Inspiration Can Come From the Strangest Places

After yesterday's post, I received a comment from an old news friend, linking me to a post written by Michael Moore.  Maybe you saw it.  If you did, I hope you read it.  If not, go read it now and then come back to this post... I promise you, you won't be sorry.

Michael Moore can get a bit preachy at times.  I thought Fahrenheit 9/11, while good, was a bit over the top.  But when I copied the link my friend Sabina posted into my address bar and started reading, I was pleasantly surprised.  And equally inspired.

The basis for Moore's post (for those of you who did not click the link and read the entire post) is about a tweet he got, when he made a joke about walking.  The tweet inspired Moore to get out and walk for 30 minutes a day, which he's been doing for the last 42 weeks.  But, despite the obvious weight loss inspiration one in my situation could take from this post.... I found an even deeper meaning in what Moore had to say.

"My advice: Quit trying to be something you're not, be happy with the life you've been given and just go for a pleasant walk outside."
-- Michael Moore

Maybe it's because just minutes before I read this, I'd been doubting myself about changes I want to make for TAWPS.  Or, maybe it's because for the past 3 years I've let myself be dictated by what other people think, say and feel about me.  Whatever it was, that sentence above really resonated with me.   Be happy with yourself.  Do what you love.  Those are the messages I took out of that post.  Because, in the end, isn't it really just about being happy?  Whether it's in our careers  our love life, our relationship with ourselves and others, or in the way we view ourselves.

"The path to happiness-- and deep down, we all know this-- is created by love, and being kind to oneself, sharing a sense of community with others, becoming a participant instead of a spectator and being in motion.  Moving.  Moving around all day.  Lifting things, even if it's yourself."
--Michael Moore

Lifting yourself.  I love that.  It's a concept that's been dormant in my mind for a while now, yet one that is so simple.  Love, Kindness, Sharing and Movement.  They're all simple.  And take way less energy than being angry, hateful, spiteful, selfish and lazy. (I know, I added an extra one- so sue me :))  The only hard part is having the courage and the drive to let go of those exhausting feelings and start to heal.  The good news?

"Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage.  Just literally 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery.  And I promise you, something great will happen."
--Benjamin Mee, We Bought a Zoo (one of my favorite movies, watch it if you haven't yet.)

So, whether you're starting a journey to lose weight, to love yourself, to reconnect with a lost friend or loved one, to find a new career or to be a happier person; find yourself 20 seconds of insane courage.  Then get out there, and do it!

I'll leave you today, with one more bit of advice from my pal, Michael Moore:

"Do NOT go on that walk with me if you are doing so to 'get fit,' 'be healthy,' or 'lose weight.' You are fine just the way you are... Walk to walk and nothing else-- and the other stuff will take care of itself."
--Michael Moore

Did you read Moore's post?  What did you thing about what he had to say?  Were there any other messages you took out of it?  Share your thoughts and feelings below.