Inspiration, anyone?
How important is inspiration?
I have come to realize that inspiration is essential for me in all areas of my life: my job, personal projects, and the way I take care of my health, relationships, personal growth, everything. There isn’t one area of my life where I could say that I don’t need inspiration to sustain positive effort and momentum.
I’m not talking about motivation, but that is important too. Motivation is subtly different. At work, I might be motivated by the pay cheque or the possibility of recognition for doing important work. Regarding exercise and healthy eating, I could be motivated by a desire to lose weight or get stronger, faster, leaner.
But I believe inspiration goes deeper than that, to the very core of my values and my identity. I might even say that inspiration is born out of a deeply held sense of purpose. I have found inspiration moves me to overcome setbacks and sustain a positive attitude and actions towards change, whether it’s in my work or my personal life.
“Inspire: to infuse something into the mind; to kindle, arouse, awaken in the mind or heart a feeling, idea, impulse, purpose, etc.”
Where does inspiration come from?
In my experience, I find inspiration in two ways. I find it from within, from time spent alone in silence, reflection, meditation, or any activity that allows me the time and space to get quiet and listen to my heart. In those moments, I connect with what is most important to me, inspiring new ways of thinking, being, and acting. That helps me set out a plan for the day or even the month or year.
I also find inspiration outside myself, from people I know or from hearing or reading stories about inspiring people and ideas.
Aside from discovering how vital inspiration is to me, I have also realized that the quest for daily inspiration takes effort and intention.
May you find what inspires you today.