Echoes of the Willow

By Michelle Allen

A Whispering Willow Reflection on Purpose, People, and the Spark That Keeps Us Going

It’s a question that seems simple on the surface. But when I sit with it—really sit with it—it unravels like a thread pulled from a well-worn quilt.

What motivates me?

Not ambition. Not applause. Not the chase for perfection.

I’m motivated by memory. By the stories that almost slipped away. By the quiet strength of my ancestors who endured more than I’ll ever know, and still found ways to love, to build, to hope.

I’m motivated by community. By small-town hearts that beat loudly in the silence. By the single mom who shows up anyway. By the teenager who writes poetry in the margins of their homework. By the neighbor who leaves a casserole on the porch without asking for thanks.

I’m motivated by grief—not because I want to dwell in it, but because I’ve learned that grief carves space for deeper compassion. It reminds me that time is precious, and that love, once given, never truly leaves.

I’m motivated by second chances. By the way love can circle back after 40 years and feel like coming home. By the way a feral cat might one day trust the hand that feeds it. By the way healing isn’t linear, but it’s always possible.

I’m motivated by you—the reader who shows up, who listens, who reflects. Every comment, every message, every shared story reminds me that this work matters. That storytelling is sacred. That connection is the real currency.

So, what motivates me?

The hope that something I write might make someone feel less alone. The belief that our stories—no matter how quiet—deserve to be heard. And the promise that even in the messiest chapters, there’s beauty waiting to be named.

We all have days when the to-do list feels longer than our energy. When the goals we set feel distant, and the reasons we started begin to blur. That’s when this question matters most: What motivates you?

Not just the deadlines or the expectations. But the deeper spark. The quiet “why.” The feeling that rises when you remember who you’re doing this for—and what it means.

🌿 For Me, Motivation Looks Like…

• A message from someone who says, “You made me feel seen.”
• Watching generosity ripple through a fundraiser I helped host
• Seeing a friend step into their own confidence because I showed up with mine
• Knowing that my work creates space for others to give, grow, and gather

It’s not always loud. Sometimes it’s a whisper. But it’s always rooted in connection.

📝 How to Find Your Motivation

If you’re feeling stuck or tired, try asking:

• What brings me joy—even when I’m tired?
• Who do I want to uplift with my work?
• What legacy am I building, one small act at a time?
• What would I do even if no one noticed?

Your motivation doesn’t have to be flashy. It just has to be true.

💬 A Gentle Invitation

So I’ll ask you: What motivates you? Is it your family? Your faith? A cause close to your heart? Is it the feeling of creating something meaningful? Or the quiet pride of showing up, even when it’s hard?

I’d love to hear your answer. Because when we name our “why,” we remind others of theirs.

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