ENCOURAGEMENT INSPIRATION MOTIVATION

[Doolhof]

Hi All, 

It is not always easy to feel motivated or inspired to do anything when you are feeling deeply depressed or when suffering from some other mental health issues.

I'd like people to use this thread to share ideas/thoughts/quotes/poems on how you manage to motivate, inspire and encourage yourself to do things when it all feels just too hard to even try.

Who of you remember that song/story about the little train that kept saying "I think I can! I think I can!" as it climbed up a steep hill? Sometimes I need to tell myself the same thing: "I think I can!" If I start thinking "there is no way I can do that, then I won't even attempt to make an effort.

Hopefully others will post ideas and thoughts here that may be very beneficial to others.

Cheers all from Dools

[Doolhof]

Hi Elizabeth,

Good for you realising that sticking to your goals is worthwhile and worth working towards.

Sometimes it is hard to know what are goals and plans are, so it is great you recognise them and are working to achieve things.

My goal this morning was to do my stretches for my back and go for a walk before I started work. I managed both, so I was pleased with that.

One step at a time and we can achieve our goals or at least work towards making them happen.

Cheers for now From Mrs. Dools

[Elizabeth CP]

I was concerned that I am doing things because I should rather than I want to which affects motivation. My therapist suggested changing the word should for ''choose to'. For example I try to walk each day to improve fitness. By saying  Ï choose to walk today' reminds me of why I am doing it which is more motivating & allows me to feel more in control than saying "I should go" There is often times when you need to do things you don't really like doing but fit with your set of values. For example sometimes I will have family get togethers which can be stressful but saying to myself I choose to do it helps me keep things in perspective. 

[Doolhof]

Hi Elizabeth,

I like the idea to change the words we use to describe and relate to activities!

It certainly does sound more motivational doesn't it. I might try to put that into practise.

Maybe there is another word for TRY?