The Inspiration Nation

I am away for several days for Dr. Dov Baron’s Mind Mastery program in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.  I am SUPER-EXCITED about what I will learn and discover about myself, and how I can concsciously attract abundance in every aspect of my life.

I am looking forward to sharing many of my insights upon my return. 

I guess you could say I’m a tad bit behind on things, but better late than never, right?

I just learned that in December 2001, the US Congress passed House Resolution 308, declaring January 2 of every year thereafter "National Motivation & Inspiration Day."

Kevin L. McCrudden, founder of National Motivation & Inspiration Day, says that the goal of January 2 is that we become "better tomorrow than (we) are today… one minute at a time….one day at a time."

I dare say that becoming better tomorrow means being better today. since tomorrow is a fiction anyway; all we really have is today in this moment.

Though "Motivation" and "Inspiration" are not explicitly defined, the resolution is a wonderful gesture.  Indeed, being inspired and inspiring others is our raison d’être, don’t you agree?

Here is the summary text of this historic resolution:

RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the establishment of a National Motivation and Inspiration Day.

Whereas motivation and inspiration have played important roles in the greatest achievements of civilized society and are characteristics common to all great leaders;

Whereas both children and adults need motivation and inspiration in order to achieve success and happiness in their lives;

Whereas the inspiration to define goals at school, home, and work and the motivation to achieve those goals is critical to achieving success and happiness;

Whereas all children and young adults need mentors to inspire them to achieve their goals and to motivate them to direct their energies toward positive and constructive activities and goals;

Whereas adults who mentor children and young adults become inspired and motivated themselves;

Whereas a renewed focus on motivation and inspiration is particularly important in the wake of the tragedies of September 11, 2001;

Whereas the beginning of the year is often a time of reflection, planning, and goal setting;

Whereas the establishment of a National Motivation and Inspiration Day would provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to focus on the importance of maintaining motivation and inspiration in their lives; and

Whereas January 2 would be an appropriate day to establish as National Motivation and Inspiration Day: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that–
(1) a National Motivation and Inspiration Day should be established; and
(2) the President should issue a proclamation each year calling on the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate programs and activities.

I have been feeling a little discouraged and lacking in productivity lately, and I’m not quite sure from where it all stems.

I think the weather has a bit to do with it, since it really hasn’t been very springlike in my neck of the woods, except for brief interludes. I am also committed to various projects and am a little behind, which contributes to feelings of overwhelm. This condition is not very inspiring.

Looking for a bit of pick-me-up, I dusted off an old book on the shelf by Andrew Matthews called Being Happy!, and I’m sure glad I did.

What a boost to the spirit and a welcomed shift in perspective! 

I opened to page 103, a section titled, "Eleventh Hours." This couldn’t have been more perfect, given that overwhelm generally sets in when productivity is low and deadlines are looming — at the "eleventh hour," as it were.

I was pleasantly surprised by what I read. Matthews gives very compelling encouragement to take heart when the going gets tough, especially when it seems at its toughest. He writes:

"Have you ever noticed in life that things can look really bleak just before a dramatic turn for the better? The businessman reports that just before he made his fortune, he was about to quit…the sporting champion who was down and out and…On the verge of giving in, he stayed just long enough to turn his career around…"

Well, duh. Of course, I’ve noticed this and heard stories like these.  I have even experienced this. Haven’t you? How easy it is to forget when in the midst of the challenge!

Matthews continues, "It is always darkest and coldest just before dawn. But if we hang on long enough, we will get our rewards…Once we recognize the eleventh hour for what it is, life loses a lot of its trauma…Once we realize what is happening, we can actually be one step ahead."

What do you think of that? Mighty encouraging, don’t you think?

Andrew Matthews sums up under the heading "In a Nutshell":  "Don’t be fooled. The eleventh hour is usually an impostor. When everything looks black, it could be time to celebrate. You may be nearly home."

So, take heart! Embrace the challenges. You’re nearly home.  Yay!  Hooray!

Inspire and Be Inspired.