“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
G.K. Chesterton
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Philippians 4:8 (The Message)
I recently came across this quote from G.K. Chesterton, and it rings true with one of my themes in life. The things that truly motivate us well, and consistently, are positive things. Motivations that come from fear, and desire to escape, can be powerful, but they are ultimately short lived and draining.
In the long run, positive motivators give energy and zest to life. Motivators based upon fear and escape deplete energy, and can wreak havoc on our emotions and our body. Chronic stress depletes serotonin levels, and raises cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone involved in regulating our metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, weight control, and inflammation of body tissues.
When we are in a constant state of stress- such as is caused by fear and need to escape- we are damaging our bodies and minds. Some stress, of course is unavoidable. That is the price we pay for being human. Yet, if we can keep in mind positive motivators, and recognize the negative motivators, we have a choice of how we want to proceed.
Seeking the positive goal is the motivation that energizes us.
Prayer: Lord, help us to keep in mind what our true goals and motivators are, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 