being successful in their lives, and while the definition of success is relative, there is one common thread: passion.

This is what the following video is all about. It is a combination of key figures in history sharing tidbits of wisdom and insights to motivate.

6. Dream

One of the best inspiring and motivating videos, Dream is what you ought to watch if you feel like your life is going nowhere in spite of your hard work; if you feel like you’re just getting but not living.

“Greatness is not this wonderful, esoteric, elusive, god-like feature that only the special among us will ever taste. It’s something that truly exists — in all of us.”

Do you want to be that person you have always wanted to be but feel like life has gotten in the way? Watch this.

Also read: How to Break Free From Social Media Addiction

Originally posted on October 20, 2015 @ 9:04 pm

Simple Habits That Will Change Your Life

Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spirit

Sometimes, we don’t see the need to make some changes in our life. We think everything’s okay, and that’s the end of it. However, everyone knows there is always room for improvement. The thing is, we can’t always pinpoint those areas. We can’t determine what habits to form that will create significant changes.

Even more, there are many habits that seem so simple that we don’t realize they can be life-changing, either mid-term or long-term. Here are a few of them, which may point you in the right direction.

Simple life-changing habits

Eat breakfast every day.

Sure, our moms, health experts, and doctors tell us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We should not miss it. It gives us energy to start the day.

Knowing and doing are two different things, though.

However, it really is simple to start eating breakfast every day. For so many years, I only had coffee for breakfast. I believed that I didn’t need breakfast, that my stomach couldn’t handle it.

I don’t remember the exact point when I started eating breakfast, but it certainly helped me start my work day on a better note. For example, together with coffee, a slice of toast or two with jam or butter, I was able to focus more in the morning. As I got used to having a little something in my tummy in the morning aside from coffee, I started eating a little more, which in turn gave me more energy.

Drink more water.

Another established health fact is that drinking lots of water throughout the day is good for you. It keeps your body hydrated, and if you drink water rather than soft drinks, for example, you lessen your caloric and sugar intake – among other things.

One of the life-changing habits that you may want to start is to drinking a glass of water on an empty stomach when you wake up.

What’s the reasoning behind this?

One, it purifies your internal system, basically flushing out toxins. This cleans your digestive system, which helps it function better. If you have problems with bowel movement, for example, this will help regulate that.

Try doing this every day and observe the results weekly.

Pick an exercise that you enjoy, and do it regularly.

Aside from paying attention to what you ingest, exercise is one of those things that everybody is supposed to engage in. But who has the time? And who wants to exert all that effort in the gym unless you’re a gym rat?

But as you already know, exercise doesn’t have to be limited to the gym. Any form of physical movement can count as exercise, and the trick is to find something that you truly enjoy. Something that you can count as a hobby and look forward to.

Go hiking. Go biking. Take pole dancing lessons.

6 Relaxing Hobbies That Will Relieve Stress

In my case, I found that I enjoy walking to and around the park once or twice a week (that’s about a total of 1 hour).

I also discovered yoga. It does calm you down and yet the effort that is required provides the exercise I need. And you know what? Since I enjoy it a lot, I actually want to do it every day if possible!

Read.

Moving away from physical activity, here’s another life-changing habit: reading.

While taking care of your body is essential, nourishing your mind is just as important. What good does a toned body do you when your brain slowly wastes away?

This may not be easy, especially if you’re not a reader, but start with small goals if you wish. For example, commit to spending 30 minutes of reading before bedtime. Or, bring a book with you all the time so you can read while at the coffee shop rather than playing with your phone.

Even better, commit to finishing a book every month.

Have a “quiet time” every day.

Again, what good does a great body do you when your mind is all over the place? If you’re always stressed, anxious, or worried, your body will also suffer in the long run.

There are many ways to deal with this, but the simple habit of allocating “quiet time” every single day will do wonders.

Some people call it meditation, but it doesn’t have to be labeled as such. What’s important is that you have that time you spend with yourself regularly.

It doesn’t have to be long. Five or 10 minutes in the morning before you start your getting ready routine is good. Go to the balcony or the garden – or whatever place that you find comfortable – and just stay there doing nothing.

These habits are truly simple and easy to start, yet they have a strong impact which you will be thankful for down the road, so why don’t you start now?

Originally posted on October 14, 2015 @ 8:30 am

Inspiring Stories to Read This Week

Inspiration, Spirit

We could all use an uplifting story anytime. Whether we’re in the dumps or we’re doing fine, an inspiring story will add some positivity into our day.

That’s what today’s post brings you: inspiring stories to read.

You don’t have to read them all now, but I am sure that even weeks or months down the road, these inspiring stories will still matter.

“My philosophy for a happy life”: the inspirational story of Sam Berns

This is the story of Sam Berns, a man who was born with progeria, a disease of rapid premature aging that only about 250 children worldwide are known to have. But that doesn’t stop him from appreciating everything that life has to offer. Read the whole story here.

Terminally Ill Man Raised $750,000 For Daughter With Cancer Before He Died

The topic of cancer hits too close to home, so I don’t usually read stories about it. This one, though, is something that will squeeze your heart, make you cry, but also make you believe in the good in people and appreciate your loved ones. Read the whole story here.

Stranger’s Act of Kindness Towards New Mom on Plane with Crying Baby

Sometimes, a small, seemingly insignificant act can make the biggest impact on another person’s life. This stranger on a plane did an act of kindness to a new mom, and the news spread like wildfire. Read this as a reminder of small acts of kindness.

The power of kindness

The Old Spike Roastery: The London coffee roasting company providing housing and an income to the homeless

Another inspiring story about kindness:

The Old Spike Roastery in south-east London is proof that social entrepreneurship can change lives.

The coffee-roasting company based in Peckham Rye provides both housing and a living wage to homeless people. But according to its co-founder Cemal Ezel, the business’s relationship with its staff is truly symbiotic.

Read the whole story here.

Originally posted on October 6, 2015 @ 8:30 am

5 Things to Think About When You’re Depressed

Inspiration, Mental Health, Mind, Spirit

Depression sucks. Period. Or, rather, that’s the understatement of the year.

Having the blues is one thing, but being clinically depressed is something else. Some days may be awesome, but when a depressive period hits, it feels like nothing – nothing – is right in the world, that there is no point to this life.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. That’s why people who have depression need help – whether from family and friends, professionals, or both.

One can only receive so much input from external sources, though. At the end of the day, especially when you are particularly feeling so low, you will have to deal with your depression from inside. One way to deal with a depressive period is to think about things that will get you through.

Quotes to Beat Depression

Here are 5 “beat depression thoughts” that will help. Mind you, these aren’t meant to replace your meds (if you are on them) and your therapist (if you have one). They do effectively help you get through each day, hour, and minute…

Think…

This period will end

While there are varying degrees of depression, if you are undergoing some sort of therapy, the depressive period will end. Even those with clinical depression who have been in a rut for months or years know that there are moments of hope, maybe even joy. Think of that. Hold that thought, and keep hanging on to it.

The people you love and who love you the most

When you feel that happiness will forever be out of your grasp, when you feel that there is no point to your life, think about the people who you love. Much more, think of those who love you.

You may think that no one appreciates or loves you, but the chances are you are wrong. Deep inside, you know that they (whoever they may be) care for you.

Dig deep. You might be surprised at what you discover, and, at the very least, you have something positive to focus on other than how bad things are.

You’re not alone

Your family and friends are there for you – even if you may not realize or acknowledge it. But more than that, think of this: there are other people experience the same thing you are.

In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health reports:

In 2013, an estimated 15.7 million adults aged 18 or older in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. This represented 6.7 percent of all U.S. adults.

You are not alone. Others are going through similar situations and are fighting. Fight with them.

The bad times you’ve gone through – and conquered

How often have you had major depressive episodes? The fact that you’re reading this means you’ve gone through those episodes in the past – maybe not unscathed, but alive. You’ve learned some things. Maybe you’ve come out stronger.

One thing is for sure: you’ve gotten out of the rut many times. You can do it again.

It may not be now. It may not be today. Maybe not even tomorrow. But you will.

The heart of life is good

This may very well be the most difficult idea to hold on to in the midst of a depressive episode. How can life be good when you can’t even summon enough strength to get out of bed?

It’s one of those things that you have to try to believe, at the very least. Thinking of the good moments in your life will help. It will be a gargantuan task, I know, but try. It’s better than nothing. You’ll want to give up. You may not even want to start.

But think of rainbows. Butterflies. The beach. Christmas with your kids (or nephews/nieces). Picnics.

Heck, think of unicorns! Whatever makes/has made you happy!

I’m not being crazy here, but my point is that are things in nature and life that will show you that at its very core, life is good.

Depression is an awful, complicated thing, and there’s no guarantee the above “beat depression thoughts” will get you out of an episode as soon as you want. But the key is to keep trying – even if you stay in bed all day, try to fight the episode in your head.

Good luck!

Originally posted on September 22, 2015 @ 8:00 am