I spent the afternoon grading and listening to inspirational speeches while I did so... I find that personal development during grading helps me focus in a weird way. It helps the time pass with the possibility of maintaining sanity. See, I don't love grading papers.... I love teaching - a lot. However, very few teachers love grading papers. I love grading scenes and theatre projects (thus, being a full-time theatre teacher next year (see I started this awhile back) is going to be heaven), but not papers... Eh.
The point of this entry, however, is not to discuss my like or dislike of grading. This is about inspiration and motivation. This is about finding time in your day, every day, to really give moments to personal development and inner-growth. My life has dramatically changed over the past year as I have redirected and again redirected myself because of personal development in many areas. One area, is the development of my mind and intellect. I have found that as I read more, listen to speeches or talks, and study on words of motivational value, I am a more full and driven individual.
One speech I was recently listening to was a speech from a few years back, given by Steve Jobs at a college graduation ceremony. I know Jobs can be hyped, but I really do love a lot of his advice and think his unique approach and path are emulatable - yes, I made up that word - in certain circumstances. I love this advice he gives, which can apply to our lives in school, professions, friends, love, religion, and personal growth:
"You can't connect the dots looking forward you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well worn path."
- Steve Jobs
He goes on to talk about truly loving what you do and in a way, who you are becoming and can become:
"You've got to find what you love... Do what you believe is great work. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking... you'll know when you find it. Keep looking - don't settle."
- Steve Jobs
I love this. Too often we find ourselves stuck in positions of life where we are unhappy or discontent. These feelings can be a breeding means for two things --> complaint or change. We can find ourselves growing more negative as we allow the discontent we feel and experience to overrun our lives and thoughts, or we can work to "change our stars." We can notice these feelings or unhappiness as a call to move. We are not meant to be stationary creatures, and we are given desires in our hearts to lead us where we need to go in life. I truly believe we should not settle to settle.
Now, I'm not saying allow discontent to run your life and never find your happiness so you're constantly running from opportunities or using this as an excuse. You know, deep down, when you have found yourself in a place you're suppose to be. You also know, deep down when you should be chasing a different dream or goal. You know, deep down when a person isn't right for you or when being with someone is a good option to try and pursue. Sometimes we walk a little more in faith than knowledge, but we feel promptings or even gut-guidance no matter what religious beliefs you harbor. Don't settle - follow your heart till you arrive at the place YOU should be or with the person YOU should be with because love is present. Start to genuinely trust yourself.
Here's some real advice to put into action... In the words of Robin Roberts, when fear knocks, let faith answer the door. Find what you love, embrace that God puts passion into our lives for a reason, take a scary (but necessary) step in the direction of what you love, and have faith when that fear starts knocking... There is soon to be another blog entry on this very topic, so for now, I'll say, to be continued...
*muah*
Here's some real advice to put into action... In the words of Robin Roberts, when fear knocks, let faith answer the door. Find what you love, embrace that God puts passion into our lives for a reason, take a scary (but necessary) step in the direction of what you love, and have faith when that fear starts knocking... There is soon to be another blog entry on this very topic, so for now, I'll say, to be continued...
*muah*
Ps Here is a site with some great speeches, some of which have the quotes I found for this article: http://elitedaily.com/life/motivation/5-of-the-most-inspirational-speeches-of-our-time-motivate/
Song of the Day: In the spirit of Christmas, which it is, I recnetly recorded a cover of "Grown-up Christmas List," that I wouldlove you to check out! Enjoy and remember, reaching out to serve others is the greatest gift we can give this season... :)
No comments:
Post a Comment