Reflections
I have been chatting online with a cousin I haven't seen for years. We've shared some good ole times, and some that weren't so good. Each of us have been able to reflect on the benefits of both and how it has molded us into who we are today. We call ourselves survivors. We look at our families as a whole, from generations back as being survivors. Are you a survivor? (by the way, I love watching the reality show survivor. Just thought I'd throw that in there. Go Russell!)
We can't haul it you have to Walk
When I was 8 yrs. old I spent the summer with an
Uncle. He truly was a giving soul yet he made you work for what you got or wanted. Nothing came easy until you proved to him you wanted it bad enough to go to any lengths. That summer me and my cousin, his son, wanted a pony. Well he found one we could have but we had no way to get it home unless we walked it. Let me tell you it was no short walk. 20 miles it was.
Through the winding river bottoms of Little Egypt and Western Ky we went. They took off leaving us to drag pull, and attempt to ride this little stubborn pony home. And I thought I was hard headed! This little pony gave us a go at it let me tell ya. Then there was the teenagers who harassed us for about an hour. Driving back and forth throwing rocks and beer cans and covering us with dust from the dry ass roads. We needed a drink too. We had forgot to ask for any water. Oh we could see plenty of water. If you know anything about the Ohio River it's deep, wide and can swallow you but it's not very tasty.
We thought we wanted this pony bad. By the time we finished our journey, we weren't so sure. We had the drive. And by gosh we got it home through all the hell we went through. Yeah we wanted to give up and let it go. Kick it in the ass and shoo it away. We didn't we held on even as those bullies continued to scare the daylights out of all three of us. Even through the fear we made it. I don't recall ever riding that pony much and I don't know about my cousin, but once we rounded that last curve and could see home I was proud of the accomplishment.
One of the things I've reflected on is: Where do I get the drive from. How do I put so much effort into everything I do.Or better yet why? How do I reach my goals when I set my mind to it. Yes it takes action, perseverance, commitment and all the other adjectives you want to throw in. But not everyone has the same drive once their needs are met.
Drive Theory is based on the principle that organisms are born with certain physiological needs and that a negative state of tension is created when these needs are not satisfied.
One thing to remember when thinking about your drive - Always temper your Drive towards success with heart and compassion. And be aware that others can believe your Drive and energy is aggression or arrogance. Honestly, some can even be envious. So don't let what others think keep you from going after your dreams.
What do you think? Are you ready to drive?
