What really keeps us going?

When we look at history, we see that there have been many times throughout the ages when there has been turmoil, strife and suffering. Previously, however, the great upheavals of the world have been restricted to fairly localized areas. Today we are seeing turmoil on a truly global scale such as we have never seen before. 

Looking at all the instances of past hard times, then looking at where we are today, it can be difficult to not to get despondent. So many are facing unprecedented challenges and sadly, many are not only suffering financially, but also mentally and emotionally. Some are succumbing, yet somehow, some are maintaining a positive and hopeful attitude. 

It’s easy to see why many are beset by hopelessness. But why, and how, are others able to maintain a positive and hopeful attitude and outlook? What drives those of us who manage to do so? What really keeps us going?

I’m not a psychologist, so these are simply a few personal thoughts on the matter.

I’m a businessman, an entrepreneur and by extension, an optimist. But it’s not just that which drives me and keeps me believing that the future will eventually be better.  

As one who has survived stage four cancer, I know that we have a limited time here. When that time is over, what will we have left behind? What legacy will continue to exert its influence upon the world? How many lives will we have affected for the good? To how many will we have added something of value?

During hard times, we are brought face to face with our true selves, our true motivations. Hard times highlight heroes and villains, givers and takers, positive and negative. 

It’s a funny thing, but it seems that often those who are the most generous, the most caring and the most inclined to help others are those who have the least in a material sense and the face the greatest challenges. Why is this? Is it because they habitually live in ‘hard times’ and are therefore more acutely aware of and sympathetic to the needs of others?

I think that what really keeps us going, keeps us positive and inspires us to do something meaningful in our own small sphere of influence, could be the awareness of the brevity and value of life. Plus an indefinable, inexplicable and perhaps irrational belief that refuses to be extinguished. A spark of hope in a good and better future that, like a tiny candle flame, cannot be overwhelmed by the darkness. 

Personally, I see each day as a gift. Twenty-four hours within which I can do something, no matter how small, towards making life better for others. 

What keeps you going?

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