More than the music, the lyrics can be extremely motivational as we identify with what we think the artist/writer is trying to say. The artist Seal, for example, rarely if ever reveals what his lyrics signify to him, wanting the listener to have his own personal interpretation.

I have always loved the song by Evanescence called "Bring Me to Life," with the alternate title of "Wake Me Up Inside." The opening lyrics are a key to the message the singer and writer of the song, Amy Lee, is trying to convey:

How can you see into my life like open doors
Leading you down into my core
Where I've become so numb
Without a soul, my spirit sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and lead it back home
Chorus:
Wake me up inside, wake me up inside
Call my name and save me from the dark
Bid my blood to run, before I come undone
Save me from the nothing I've become

Amy Lee's story makes the song interesting. She was in an unhealthy, abusive relationship and in a huge rut in her life. One day, she was alone at a diner waiting for some friends, when a man she didn't know sat by her, looked into her eyes, and asked if she was happy in her life.

Amy says her heart suddenly felt a spark she hadn't felt in years, and was amazed that this stranger could "see into her core." She has said that this spark reminded her of what her life had been like before, and could be again.

The man, nearly clairvoyant, sensed where she was in her life and talked to her about changing it. Their short conversation resulted in a transformation in her life, getting out of the relationship, and the song she wrote about these raw emotions became a huge hit.

So what is the message here? I think we all need a "wake up call" in our lives from time to time. Maybe it won't be someone seeing "into our core" (although sessions with Ann can do this) but it might be something else for us to get that spark we all need to get us out of the doldrums.

We all get caught up in the humdrum of our routine lives, but from time to time we need to wake up, become invigorated, and get out of the down cycles that our lives fall into. Some ways to do this:

• Identify what motivates you or gets your blood pumping. It may be physical exercise. It also may be that trip of a lifetime you've been putting off.
• Take on a new challenge that pushes your comfort zone. It also may be simple, like writing a short story, or throwing a party.
• Make time for your "spark." Sometimes, you need to get away to reinvigorate your life. Make it a priority. Don't consider it a "vacation" but a vital part of keeping you creative and productive. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (Jill, too.)
• Find something small you can do daily/weekly to keep up the vim and vigor. Exercise is a popular one, and going to church can certainly feed the soul. Keeping a journal is a popular way to express feelings and keep you on track.
• A professional coach is an excellent way to change the direction you are going. We all need a "mirror" in our life to look within ourselves about where we are in our lives. The takeaway from these sessions can be motivating and keep us moving in a positive direction.
• Find other motivations. Music and lyrics are great for this. The escape of a great book or movie can change your outlook on life. For me, reading biographies of great figures in history can give insight into what people deal with, and what they do to overcome obstacles.

We all have ups and downs in our lives. We need to have tools to get us back on track. I encourage you to find what motivates you, get out of your comfort zone, and from time to time "wake up your life." For the entire lyrics for "Bring Me to Life", go to Bring Me To Life.

Brad A. Ward
(Dr. Ward is a neurosurgeon for The Center for Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care & Research in Bend, Oregon and is a freelance author.)

Thank you, Dr. Ward for this important article..and to the rest of my readers...have a great week and enjoy your discoveries!

Ann

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Permission is granted to either reproduce copy or distribute "Your Success Thought for the Week for September 12, 2007" as long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author is Ann Golden Eglé, Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC, 541.385.8887, PO Box 1696, Bend, Or. 97709. www.goldenvisionscoaching.com