Finding inspiration. When were you last inspired?
“What inspires you?” the question bounced around my mind fishing for an answer, but the answers weren’t biting. Not even a nibble. I had nothing.
I don’t think I even really understood what inspiration was. I certainly never recognised its power.
Years of people pleasing & relentlessly busy days meant I no longer recognised what pleased me, let alone inspire me. I remember wondering if I ever would. It was a little scary at the time.
Today, I like to think of inspiration as a message from the universe. A fleeting plume of magic whose energy transcends more than just our body & mind. It resonates with our soul & taps at our attention.
What it becomes from there is our choice.
Out of politeness we can smile & move on. Or we can choose courage, explore that message & experience inspiration.
Inspiration when paired with courage is an experience that enables growth.
A signal we have been sent that commands our attention.
an honest quote that cuts deep
the book we never want to end
a vast natural landscape that transforms our imagination
a serendipitous meeting that leaves us feeling understood
wise words that trigger a sudden realisation of what’s imaginable
a person’s impossible story they made possible
For me, inspiration is a mysterious energy I can feel in my bones. Like a kid counting down the hours until Santa arrives on Christmas Eve, I can’t close my eyes & wish its arrival. Trust me, there are plenty of moments in-front of a blank laptop screen when I’ve tried!
We can’t control inspiration. When it’s in the mood to grant us a visit, it shall visit.
I feel like we have a to hunt a little harder for inspiration in this lockdown world. Then, I consider we shouldn’t have to hunt for inspiration at all & I become confused.
I’ve landed at carving time out of my day to create space in my mind to accommodate its arrival & immerse myself in what I know I connect with.
Nature. Colour. Exercise. Music. Mentoring. Reading. Stories about other people. And vacuuming to 80’s music. (Don’t ask. It just works.)
Then I choose courage & allow my mind to experience the wonder of inspiration by,
noticing its presence
paying it a little attention
choosing curiosity
exploring the path it offers
allowing my mind the freedom to roam
If I may be presumptuous, I think we could all use a little inspiration in our lives right now. But to do so, we need to lift a finger or two.
Over the next week, have a go at carving out a little time to create space in your mind for when inspiration knocks on your door. Then immerse yourself in what energises you & choose courage. The courage to experience its magic.
All of us are entitled to explore the adventure inspiration offers. Even if it is the pleasure of happiness during a time when the world around you is mourning what you can’t reach just now.
No one else is watching except the person who matters most. You.
Peta x
Sales & career performance coach, commercial growth consultant, speaker.
Author of My Beautiful Mess - Living through burnout & rediscovering me.