My Health Battle Story: Finding Motivation in the Most Unexpected Places

Life is a constant tapestry of highs and lows, a series of peaks and valleys. Some days, we find ourselves climbing mountains, and other days, we’re just trying to wade through the muck. For me, my health battle was that valley, one deep and daunting. Yet, within it, I found motivation in the most unexpected places.

The Science of Motivation

Motivation often feels elusive, right? But science tells us that motivation is closely linked with the neurotransmitter dopamine, the brain’s rewarding chemical. It’s the key player when it comes to ambition and perseverance. “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible,” Lewis Carroll once wrote, which reflects our innate desire driven by dopamine to seek out what brings us joy and purpose.

A Journey from Physical and Spiritual Lows

At that point in my life, I had hit rock bottom both physically and spiritually. My once energetic self now found it difficult just to get out of bed. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts,” said Winston Churchill. Those words spurred a flicker in my heart, yet I needed more fuel.

Unexpected Sparks

Ironically, my first burst of motivation came from an accident—a missed prescription pickup. While waiting at the pharmacy, I picked up a book of quotes by chance. Browsing through, I found a line that resonated with my plight: “Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change,” attributed to Jim Rohn. This chance encounter nudged me toward making a change.

Mindfulness and Spiritual Resilience

Motivation isn’t solely a mental game; it embraces the spiritual realm too. Meditation and mindfulness emerged as personal sanctums; they offered a spiritual balm to my troubled mind. “The purpose of our lives is to be happy,” said the Dalai Lama, and I found that peace through mindfulness healed my spirit, allowing motivation to grow.

Unexpected Allies

The support of loved ones can’t be underestimated in reigniting motivation. Surprising to me was a friend’s invitation to join an online health community. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” said Helen Keller, and the power of community propelled me forward yet again.

A New Dawn

With renewed determination, I carved a path out of that valley. Each small victory was celebrated with a surge of dopamine, which fueled my motivation further. In those ordinary, unexpected places, I had rediscovered my spark. “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence,” inspiringly expressed by Helen Keller.

As I look back at this journey, I realize that motivation can spring up anywhere—even in the smallest crevice of everyday life. Feeling encouraged? Download our App  for daily doses of inspiration, straight to your iOS device.