What’s your motivation?
All of our actions are motivated by thoughts – thoughts that prompt us to act.
I’ve learned that in every moment we’re being motivated by one end of the emotional spectrum or the other; everything is inspired by either love or fear.
It’s easy to see the difference when we look at extreme examples of each of these. If someone is holding a gun to my head then I’m clearly acting from fear. And if I smile and bend down to pick up a puppy then it’s clear that I’m acting from love. But what about the less obvious cases?
Something as simple as going to the store for groceries can be motivated by fear:
“I’m behind schedule and I need to go to the store now in order to cook something by dinnertime!”
Or motivated by love:
“I want to go to the store now so that when my boys come home hungry they’ll smile when they walk in the door and smell dinner already cooking.”
The resulting action is the same – I’m going to the store either way. But I’ve learned that if I pay attention to my motivating thoughts, and change them into positive, loving ones, my day is filled with so much more gratitude and happiness. And I didn’t have to change all the day’s events to bring about this happiness – what a relief!
It’s SO much easier to change your thoughts and feelings than to change all the circumstances. All that’s required is paying more attention.
Start noticing your reasoning. Stop each time you begin a new activity and ask yourself why you’re doing it. If your answer sounds like it’s coming from fear-based reasoning, see if you can re-frame your motivation. And if you can’t find a positive reason for doing what you’re about to do, consider holding off until you can.
Let’s use our trip to the grocery store as an example Last month I had gone to the grocery store three days within one week, and it was time to go again. Good grief, I thought in exasperation, feeding two boys and their friends can feel like I’m running a restaurant! I was getting ready to leave when I noticed my resentful attitude.
I sat down on my sofa and got determined to feel better about the grocery run. It took me a few minutes, but I finally came up with feeling appreciative that some people couldn’t buy food, and that others had to walk for miles to get food for their families. All I had to do was get in my car and drive less than a mile. And I knew that the grocery store would be filled with plenty of food and that I had enough money to buy what we needed. Ok! My attitude was readjusted, and I went from resenting a third grocery run to appreciating that I could accomplish getting food in less than 20 minutes. Ah, a much better feeling!
Shifting your emotional motivation can take effort, but it’s always worth it! Starting today, make it your intention to feel happier. Be determined to act from gratitude, appreciation and humility. And notice how much more often you’re smiling.
Christine Lang, The Body Whisperer blog 
Beautifully expressed, thank you Christine, reframing is such a powerful tool once it is understood…thank you for the reminder to move through today being more present. Xo Surreina
Reframing – great word!Thanks Surreina.
WOW! This morning I asked Spirit to give me an answer to my delemia, of the proverbial question of ” what is my purpose?” and here it is in your gentle and insightful reminder to look at “your motivation.” Thank you, & thank you to your mother Carol for sharing!
I will continue to read and recommend. ~~ Cynthia
Very nice info Christine. Thanks for helping me notice.
You are so welcome! Thanks for your comment Eric.
I loved this. It made me become more aware of my grocery shopping. I also feel good about it. I feel like I am nourishing the people I love. Cooking for people you love makes you feel good. Food cooked with Love taste better too. Enjoy!!
I so agree! Thanks for joining in the conversation!
This is wonderful and brings so much light into what we do every day!! Love!!!
Thanks for the nice comment Gloria!
Actually Christine…..you motivate me! Thanks for being such an inspiration!! xxoo
That is so kind!! Thank you.
I just opened this and read it to my daughter and her friend. My daughter is taking care of two cats and has to clean up the house before the owners get back. She had just been complaining about having to go do it.today when I read them this blog, and it helped us all to understand what a difference your attitude can make in how you feel. Positive? or Negative? Love or fear. It is a choice.
Thanks!
Hi Alison,
Thanks for the great comment! So glad when people pass these understandings on to their children – always good to hear.
Love this post Christine. Thank you for the very timely offering. I’m reminded that I can live more by remembering the choice in the matter rather than automatically (and mindlessly) giving precious energy to things that bring negative feelings.
You are so welcome! Thank you for taking the time to drop me a note. So glad to be helping people get more aware of their choices.
Awesome thing to bring to light. Attitude IS everything. Being the boss of the way we think isn’t always as easy as it sounds, but always worth the effort. Lovely read!
Thank you Christine! I feel most in line with my spirit when I am in a state of gratitude. Thanks for the reminder 🙂