I was up early this morning running. 5.1 miles at an unspectacular pace but I got out and did it which was the main objective. I’ve recovered from a back injury but my motivation levels were at a low ebb for a variety of reasons. I needed several kicks up the backside to get out on the road and stop feeling sorry for myself. I want to be fit and healthy and you won’t achieve that sitting on a sofa eating your body weight in junk food. Or at least I won’t.
Motivation is a frustrating thing. There are times you can have the bit well and truly between your teeth. You know exactly what you need to do and you get out there and do it. You are focused, determined and, perhaps most important of all, consistent. You need targets ahead of you on the road, signposts that you can aim towards with each step of the journey. It might be tough, it might be horrible, but that’s the prize and you never take your eyes off it.
Various people and events inspire and motivate me. Both good and bad. My loved ones who look up to me and expect me to be the very best father and husband I can be. I try to set a positive example in everything I do, I push myself to deliver on all fronts. I also always have one eye looking over my shoulder as I don’t want to regress to where I used to be, to who I used to be. I’m forever on my guard against slipping back into old habits.
There are people from my past and present who drive me forwards as well. The doubters, those who mock and sigh when I talk about my hopes and dreams. Those who dropped me when I needed help most, those who turned their backs and they walked away. This one is for you. I might not be Mo Farah or Stephen King, I might not be at the top of the pile yet, but I’m getting there and I’ll prove you all wrong. This one is for you.
Black Thoughts 
Moxie is the word that comes to mind….it’s all about moxie, Stephen. You’ve got it. Have I told you lately how much I appreciate your posts?
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Well done you for getting out early. It is hard to motivate yourself to run first thing in the morning when most of your body is still asleep or just waking up. And I’m quite jealous that you managed 5 miles. I certainly couldn’t do that at the moment.
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Thank you. It’s doing it consistently is my problem 🙂
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I had an AA sponsor many years ago who told me that you don’t get motivation to do anything until you get off your ass & start doing it.
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Amen 🙏🏻
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I am impressed! I have such a hard time getting motivated!
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great motivation!
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Thank you 😊
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Keep shining! 🌸🌈
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Thank you. You too 🙂
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Thanks for the kick. I will get up and sweep the floor.
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You’re very welcome 🙂
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Kudos to you. I’ve been in a bit of a funk this past week, pushing my writing to the side and spending much time playing video games and worrying about not sleeping – instead of sleeping!
Reading your commitment to success, as well as the struggles you have to get there, shows just how important hard work is. It reminds me we are all human, and despite this can succeed no matter the obstacles we face. Be grateful for the good around us and spend as much time in those mental spaces as we can. When we’re not able to, be ok not being ok, and keep on keeping on.
Peace to you, especially when you’re on your 5.30am runs!
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Thank you Hamish. Have you checked out ‘Skelly’s Square’ yet? It tackles a lot of themes I read about on the blog within a fictional context.
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Thank you for being a continuing source of motivation
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You’re very welcome. Thank you for supporting my writing 🙏🏻
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Keep running. 🙂
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Thank you for the motivation.
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