Moving On: My Lesson in Belonging to Myself for Hope and Motivation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Moving On: My Lesson in Belonging to Myself for Hope and Motivation

A take on what it is that keeps us going once we get started

180
Moving On: My Lesson in Belonging to Myself for Hope and Motivation
Trey Tompkins

It's not about getting started that concerns my motivation. The question is, "What is going to keep me going once I get started?" I have done a lot in life that I didn't want to do, spent a lot of time trying to please others in the hope that my ambitions would be supplied at some point. This drains.

I have been at the low points, points in which I questioned existence and even accepted death as a better alternative in those moments. Working at a job that I had complete disdain for, regretting choices I had made in the past, and not making connections with people around me in a new area- these were all a culmination for a complete re-evaluation in my life.

What was keeping me alive? What thought was it that was keeping me alive? It was family. I couldn't imagine the grief my family would suffer if something tragic were to happen to me. That was my motivation and what I had to work with. From there, I focused entirely on cutting out anything that did not help that and moved on.

This is what brings us hope. Living today with the ability to move on. If we get stuck thinking about making full promises we missed yesterday, or fulfilling expectations that we swear will happen tomorrow, then surely we will live disappointed for missing out on the parallels of the day. Promise today, but never swear tomorrow because yesterday never came.

What have I moved onto? Belonging. This is what many of us are in search of. I craved family because it taught me belonging. I learned this before I even learned language. It is largely a part of who we all already are. We belong to each other, but just as importantly, we belong to ourselves.

In search of belonging, I have found many people who are lost and suffering; afraid to ask or too afraid to say "This hurts" or " I hurt". Open up. Let it be known. Don't do this through pretense or wanting a quick fix, it will only exacerbate the issue even deeper.

My lesson has been that vulnerability is our strength. Our hope is not of solid structure, but more so of a loose, intangible nature that is accessible through a delicate force of will. So subtle this force is. It is not obvious. Not with a lot of chaotic noise. It is obvious through attunement to our intention and desire to belong.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

7740
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774957
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

2244
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments