Inspiration is the genesis of all creativity. You first have to see it in your mind, and then find a way to make your inspiration take on some form of reality. Inspiration for me comes mostly in the form of content ideas for this blog or for my business, although I have been known to do some poetic writing as well. What are you inspired by and what form does it take in your life? Do you know how to live inspired?
Inspiration Often Comes Early
When are you most likely to be inspired with thoughts related to the things you are passionate about? For me, it’s almost always in the morning during my quiet time, when I am working out, or even in the shower. During these early hours of the day, while my brain is well-rested, my head is often full of fresh ideas, dare I say inspiration. In the past, this would frustrate me because I was on a mission to get out the door and off to work and my thoughts while inspiring, were also a distraction. But now, I have learned to build a little extra time into my morning routine in case inspiration comes knocking because inspiration often comes early!
Inspiration Sometimes Surprises You
Then there are other times when inspiration shows up when you least expect it. Maybe it’s triggered by a song or a sermon. Perhaps it comes when you are daydreaming or is sparked by someone you see in a crowd. Sometimes it just has a way of sneaking up on you and that’s OK. It is inspiration’s job to show up now and then, and when it does it is your job to somehow capture it. Always be on the lookout because inspiration sometimes surprises you!
Inspiration Can Be Lost
Inspiration is like a beautiful butterfly fluttering around your head one moment and then gone the next. There have been so many inspired moments that I have lost because I was not ready to catch them, but not anymore. Now I am ready for that moment, that thought, that inspiration that is waiting to be caught. My little blue journal notebook has become my butterfly net and every time one flutters by, I capture it with a few words so I can come back to it later and develop the thought. Regardless of how or when inspiration comes, you must always be ready to capture it, because inspiration can be lost!
If you feel dry and inspiration does not seem to come naturally to you, you have to practice making room for it in your soul. Start by exposing yourself to the type of content that you would like to create. Listen to music or inspired speakers. Read books or listen to podcasts in your chosen venue. Make sure you are not unnecessarily cluttering your mind with stressful TV shows or unhealthy online content that will dominate your thoughts and kill creativity. Make sure you are fostering a positive, grateful outlook on life. And finally, make time in your day for it to show up. If you are always rushing from one activity to the next inspiration may come your way, but you will never see it.
So, grab your notebook, write your core values on the inside cover and start capturing your butterflies, one inspiration at a time! Live inspired!
Resources
Here are links to related resources you might find useful. If you find your life is out of balance, take action today to change that about yourself. I heard it once said, the time is going to pass whether or not you act. Wouldn’t you rather spend that time becoming the person you aspire to be?
P.S. Share with us in the comments below the things that inspire you and how inspiration shows up in your life.