So, what motivates you?  Really, really think about it.  Why do you do the things you do?  Anything - EVERYTHING you do is motivated by something, isn't it?  I'm motivated by happiness.  I would like to tell you that I want to make other people happy.  And, I do.  But, I think what motivates me even more than that is how *I* feel when I make other people happy.  I really don't like that about myself.  I would typically say that I'm not a selfish person.  I like to do things for other people (family, friends, strangers).  So, why do I feel bad about getting some sort of enjoyment out of it?  I'll tell you why.  Because I don't know if I would do it if I didn't get enjoyment out of it.  But, it's kind of like "what came first, the chicken or the egg?".  Is there a definitive answer to my dilemma?  Would I do things for others if I didn't get something in return?  How could I ever not get something in return when helping others makes me happy?
Example :  I truly dislike being cold and I've never been an "outdoorsy" type person.  But, I learned how to ski because my husband loves to ski.  He was practically born skiing (now that's a vision I'd rather not have).  Did I do it because he wanted me to go skiing with him?  No, he would have been fine going alone or with his friends.  I did it because I didn't want to be left alone when he went skiing.  Oh and I was miserable the first few years.  Not miserable as in a bad skier, miserable as in I made everyone else miserable because I disliked it so much.  A couple beautiful trips out west kind of changed my perspective.  As long as I looked good on the slopes and in the apres ski bar - I was golden!  Now, as a mom of two children, I knew what was coming.  He was going to want to teach them to ski.  Ugh, more pressure!  So, once they were around 4 or 5, we took them skiing.  Of course, they love it.  And, you know what?  I've never loved skiing more.  Which is why we've been so brokenhearted this year.  No snow = no family ski trip.  We're still hopeful but, it's not looking promising.  So - a snow bunny I've become.  But, I still did it for me even though the whole family really benefits.

So, what motivates you?

A friend suggested that I should become a Blogger.  I have never done this before so, bear with me.  I may or may not be interesting and/or entertaining but I will always be honest about myself and my family.  We are beautifully imperfect and stunningly boring. We are a "nuclear family" which makes us normal and different all at the same time.  I never imagined such love and contentment in my life.  Oh, don't get me wrong, I have the usual irritations and "pull out my hair" moments.  But, I wouldn't change a thing.