“Head up, heart open. To better days!”
— T.F. Hodge
Struggling to find your motivation? Feeling unsure or uneasy about the next steps?
There are just a few things you need to know right now.
This quick read is for YOU…
Once upon a time there was a woman in her mid-sixties who noticed that she had lived her entire life in the same small town. And although she had spent decades enthusiastically dreaming about traveling and seeing the world, she had never taken a single step to make this dream a reality.
Finally, she woke up on the morning of her 65th birthday and decided that now was the time! She sold all of her possessions except for some essential items she needed, packed these items into a backpack, and began her journey out into the world. The first several days on the road were amazing and filled with awe — with every step forward she felt like she was finally living the life she had dreamed.
But a few short weeks later, the days on the road started taking a toll on her. She felt misplaced and she missed the familiar comforts of her old life. As her feet and legs grew more and more sore with each new step, her mood also took a turn for the worse.
Eventually she stopped walking, took off her backpack, slammed it on the ground, and sat down beside it as tears began streaming down her cheeks. She stared hopelessly down a long winding road that once led to an amazing world, but now seemed to lead only to discomfort and unhappiness. “I have nothing! I have nothing left in my life!” she shouted out loud at the top of her lungs.
Coincidentally, a renowned guru and life adviser from a nearby village was resting quietly behind a pine tree adjacent to where the woman was sitting. When the woman began shouting, the guru heard every word and he felt it was his duty to help her. Without thinking twice, he jumped out from behind the pine tree, grabbed her backpack, and ran into the forest that lined both sides of the road. Stunned and in complete disbelief, the woman started crying even harder than before, to the point of near breathlessness.
“That backpack was all I had,” she cried.” And now it’s gone! Now everything is gone in my life!”
After roughly ten minutes of much-needed tears, the woman gradually collected her emotions, stood up again and began staggering slowly down the road. Meanwhile the guru cut through the forest and secretly placed the backpack in the middle of the road just a short distance ahead of the woman.
When the woman’s teary eyes fell upon the backpack, she almost couldn’t believe what she was seeing — everything she thought she had just lost was once again right in front of her. She couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. “Oh, thank heavens!” the woman exclaimed. “I am so grateful! Now I definitely have what I need to continue onward…”
Sometimes we need a healthy wake-up call.
As we journey through our personal and professional lives, there will inevitably be periods of incredible frustration and despair. During those tough times, it will sometimes appear to us that we’ve lost everything, and that nothing and nobody could possibly motivate us to move onward in the direction of our dreams. But just like the woman who stumbled across the guru, we are all holding with us a backpack of support that comes in many forms — it can be a simple DM or text message from someone we respect, inspiring blog posts, insightful books, helpful neighbors, supportive communities, and so much more.
When the going gets tough — when we’re losing our motivation and feeling down and unsure of everything — we need to wake ourselves up and remember…
- To trust the journey, even when we do not understand it.
- To accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in the road ahead.
- To start exactly where we are, use what we have, and do what we can, one step at a time.
- To look for the blessings hidden in every struggle we face, and be willing to open our hearts and minds to them.
- To recognize our backpack of support — our external sources of hope and motivation — before a random guru (or someone with far more crooked intentions) has to steal it from us so that we can finally see what we have always taken for granted.
- To be present and tap into our own hearts and minds — our internal sources of hope and motivation — which have the power to push us back up on our feet and guide us down the road to our backpack of support, even when it appears to be lost forever.
- To laugh at the confusion, live consciously in the moment, and appreciate the lessons found at each twist and turn.
- To not compare our progress with that of others, and accept that we all need our own time to travel our own distance.
- To see how many of the things we never wanted or expected ultimately turn out to be what we need.
- To be OK with not ending up exactly where we intended to go, while opening ourselves up to the possibility of eventually arriving precisely in the right place at the right time.
Bottom line:
If you are struggling right now, you’ve got this!
No matter your circumstances, you always have what you need to take the next smallest step.
Or as Epicurus so profoundly said, “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
Be mindful. Be present. Keep going, one day at a time, one small step at a time.
Now it’s your turn…
Please leave a comment below and let us know:
What’s one source of hope, motivation, or gratitude you typically turn to when you need it most?
Anything else to share about this essay?
Marc and I would love to hear from YOU. Your feedback is important to us. 🙂
Finally, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Dania Lynne Buchanan says
Angel and Marc,
Your essays and emails are such an inspiration. I am at a crossroads in life and am not sure which direction to take. Your writings provide me with motivation to not sit down in the road, but instead to take those small yet important daily steps. Thank you.
Sophia says
You guys are amazing! This is what I needed. I have been going through so much and despite overcoing so much, working hard, standing up and facing hard challenges …it seems to never end…
xoxo
Thank you…
Donna says
This is exactly what I needed today. Thank you!
Stephen Anderson says
Thank you
Kameela says
Thank you for your inspiring newsletters and this story. At a time when many blogs and news sites are requesting a fee for sharing information you should know that yours is truly appreciated.
The grass is not always greener on the other side. I’ve been there and it’s just different not better.If only we can look around and appreciate what we have . I’ve printed off these ten helpful lifehacks and positioned it so I can see it first thing after waking up on the days when motivation is low.
Thank you again.
W says
That backpack story says a lot, just to be grateful and content and aware — it often comes down to less is more, and to simply be more present. Thanks for the reminder today.
di says
Thank you. Your letters are unfailingly inspiring. One particular sentence really hit home for me. I am at present almost decided to sell my house (downsizing) from the house in the city where I currently live. For a long time I wanted to live in this space more than anything else in the world. There’s a lot of other things; it’s been a city where I’ve lived the dream’, working at a university and having a full life. Circumstances changed and at 74 and I’m now living alone. Although I still have my house the city is so full of memories – and the house too – that I feel I have moved on. My life has been rich and I have travelled, but the urge to start afresh – to move closer to my family is really strong. I always vowed I’d never move to be close to either of my children. I feared being too dependent on them. It’s really such a difficult situation, but your letter made me think slightly differently. I just don’t quite know what to do. But I think that’s okay.
Sue Campbell says
I can so relate to your current situation. I am 72 and on my own. I sold a lovely Florida home and a beautiful Michigan beach home. I decided I could no longer manage the two homes so far apart. I moved closer to one of my three children. That has proven to an issue with my kids, sibling rivalry never ends. I feel I caused the problem. I am very sad everyday, feeling like I have given up all the things I once enjoyed. I have had many losses the last few years from devastating personal deaths to noticeable changes in my health not being able to be totally independent. I find it difficult to be posItive and have a reason to get up everyday.
JJ says
Hi Sue, you have many reasons to get up every morning. You just need a wake up, like the backpack story. You have all your children. Bickering or not, you have them. I wish I had my children home or abroad that were bickering, but I don’t. I am completely alone as I lost my children. I have no reason to get up, but somehow struggle day after day. It isn’t always easy but I do try. These newsletters and stories help. I hope you get a backpack story to help you recharge. Hugs!
Mary says
Prayers for you….. Dear Lord Jesus, please let Sue feel your presence today and give her strength in her grieving process. You are loved.?
Catherine says
I just turned 70 yesterday. The plans I had for my future must change radically now because my own health and that of my husband.
Just trying to get thru each day treasuring the gifts in nature and the promises of God.
Morna Burdon says
Hi
I am 73 and for the first time want to move nearer my son.
It is only modern society that makes us think of this as a possible imposition.
Nearer does nor have to mean with.
It just seems wrong to be away from those you love most.
Not sure what to do either but good to read what you wrote. Thank you
Janet says
Im.at a similar crossroads. Except I live in the small town, as described in the essay. Just put my house on the market. Trusting the journey is not something I do with grace. Thanks for sharing where you are in life. I, too, have a pull to move closer to my children & grand children
Thomas says
My road and journey has definitely been an eventful one. 20 years ago I was basically homeless and crashing at my cousin’s house. With each step forward each day I’ve come to own a home and married to the greatest woman ever! I enjoy reading your books and the weekly emails I receive. My bag of support has certainly gotten me though, and marcandangel.com is in that bag without question.
Kare Brown says
As always your words inspire and fill my sometimes empty vessel….My go to daily is a note of Gratitude, whether big or small it motivates me daily. Life has been hard since last July and my horrible roll over accident. I will never be the same Kare, but I am working on embracing the new normal for me, and setting positive boundaries. I identify so much as the girl with her backpack full of only what she needs…and also the girl who felt lost during that journey. But I believe in growth.
Cynthia says
I was just forwarded this article by someone I often turn to in times of struggle, or when I’m in a bewildered state. I thanked him for this new tool for my tool box. It turned out to be a whole backpack of enlightenment. The name of the woman in that story, in my life, is Cynthia — me. She is a work in progress. Thanks for sharing such supporting words today. They helped me.
Faye says
My husband and I recently retired, sold our home in Wisconsin and moved to Arizona. We took a minimal amount of things and gave away the rest to our kids and donated for good causes.
It’s been a year now and I’m having problems with doubts and questioning why I ever left the familiar. I question myself every day but promised my husband (and myself) to give this new move a chance.
I’m having problems leaving my house (for the first time in my life) just to go out to eat.
I have been reading your writings for a couple weeks now which really resonate with me. I’m getting ready to go out to eat as we speak, my heart is pounding, BUT I can do this after reading your writing today especially!
Thank You!
Faye
Geraldine Tucker says
Take one step at a time and each day do some small thing that brings a smile to your face. Keep moving and don’t allow yourself time to grieve the loss of the past. God has a plan and is waiting on you. I’ve been there and you have to give yourself some grace and time. Best wishes.
Joy says
Oh! I agree! It is hard to visualize but God has a plan for our lives! It is not easy to understand but I visualize His Hand reaching down and taking mine!
We are never alone and that is something we just need to ask Him about! “Lord, what do you want to do now?”
Paula says
A big thank you as ALWAYS for your inspiring essays. I love reading them and the comments of others it gives me a real feeling of connection . Number 9 is fascinating to read because it makes you think …… how true that can be .
I’m a work in progress and your essays help me live the life I want to live …Happy.. grateful for what I have … live in the moment..do the things I love doing that make me happy … be kind to others and myself … all with out worrying… I love the simple things in life just to be outside in the fresh air wind in your face and seeing all the beauty out there. We have retired by the sea we walk each day , beaches , cliffs , always something different to sea , amazing .
Lee Ann says
The entire first part of the story about a woman is ME. I endlessly dreamed of seeing the places that thrilled me inside before I died. At 65, I realized that I don’t need them. Places are different but people worldwide are all the same: same needs, same desires, same endless searching and all we ever needed to be was thankful and satisfied with the marvelous things and people we share all our lives. Thank you for the reminder as well as sage advice. You are true gems!
Susan H. says
Totally agree with you!
Bj Astridge says
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you!
I was meant to read this today.
GENEROUS AKAMPURIRA says
I feel motivated by your weekly articles. When I feel low, I resort to reading one of your stories or posts because i always feel encouraged to take a step forward. And thanks to others who have commented here, they are inspirational too.
Blessings.
Priscilla Makubetse says
Thank you. True. Stopping is not an option. Forward Forever. Amen.
Waterlover says
I recently started that change at 69. I have spent years in despair until I finally woke up and realized that I was the only help that I needed. I accidentally found a BFF that I had longed for for years. That was my guru. I haven’t quite finished but I have my backpack. I am constantly amazed how much these articles have helped me. It’s like Mark and Angel are my walking stick. They are truly amazing!!! Thank you M&A for making this your life’s work to help all of us. I am eternally grateful.
Luna says
I really needed this message today. Thank you for your consistent reminders.
Jackie de Crinis says
That quote by Epicurus is everything! Such a good reminder of being grateful for today and all the blessings we have. Thank you!?
Kimber Knutson says
I love everything about this article. I am going to take it “personally” in that I am 60 and in a similar place in my life for similar and different reasons than the woman in this story. I really enjoyed reading this today because something desperately needs to give in my life right now, and I am not sure what to do next. I have been waiting for divine inspiration, which I have learned to trust, finally, after 60 years. Thanks again for the post. The timing for me is divine.
Jacqueline Zima-Harper says
Thank YOU!!
Veronica says
Thank You, I concur. Just what I needed to hear and just in time as I celebrate my 47th birthday.
I resonate, as I too need reminders to always trust the journey and have faith in the road ahead, with grace and gratitude.
Blessings
Nora Agyei Mensah says
OMG, I just finished this article now and before that I was feeling unmotivated but at the end of it and now more sure and motivated to struggle with my current job. I thank you so much for your wisdom advice on life when things doesn’t turn out the way we wanted.
Debbie Jennings says
Very grateful for your essays, they keep me moving forward. Many blessings to you both!
Deb
Tania Alam says
Thanks a lot.It was so enlightening.The summary is to be mindful,to be grateful what we have,to see and accept the challenge as opportunity instead of breaking down,take the baby steps every single day instead of being hopeless.
Jen says
Do you respond to anyone who posts, or privately?
Marc Chernoff says
Hi Jen, we often reply privately if a question or topic needs a more personal discussion.
Meg says
Such wise advice! Many thanks for sharing. My husband and I have been busy sorting through stuff, and have decided to give a lot of it away. Things we nolonger need or want in our lives, but others may enjoy.
Saarim says
Can’t put in words how much your blogs help me carry out actions and look retrospecticely into my own life. Almost feel as though all of these writeups are curated for me and my life alone. Couldn’t be more grateful. Great job Marc & Angel. Much love.
Ravi P says
Thank you… I was taking things for granted but now I appreciate all the good things that happened to me and valuable lessons learned.. I learned most valuable lessons during tough times… still lot to learn but now with hope…
Maria Marin says
Thanks
I needed this today !
VIVIAN R UPSHAW says
Seeing what we have always taken for granted, I washed my white tennis shoes in my washer at home. 1. If I didn’t hv a part-time job I probably wouldn’t care about my shoes as much.
2. To have a wash machine at home is such a conience!!!!!( blessing)
So in my todays back pack are my job with its friendly people and my home with my wash machine.
Thank you.
Vanessa says
Thank you! This was such a profound and inspirational story. I rarely comment on articles or newsletters, but this was so moving and I really needed it in this moment.
Ndm says
#7 was it.