An inspiration board

Motivation, but for what?

{I happened to watch an okay motivational video, and it got me to thinking about extracting its more helpful points in a less worldly way, given fallen nature and all that; not according to my own bright ideas, but drawing from what I have learned from my reading of the great spiritual masters of old. Last week I talked about changing one little habit to make way for larger ones.}

Inspiration boards are touted as important tools for helping you reach your goals.

I agree. Only thinking about things can abstract us right out of reality. We know things through our senses; looking at an image of something we want can motivate us. An entire advertising industry can’t be wrong…

But be careful about the goals and the images.

Among other issues, a photo of a 20-something girl in a bikini isn’t going to help us eat better and be sure to get outside for a walk; in fact, it will probably make us reach for a sleeve of Oreos. A photo of a billionaire’s modern penthouse or exclusive resort isn’t going to help us want to tidy our humble abode. That sort of thing increases dissatisfaction (and envy).

I have my own little glimpses of what I want to strive for, or what makes me happy, or who I want to pray for, by pinning up the little bits and bobs I love. So, pictures of my grandchildren and children, a pretty notecard I can’t bear to throw away, along with pictures of saints who draw me to love of God with their excellent virtues, ones I am particularly drawn to.

For many, the fridge is where such things go! Arrange it with a bit of purpose and that is great!

These little pockets of beauty can help connect with the beauty of a calm, peaceful life, orienting us to heaven beyond it, without creating an insurmountable gap between “perfection” (which doesn’t exist except in heaven) and my imperfect situation, which nevertheless can be a source of peace for me and those around me if I devote myself to it rationally.

NB for the interested: On this particular little board, which of course is not the only one I have, these days the saints who are calling out to me are, left to right up there at the top, St. Katharine Drexel, Servant of God Fr. Willie Doyle SJ, and Blessed Karl of Austria.

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My book on how to live with the Liturgical Year: The Little Oratory

The School for Housewives brings you short, practical, and thoughtful messages to inspire you to make your home. If you’re new here, go to the homepage for the previous Lessons; the categories are arranged in the menu bar at the top.

For the longer version:

As with everything here at the SFH, the best thing is for you to take my ideas, coming from my experience of 45 years of marriage and raising seven children, and apply them to your situation with discernment, prudence, and confidence — and a sense of humor!