Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Motivation.
Roy's Revelation
Little Roy sat next to his mother watching their favorite t.v. show, The Cosby Show. During a commercial break, Little Roy's mom looked down at him with a smile. He knew what was coming. His mother loved to challenge him and make him think. Roy loved these challenges as well.
By Author Walter Mathis6 years ago in Motivation
The Strange Girl Sitting In The Rain Writing
The day still lingers in my mind. I could smell the rain with a hint of lavender. The lavender was from the lotion that I was wearing at the time. Sitting on the school steps not too far from home, I waited. The rain had not yet started, but I could feel the soft drops tapping at my skin already. I smiled as a cat walked up and decided my foot was its bed. A neighbor walked up, looking down at the cat. The neighbor called for the cat to come home. The cat gave a soft meow to me just before following his owner back home.
By Shelly Bartley6 years ago in Motivation
It Hurts Me To Share This
The only place I want to be is right here-right now. This is it. This is all I need. I don’t have to write my thoughts down onto a sheet of paper. I don’t have to share them with other people. Half the time? The materials which I encounter on the regular aren’t even individual’s personal thoughts: they are either mimicking or interpreting what other people already said. Famous, historically significant people who’s shocking breakthrough led to some sort of immaculate discovery for humanity’s sake, or otherwise, became so significant that it garnered the traction of other people who didn’t know how to think for themselves and much less why!? of what benefit could it possibly be for a single person to develop their own thoughts? and especially because everything has already allegedly been done before! Well? Ha! I just engulfed another bite of my sandwich! I just breathed another breath! and you know what I’m going to share next don’t you?! THAT has NEVER been done before! Thinking for oneself is the ultimate gift of true-liberation and I am only apologetic because I did no due diligence to relay this message towards the younger generations sooner! Before, ultimately our human species gets confined and robbed thoroughly of their individual freedoms and mainly due to the desire for the attraction towards power, greed and consumption in the external, perceptive universe through many a divine stratagems (such as visibility through notoriety and recognition), an individual must come to the place of love and acceptance for SELF! if that goes missing? And yes! I get it: I am by definition a hypocrite for even sharing this. I feel sincerely nervous that my computer and internet alone are picking up on different, and significant human features and elements in order to further their mechanistic cause. You get that? A Star Trek future seems unrealistic to most people still and others refuse to stand up against the futility of the cause: “Resistance is futile.” But you see? being the messenger is a far more important role for me to take as like I mentioned earlier, the guilt from not having shared this information towards our youth sooner will be far worse if I do nothing about it. So THINK! think independently! think and grow rich! think and create that which you wish to have in this lifetime. BE conscious, present, here and now! THIS is all there is! THIS is it!! meaning? whatever else comes to us during our life-time? is a gift! a blessing! a fulfillment on an impractical and undeniably improbable likelihood! because nothing in this life is guaranteed: not your car, not your house, not your health and wellbeing? not even your life in the very next moment. The fact that you have made it to this point? means that YOU were CHOSEN! and you were NOT selected to be enslaved by any chains that might bind you. Consider your world. Consider the constructs of its’ boundaries and think of your limitless potential simply for being chosen to exist as a human being. Does your world and your limitlessness add up? or does it seem rather restrictive? And like I stated earlier: I did not want to type and share this information into a computer chip, but I owe humanity a gigantic favor and these are the blessings I must communicate for the lost and troubled souls who have learned salvation through the physical subjugation of restriction. May you live and exist expansively freely.
By Dickson Flacc6 years ago in Motivation
Thin Air
The day started out just like most weekdays. I got dressed, had breakfast, grabbed my backpack and headed out the door. I took my usual route to the streetcar, walking briskly around Lafayette Cemetery No.1 and past the park benches where I would always see the woman I refer to as the “friendly park bench lady.” For the past two years I’ve seen her on my morning commute, sitting on the same bench, in the same spot, writing in her same little black book. I would always nod and say hello, and she would always reward me with a friendly wave and a delightful smile. This morning however, I was surprised to find her missing from my morning routine. Staring for a moment at her usual spot, I noticed that she had left her familiar black book there on the bench. I quickly scanned the area to try and locate her, but she was nowhere to be found. For her to have forgotten her precious book seemed unlikely and made me feel quite strange. I made a split-second decision to grab it and keep it in my backpack until I could return it safely to her.
By John Rogers6 years ago in Motivation
Choose Your Circle Wisely
As we continue to get older, we also start to become wiser, well at least most of us anyway. Naturally, as we continue to gain experience in all the ups and downs that life delivers us, that experience helps us to learn, grow, and develop, as a person. Some use it to their advantage to better themselves, others use it to become more bitter towards others, and towards life itself instead. One thing I have learned personally, especially over the past decade or so, is how one cannot rely upon others in life, for anything. I'm talking about support, care, trust, compassion, moral support, financial help, encouragement, loyalty, true friendship, and true love. It's been especially evident to me over these past couple of months, as I have had to deal with what has undoubtedly been the most difficult and painful period of my life, and yet no one has been there to support me, comfort me, help me, or uplift me. Now don't take me the wrong way here, because I refuse to play the victim of circumstance, nor am I in any way looking for sympathy, because today's message isn't about seeking attention whatsoever. Today's message is about increasing awareness about having to deal with adversity on our own, and how we need to prepare for that, whilst it's also about not putting faith in others except ourselves, and ensuring that the people we spend our time with, are actually beneficial to us. When I talk of being beneficial to us, I don't mean that we need to be seeking and spending more time with people who are a convenience to us, and whom we use just to get our own way in life. I mean we need to be spending time with people who are beneficial to us because they are goals driven individuals, they are positive minded, they are encouraging, they are morally supportive, they want to see us succeed, they are motivational, they are compassionate, they are genuinely caring, they are generous, and they are inspirational. It's these type people we should want to be more like, so we can in turn inherit the same characteristics, whilst remaining goals driven and positive ourselves.
By David Stidston6 years ago in Motivation
The Countdown
Astrid walked toward the isolated bookshelf on the wall. It was oddly distanced from the other collection of notebooks and journals. Bookstores would usually locate these shelves adjacent to each other for easy navigation, but there were quite a few steps between this one and another. Other shoppers didn't even seem to notice this dim corner, and Astrid would have missed it too without the flickering light above. Astrid found herself stepping away from the traffic of the shop as she reached the tall brown shelf placed against the dark green wall. It was stocked solely with duplicates of a small black notebook. Though she found the monopoly unusual, Astrid still appreciated the soft leathery feel at her fingertip. Astrid looked for a barcode or a price sticker but only found five digits embossed in the center both front and back: 20000. If it were meant to indicate the current year, they were horribly off. Astrid dismissed it as a bad copy and grabbed a different one. Same embossing was on the back. She reached for another. Same thing. Now Astrid wondered if this was an intentional design or a terrible printing mistake. Having lost the desire to purchase, she began to put the journal back. As it left her hand, Astrid felt chills going down her spine. She instantly realized something was different, perhaps even wrong. The bustle and the noise had stopped completely. Silence fell over the entire store, and Astrid did not dare turn around. Her instincts were screaming at her to pick up the book. She slowly placed her hand on the black cover, and air began to move again. White noise returned, and Astrid whipped her entire body around. No one was looking at her. Nobody was paying any attention to her. Everyone was going about their day. I... must be really tired, she thought. I must be.
By Stella Ji6 years ago in Motivation
CHANEL'S CHAOS!
With a smile on her face, Chanel hung up the phone with so much excitement and life. She quickly grabbed her purse and keys to leave her office. Cancel all calls and appointments for the day Ms. Catalina lock up the office and take the rest of the day off . Oh Ms. Chanel thank you so much so sweet of you. It's no problem Ms. Cat you have been my back bone since my mother passed and I as so thankful for that. Chanel is an up coming lawyer and currently in law school. While attending school Chanel works/runs her mother's Insurance company. Ms. Lopez left it to Chanel when she passed away two years ago. The company wasn't doing it's best but it kept food on the table and bills paid. With the company barely making it Chanel's school payments had to a turn for the worst, Chanel may have to drop out.
By Takeyla Halliburton6 years ago in Motivation
The Effect Of The Butterfly
The Effect Of The Butterfly by Devin McKenney “Yoo Dear Moleskine!Right on time”, I excitedly thought as the song by Jay Elect and Kendrick blared through my EarPods from my phones shuffle mode.This song always relaxes me and makes me feel like everything gonna be alright . The beat and melody ride like a soothing river and the LYRICS! (Insert head blown emoji ). This is the Perfect song to say ,”Man Im over this…(Insert poop emoji haha). Which I literally am as I walk in Midtown pandemic struck New York…Live from 2020. Haha Well if you are reading these lines I guess you understand the gist of my state of mind. Anyways my current location in space and time is a rainy New York day on Broadway and my boss just told he has to let me go for the moment because the pandemic has caused us to lose almost 70% of our business. Just so you the reader knows IM THE TOP brick oven pizza chef in NYC (at least I like to think so haha). To make a long story short since we had to shut down indoor dining to our family style Brick Oven Pizza restaurant earlier this year lets just say “Business Sucks!”, and now I got let go until further notice…(Insert hmmm emoji).”Yooo! Can I just write this year over!” I think loudly to myself.Like really write it over like that Ashton Kutcher movie'The Butterfly Effect’ where he was able to rewrite his history in his notebook and it happened.That would be amazing!(well except the migraines he got afterwards he can keep those haha). All of these thoughts run to and fro in my head as I make my way down a rainy Broadway ave on my way to get a drink at this New Orleans style outdoor restaurant.Sheesh Lord knows I need one now. The streets are really empty compared to the normal hordes of people that usually crowd these same sidewalks in normal times. Still a lot of people though might I add “This is still New York City by the way”, but nowhere near the same. I would like to add one more thing, the air quality is surprisingly fresh,crisp and beautiful for New York. Maybe its partly because everyone has a mask on and thus everybody's breath is not mixing and parlaying together in the atmospheric mix haha. My fiancee always rolls her eyes at me when I say that but on the low I know she agrees and so do you my dear reader just think about it haha. Back to the mission at hand I am now one block from my destination on this cool rainy Late spring. Just walked pass Times Square which now reminds me of a postcard from one of those dystopian future movies haha. Man I’ll be happy when this is over and we can get back to funky, crowded but surprisingly dope pre-pandemic NYC. “Hey Raul what’s poppin my dude!”,as I reach the outdoor bar window while removing my EarPods. “Hey what’s up my friend!”, says Raul as we do a gloved fist bump which seems to be the new way of greeting.” You want your regular?.” says Raul. “ Yes indeed but I need it extra extra strong today as I just found out I’m on forced leave from the restaurant and who knows when or where the next money bag is coming from and your next free brick oven pizza haha”, I chuckled at Raul. “I’m sorry to hear that my good brother”, Raul says with concerned 2020 eyes. “In that case first round on me” , he continues. As Raul passed me the drink through the window I caught a glimpse of a mysterious trenched coat gentleman out the corner of my eye take a seat at one of the outside booths. As I take my drink to one of the stools I take a look at the guy. He is dressed with an expensive looking trench coat with a brown Borsolino rimmed hat ,a umbrella and a glow that definitely reenforced my previous description of mysterious....ooor maybe it was the mask. Well if that’s the case I guess everyone looks mysterious these days because everywhere I turn people are masked up, some even 2 or 3. Didn’t realize I was staring at the dude and quickly turned away as we catch eye contact. Not one to be in the streets staring at dudes haha but this fella had a strong energy with him. I take a sip of my strong drink which is a double shot of rum and coca-cola . As I intend on taking the edge off my issues there was a whole board meeting going on in my head. “ What is my fiancée going to say?Do I need unemployment? How much is in my savings account?When is this $h#t going to be over?How is anyone going to taste my 5 star brick oven pizza?Ugh why am I sick of zoom parties already?How are we going to buy this house? No lie I had all these thoughts before the cup returned to the table after my first sip.I sat there zoned out staring into the block by block halfway empty midtown abyss as I contemplate the next few weeks. “ What am I gonna do!?”, “again rewrite this year already”, as I look blankly into space.I suddenly realize my drink is finished.Then I hear Rauls voice from behind me, “Hey my friend is that all you having? What else can I get you?” “You got $20000 dollars I can use to reboot my life. I said sarcastically but with a tone of humor. “ Haha wouldn’t that be nice” he laughed. “Right!? ,I laughed back, “ Yea I’ll take another Raul”.Just then I see the mysterious guy in the trench stand up. He almost looks like a 50’s corporate advertising executive slash account collecting mobster hitman with a 2020 era mask. He actually looks familiar now.It’s funny how you still can recognize certain people even with a mask. Upon 2nd glance maybe I don’t recognize him. He then turns to me breaking the midtown silence with a few cars honking in the background and says, “ You ever heard the one about the butterfly and caterpillar? I turn around with the most perplexed look, “No my man I don’t believe I have”. “ Pardon me I don’t intend to be all up in your business but I see you over here with that contemplating is this my life look hahaha” , he laughed deep but softly under the mask as I slightly chuckle because he’s right. He continues “Well there was once a caterpillar who spent his days walking about searching for leaves to eat.He always complained “ Why do I have to drag these legs all about all day long ?, “ and it takes me forever to get up to the best leaves higher in the trees” the caterpillar lamented. “ Who wrote this struggle life for me , I wish I could just rewrite it”. “ I would be so fly...I could get where I need to go easily and have access to the best leaves Marvelous Mother Earth has on her exquisite menu”, the caterpillar smiled. Just then I am pulled out of the trees back to New York from fantasy land as Raul places my new drink in front of me. “ Here you go my friend let me know if you need anything else bro” Raul says as he swiftly goes back into the bar. “ Thank-you Raul!”, I say behind him. The mysterious 50s dressed dude was not even phased by the interruption as he continues with the story of the caterpillar. “ So later that night caterpillar falls into a deep slumber and dreams he is inside a cozy relaxing room with a notepad writing the perfect version of himself where his life would be full of happiness and ease”. The caterpillar enjoys the best rejuvenating sleep he has ever had after dragging 6 legs around all day. He sleeps and sleeps and then suddenly awakens. “What!It Worked!”,as the Butterfly smiles and flies away. Meanwhile I give this guy the most blank New York City look and wonder to myself, “That’s it!”. The man continues, “I say all that to say, I think I have the help you need to get that look out of your eyes,” as he pulls a small black book out of his inner pocket. “ Take this and rewrite your life like that caterpillar did” as he hands me a pen and book that reminds me of the small black journal everyone’s grandmother used for all her phone numbers and addresses back in the day.He looks at me over the top bridge of his mask with familiar eyes that I swear I know and says , “ Seriously write the perfect version of your life in this black book and take the utmost care of it. “ Promise me one thing...when you get everything you wrote you must give this black book to someone else and share the same story I did with you.” , “ You must share it because greed is the destroyer of blessings”, he says as I took and opened the book. I sarcastically say “ Oh you got a magic Ashton Kutcher book huh”?He smirked quietly beneath the mask. “Well I’m gonna rewrite this story right now”’ as I take the pen and begin writing. “I can’t believe this dude playing with me with this imaginary stuff with all I got going on”’ I silently annoyingly think to myself.I continued out loud while I wrote. ..$20000 dollars, my own 5 star brick oven pandemic proof restaurant, my own recipe book, a fresh brimmed 50s style borsillino hat, a house for my fiancée and I ... At that moment I realized the guy wasn’t saying anything and I look up and see the mysterious story telling man was almost a block down the street with his umbrella up in the rain. “ Hey!” ,I shouted, “ You forgot your magic butterfly book as I jumped up leaving Raul’s tip and payment. I jogged to catch up with the guy as he swiftly and gingerly walked down the street of this traffic less NYC street. He makes a quick right around the corner of the block as I shout, “ Hey Man!”.
By Devin McKenney6 years ago in Motivation
The Broken Wall
I slammed the sledgehammer into the wall and felt the chalky material give way. All around me was destruction, and it felt fitting – symbolic even. This was the razing that came before the remaking. I was doing to this house what I had done to my life.
By Priscilla Leigh6 years ago in Motivation
There Is Always Hope
Jackie Joy didn’t know where to go or how to get her next meal. Tear streaks from various days, now ordinary to her, created a tree bark timeline on her cheeks. She had lost her way; her age, gender, depth of thought, and will to live had escaped in the middle of a night she could not remember with life’s goals and dreams tucked and folded sweetly in a briefcase she had never seen.
By Karen Jorgenson6 years ago in Motivation
