Inspiration

Sometimes who we are can get lost in the busyness of what we do or what we need to do. At times like these it is important to step back and review how we are living our lives. Are we just going through the motions? Or, are we engaged and inspired? If not, as Amy Poehler says, “…every few years one needs to shake one’s life through a sieve, like a miner in the Yukon. The gold nuggets remain. The rest falls through like the soft earth it is.”

Inspiration is known to enhance wellbeing. However, much like happiness and resilience, what we are inspired by or to do is personal. Hence, what inspires me may not necessarily inspire you. Can you build inspiration? Yes. However, in the words of Pablo Picasso, “Inspiration does exist but it must find you working.” So, if you’re feeling a little BLAH³, what can you do to shake things up?

1. Brainstorm:

• What are you inspired by? For example, music, art, typography, photography, quotes, courage, perseverance, adventure or a connection to nature. Isaac Mizrahi in a TED talk on Fashion and Creativity noted that colour is something that motivates him. Whilst Brené Brown, Ph.D, in The Gifts of Imperfection noted that when “we pay attention, we see courage every day” and that observing courage can be contagious: “You have to be brave with your life so that others can be brave with theirs.”

• Who inspires you? For example, style icons like Coco Chanel, Diane Keaton, Rachel Zoe and Carmen Dell'Orefice; people who are passionate about what they do or, selfless volunteers who travel to dangerous parts of the world to help people in need.

2.     Create an Inspiration Board – Tangible or digital - and pin those items, quotes, textures/textiles, pictures of destinations and so forth that inspire.

3.     Join a group of likeminded people – For example, a writing, philosophy or photography group. Look at http://www.meetup.com/ to see what might be of interest and is available in your area. Make connections.

4.     Travel – Be open to new experiences, sights, sounds and cultures.

5. Try new things – Move out of your comfort zone. Learn what works for you. Isaac Mizrahi, for example, eliminates boredom by trying new things and acknowledges there isn’t a need to do them all well. Letting go of the need to be perfect is also a sentiment echoed throughout The Gifts of Imperfection.  Don’t miss opportunities for growth out of fear. As Rutherford B. Hayes said, "The expert in anything was once a beginner."