As a kid, I would walk up and down the craft aisles of various stores and get this welling up feeling in my chest. I loved markers and different textured papers (still do!) I loved the different kinds of pens and how they felt in my hand. I loved collage and mod podge and the smell of glue. What I came to realize is that this is what it felt like when I was being inspired.
Being inspired (or ‘in spirit’ as it literally means) feels like a calling. It can be something as simple as cooking a fantastic meal for yourself, helping your kid learn something new, or trying a new style of exercise. Inspiration is the fuel that moves you forward. Figuring out your inspirational muse can be tricky at times, but it’s so important to your ultimate happiness.
Because if you’re not living an inspired life, what are you doing?
When you’re inspired, you’re tapping into that well of magic that provides motivation, excitement and insight into the unfolding of what you love. You may not be able to knock it out of the park everyday, but there will be an automatic zing to your step if you keep some basic things in mind:
Keep it simple. Don’t complicate your life when you don’t have to. Keeping the basics in mind will help you appreciate the amazing things that living a simple life can bring. That well can spring some seriously inspiring moments because you’re not bogged down with a lot of distractions and static noise.
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude: when you are grateful, it’s easy to get inspired. Seeing someone in a wheelchair can kickstart that fitness regimen you’ve been meaning to try. Hearing about an untimely death can motivate you to pursue the opportunities that are in front of you right now.
Everyday is a clean slate. Each day is a chance to start over and let go of those silly grudges. When you change your attitude and your outlook, the things around you change as well because you’re seeing them through new eyes.
You become what you think about. What are the thoughts that constantly run through your head? Are you always worried or angry or scared? (That’s not a great way to project an inspired state.) Start thinking about things you love and what makes you feel good; love is the ultimate inspiration.
Date yourself. Alone time is crucial to cultivating a life you are inspired by because reflection provides perspective and space for ‘aha’ moments. Set up a weekly date when you can explore your interests and motivational thoughts. And give yourself the gift of making this time non-negotiable.
Live right now. Life can get very complicated when we’re living too far in the future or in the past. Why drag yesterday’s junk into the present moment? Living now frees you to just be where you are. I know it’s easier said than done, but viewing life from the rear view mirror or trying to predict the future can cause a lot of unnecessary angst and worry. And no one can feel inspired from that state.
You know you’re inspired when you get that light, elated feeling (I usually feel it in my chest.) What inspires you these days? How does it feel to you?
