Inspire, Expire

Motivation Monday: Issue #4 (3/3/25)

Lately I’ve been fascinated by the dual meanings evoked from the two components of respiration—AKA breathing—inspiration and expiration.

In terms of breath mechanics, to inspire is to fill ourselves with life, quite literally. Beyond the physical, inspiration is something you do to others. You live in such a way which causes others to want to internalize some of your essence in their lives.

To expire is to release that which fills us with life back out into the world. It also means “cease to exist.”

The notion that hit me last night—when the yoga teacher emphasized different aspects of “respiration”—is that we must inspire before we expire:

1. We have nothing to give until we breathe it into our lives, and

2. We have a finite amount of time with which to do it.

   

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We have a crisis of meaning in our world today—it’s not hard to see. Our technological advancements have brought us dangerously close to the world depicted in Brave New World (the Aldous Huxley book from 1932, not the new Captain America movie.) We need a mission bigger than ourselves to stave off the existential dread, or we risk spiraling into directionless distraction. This is one of the reasons I advocate death-consciousness so readily. The awareness that nobody knows how much more time they have on Earth is a compelling place to start building a meaningful life. Mortality provides a wonderful reason to seek meaning.

One could take a page out of Victor Frankl’s book—literally—and find purpose in serving others. Or they could follow the path laid out by Aristotle, and pursue flourishing through virtues. Either way, fulfillment is rarely found by looking inward—it comes from engaging with the world in a meaningful way.

Many sources say that the key to alleviating mental illness, despondency, and existential distress—aside from processing trauma—is to find a meaningful cause and work toward it with all your effort and resources. In my efforts not to be merely a preacher of good practices but a practitioner of them (still far from perfect, mind you), I believe I’m working toward that virtue of meaningful contribution. This Substack is one expression of that mission.

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It’s common to believe that self-sufficiency is the goal (popular culture sells us that myth day and night), but above self-actualization on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is transcendence—helping others. We all know the stories of “successful” people who ricochet from drama to drama because their lives lack purpose. But when they pivot toward a more philanthropic aim, it seems as though their lives fill with a substance worth more than their net worth.

Plus, research has shown that people feel more satisfaction when they do things solely for the sake of others, as opposed to for themselves.

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Here are some practical suggestions for those looking for some direction—I know I need more than a little nudge these days when willpower is at an all-time low.

The 3 Paths to a Cause:

1. Heal What Hurt You – Many find purpose in fixing problems they once struggled with.

2. Create What’s Missing – If the world lacks it, be the one to build it; “Scratch your own itch.”

3. Advance What You Admire – Supporting movements that align with your core values. Here’s somewhere to start on that front:

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Practical reflection:

• What angers you about the world?

• What makes you feel alive?

• What problem would you dedicate yourself to even if you weren’t paid?

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The good news about these sometimes-destructive, distraction-ridden technologies is that they can be harnessed for good. Social networks allow us to reach and collaborate with people we’d never otherwise meet. The tools for creating presentations, interactive projects, apps, and other resources are more accessible than ever before. The world really is your playground.

If you’re still not sure where to start, try reaching out to one of those people who came to mind when you reflected on people you admire. You may not be able to convince them to mentor you, but the simple act of asking for help will surely lead you places you would never reach otherwise.

One example who comes to mind of someone who left a legacy and inspired others during their time on earth are my parents. They’re still with us, thank Zeus, but in the last 11.5 years since retiring—at the age of 49—they’ve seen more countries than I can count, celebrated 36 years of marriage, raised two sons into men (who are doing pretty well, all things considered, if you ask me 💁🏼‍♂), and live a life that is the envy of most of the people they know. I’m incredibly proud to be their son, and I’m a better person because of the example they set

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We are all going to expire. What will you inspire while you’re here?

How can you make a difference today? Whose day can you brighten by taking your eyes off yourself and living for others?

The best measure of our character and legacy isn’t what we take but what we leave behind.

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