Are you really a believer?

Do you really believe, or do you just tell yourself that's the way it is and go with it? You see this all the time within closed religious communities. Ignorance and sometimes brainwashing convinces people that they believe things no rational person could ever buy into. In today's society of wishy-washy followers, it seems like true believers in any thing are getting to be rare. The people you see who are hardcore in their beliefs seem to be random nutjobs (see recent not quite Rapture). What is going on out there? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I want a world full of super religious people running around out there chastising the rest of us (we've had enough Crusades), but there are just too many half-assed ramblings going on for comfort. I am all for having a belief, or having faith as I think of it, but make sure you are really following your own heart.

Faith is something that should be a part of daily life. It inspires you and gives you motivation to move forward, to take chances, and to better yourself. Religion does not have to be part of your faith. You can believe in any number of things without the need for a God or a Goddess. Try having faith in yourself, or in your loved one, or in any number of small mundane things that you encounter throughout your day. I think you'll find a little bit goes a long way.

Just don't have too much faith in me posting more regularly :p

Motivation

What motivates people to do the things they do? There are many theories. It could be based on childhood experiences, or perhaps on peer pressure. Some scientist say argue for nature, and others for nurture as our prime motivations. Any way you look at it, its complicated.

Why did people look angry when I was driving around early this morning? Surely the fifty year old man who cut me off in his giant SUV wasn't still angry over his parents not sending him to summer camp. Perhaps he is angry at the media and the constant loop of nonsense they repeat every five minutes. Maybe he skipped breakfast and had low blood sugar. I'll never know.

Some people seem to be able to motivate themselves. They get up every morning with a plan and take care of business. Others have to be constantly reminded by friends and family that they have responsibilities as adults. For the life of me I don't understand how people muddle through the day in a haze of other people's directions.

All people want to be treated as reasonable adults, and have the respect of their peers. Even if they do not deserve it. As you begin this month of May you should look into your own motivations. Ask yourself why you do the things you do. Are your actions your own? Are they based on other people's expectations? Are they based on guilt? Look deep inside and find the fire to drive yourself on to your next accomplishment.

Nothing is more gratifying than seeing success resulting from your own initiative.