Inspiration

Where do you find it? What do you do with it? How do you keep it alive, passing it along so that others may benefit from that which has brought you joy, thus making the road traveled just a little less daunting? You are passing it along? Aren’t you?!

In a world of uncertainty, when many are trying their best to bring others down, it’s important we (on occasion) take a timeout, abandoning ego and our need to compete, and replacing it with a devotion to the simple things in life. In other words, we need to get back to the basics finding inspiration in the most mundane activities and things.

Many of my friends feel it needs to be more complex than this in order to find "real" renewed energy, happiness and hope, and that nothing can come this easy, but I’m here to tell you it really is a straightforward acquisition. And when you can’t muster the energy to turn that corner, allow another person’s good fortune to feed into your soul, fortifying your existence, making you whole once more, ready to continue the journey, which is your life.

Yes, it all sounds a bit condensed, doesn’t it? But then again, there is something to be said for happenstance. Too many times we can be too literal, over working that which is a lucid, no nonsense question looking for a facile answer. Like many, I can make it harder than it needs to be, but a few steps back can always mean greater, more positive strides in the future.

After a not-so-perfect week, I was looking for that little push, a jolt of inspiration to get me moving back on my path, and I found just what I was looking for within a friend’s words.

I was perusing the news feeds on Facebook, reading what was on my friends’ minds, and within all that activity I found something that spoke to me. To my friend Jaime, who was in awe of a beautiful sunset while driving and had to pull over on the side of the road so she could enjoy it, thank you for sharing that simple pleasure, which became my inspiration. Your positive feedback to your friends is amazing. You’re a force counterbalancing the extremes. Keep motivating us with your kind words and meaningful mews.

It’s a new week and I’m beginning mine, as I always like to do, by retreating to the outdoors for a bit of solace. Nature keeps me focused, active and succeeding. The simple joys of smaller living (a walk, a conversation over dinner, a Scrabble game in front of a fire, etc.) ignite my power and passion.

There is so much inspiration around us, but we must be open to what it represents. More often than not, all that we see, feel and touch are motivational tools to keep us safe, happy and flourishing – healing instruments for when the spirit is battered and bruised, too.

I’m wishing all who read my words a happy and healthy week. My recommendation is that we all be present in the moment, taking time out to breathe, think and relax. No matter what you do, take your precious time to cultivate moments of joy, which will lead to longer lasting inspirations. What inspires you? – paerki