What inspires and motivates you to work hard and go on living?

Answer 1

Dreams and doing my best to make a little difference in my corner of the world. Sometimes it is little and sometimes it is not so little.

Basically what kindles your fire to keep on going and move forward?
Despite overwhelming to the contrary, my belief in the inherent goodness that hides within the breast of all but the most hardened of criminals. That keeps me on. And of course, my children, and the hope of helping make the world a bit better for them. To be honest, I focus more on making them strong to deal with a tough uncaring world when it is in their hands to manage. They have grown up with a proactive approach to things that matter to them, and a very strong sense of social justice.

I am far from being a Pollyanna, but I do believe that it does no one any good to give up hope for bettering the world. Give up hope and you are fodder for the machine that would devour us, body and soul, that dark side that feeds upon despair and loss. I am a realist but I also know I can only create good in my own dealings so I do that to the best of my ability.

When that gets tough, I go to the ocean, the forest, and lose myself in nature and return refreshed, refueled and ready to go on again.

Being rewarded by the occasional slice of cheesecake helps too! I remember when I was despairing of life, and a very wise person told me to think, every night before I slept, of 20 things to be grateful in the world, especially my own day. It could be anything as simple as "I woke up this morning" to something regarding the world situation. I tried not to repeat myself day after day.

No joke, this simple exercise helped me to appreciate what I DO have, what IS there, not focus on the lacks. Those things, I work on as best I can through charitable actions. That might sound foolish, but when it comes to mind over matter, it works for me during all but the very very lowest of times.

Take heart from, and be inspired by, people like Muhammad Yunis, founder of the Grameen Bank in Bangalore, for example. He has proven that a small action can change lives and has devised a fool proof way to aid thousands of poor starving people elevate their lives to living conditions with pride. With this simple creation, Mr. Yunus has helped combat a very large percentage of rural poverty in Bangladesh, one of the poorest nations on our planet.

Take a look here. See what can be done when one does not cave in to despair.

http://www.grameenfoundation.org/nobel_p...

There are on line associations also who help with such things, where for a what is a small amount to us, less than $200, one can do the same thing. My family, with an investment of less than a few hundred dollars, was able help a family and it felt wonderful. Here is a notable organization where anyone can help out in such endeavors.

http://www.kiva.org/app.php

If we get out and give more, we will not feel so downtrodden, and know we are helping our fellow human beings. All you need to do is open your eyes and look about then find something that suits you to do to help.

Let me close with a few quotes from Bono.

"When the story of these times gets written, we want it to say that we did all we could, and it was more than anyone could have imagined."

"But my point is that the world is more malleable than you think and it's waiting for you to hammer it into shape."

"Eight million people die every year for the price of going out with your friends to the movies and buying an ice cream. Literally for about $30 a head per year, you could save 8 million lives. Isn't that extraordinary? Preventable disease - not calamity, not famine, nothing like that. Preventable disease - just for the lack of medicines. That is cheap, that is a bargain."

"If I could, you know I would. If I could, I would let it go. This desperation, dislocation, separation, condemnation, revelation, in temptation, isolation, desolation."

"Mock the devil and he will flee from thee. Fear of the devil leads to devil worship."

"One love, one blood, one life. You got to do what you should. One life with each other sisters, brothers. One life but we're not the same. We get to carry each other, carry each other"

"To touch is to heal, to hurt is to steal. If you want to kiss the sky, better learn how to kneel."

Sorry... I found a page of awesome quotes and got carried away! Poor old Bono is a Bush head but he is forgiven for all the good he does, not to mention his great music. He is an inspiration as are so many others.
I hope I have helped put a positive spin on things for you a tad! Not to mention given you a few ideas to help yourself feel better through action! If you don't do anything, you are part of the problem.

Answer 2

Helping people and making a difference in the world is very inspiring and motivational. I'm a teacher, so I feel that my hard work is worthwhile. I also want my family to feel safe and secure. Working hard makes that all possible.

Answer 3

I work for a mental health agency. I get motivated because I feel like I'm helping people and because I think it's interesting--I learn new things all of the time. Money doesn't motivate me, because I don't make very much. When I think about how much money I make, I'm not motivated at all.

Answer 4

im 48 and getting more tired every day. i give these people that are 80 a lot of credit its not easy. i can not get inspired any more i just go through the motions

Answer 5

Hi from France ♫ It's because everyday I'm happy to be ' alive ' / ' exist '.. Have a nice day Cat.

Answer 6

Be in cheerful places, and hang out with people who make you feel good... have plenty of humor in your life. Choc late and laughter are my two favorite medicines! They contain serotonin which makes you happy, I listen to uplifting music, and I try to keep active, date and have as much of life's hidden fun as possible!

Answer 7

Sometimes just the fact that it is too much trouble not too....but mostly it is my children and my dogs. Some days even they are not enough and I just lay in bed all day. It passes.

Answer 8

Inside I have the characteristics of a champion. Bruce Lee helped me find this, and in death, he is a mentor.

Answer 9

Dreams i have at night.It feels like god speaks to me,and hints to me that i will do well in life,with my chosen career.

Answer 10

My children