inspire

Looking for inspiration?

What is inspiration? This is the best definition that I can source on the Internet and I think it sums it up pretty well :

“Inspiration is that state of mind where you feel highly stimulated to do something. Your senses are heightened, you feel invincible, full of energy and enthusiasm and you are completely dedicated to what you are doing”

Inspiration is everywhere – you just have to know where to look. But remember .. “To get something you never had, you have to do something you have never done”

Here is my top 20 list of ways to be inspired …

1. Co-workers. No 1 on my list for a reason! The ladies that I work with are amazing, incredible and inspire me every day – for a good laugh, for a chat and for a brainstorming session. These ladies are not just co-workers, they are my colleagues and friends.
2. Nap/Sleep/Rest – sometimes your brain just needs to take a break, switch off for a while and allow the serotonin levels to restore. A short 30 minute nap can sometimes do the trick. Alternatively, a good night’s sleep can also do wonders. “ There is nothing that a good sleep or a good laugh can’t fix”
3. Internet/Social Media -Twitter is a good place to look for inspirational people to follow. Search using #inspiration.
4. Pinterest – this is such fun! I love Pinterest. You can browse through many boards online according to your interests – quotes, food, fashion, hobbies, to name but a few, all providing loads of inspiration. You can even choose what inspires you, create your own boards, and pin your own pictures. You can follow people and their boards and they can follow you too.
5. LinkedIn – another professional website where you can connect with like-minded people and groups with similar interests.
6. Outdoors – take it outside! Go for a walk or a jog and if you have a dog, take your dog with you. Roxy, my dog, always gets so excited to go for a walk. You can gain inspiration from the sights, sounds and even smells around you. When the jasmine is in full bloom and I walk around the neighbourhood I can smell it and its distinct, sweet smell reminds me that summer is on its way.
7. Music – put headphones on and listen, really listen to your favourite music, be it Beethoven or head-banging stuff – whatever music you like. Clear your head and just focus on the music, the beat, the lyrics.
8. Art – going to an art gallery, viewing an art exhibition or art display is always inspiring. Don’t feel like going out, no worries, you can view art on your computer in the comfort of your own home, start by searching on Google.
9. Journal – carry one, a small one, that fits in your bag with a pen to jot down your thoughts, ideas and observations as they come to you, wherever you may be.
10. Travel – even a short road trip over a few hours with a friend or your partner can be just as inspirational as a longer trip. Enjoy the experience, and remember the journey starts from the moment you close your front door behind you.
11. Exercise – go to the gym, go for a run, ride your bicycle, dance – but do an exercise you enjoy as it stimulates the brain cells, gives your mind a break AND it works the body and who doesn’t want a hot, fit body?
12. Quotes – there are some amazing quotes out there. You can register on websites and get daily inspirational quotes emailed to you every day. For a quick pick-me-up or a positive note to start your day. I love Dr Seuss – he is so quirky … My favourite is “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose”
13. Learn – something new, something that interests you, something you never thought you could do – I LOVE to do this! There is a whole big wide world waiting to be discovered out there and you can start at your computer by looking at eHow or Wikihow websites for some ideas. It can be something small like learning to make profiteroles (something I still haven’t mastered!) or more adventurous like learning to speak a new language. Remember, “Knowledge is Power”
14. Read – a book by your favourite author, or try someone new. Autobiographies are always an interesting read. Not into books, there are other options for shorter reads, magazines, newspapers and even blogs on-line. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go” – Dr Seuss
15. Thoughts – replace all your negative thoughts with positive ones. What a difference this makes! Start small – every time you have a negative thought like.. I can’t do this – replace it with “Actually, I am going to give this a try!”
16. Sing – in the shower, when you are driving in your car, when you are out walking or jogging – loudly and with vigour to your favourite song. Ok, maybe if you are shy, start in the shower!
17. Get Creative – take up a new hobby, draw, paint, photography, scrap-booking, something you haven’t tried before, but would like to. You may be pleasantly surprised.
18. Embrace – a new healthy habit, like eating less sugar, drinking more water, using less salt – start small and your body and mind will thank you for it.
19. You – can be your own inspiration! Look in the mirror, Gorgeous, and remember all your victories. What you have overcome to be where you are now
    

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    And finally ….. ( my all time favourite)

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20. Write – a bucket list of all the things you would like to do in your lifetime, and it can include simple things like try Sushi, own a goldfish, learn to ride a motorbike to the more adventurous like skydiving, travel to Greece etc. Then, remember to refer to your list often and tick the items off as you do them and add more as you think of them.

We all want to feel moved and then use that to create love, joy, passion and purpose in our lives.

And so to finish, I will leave you with this thought:

“You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go”

Dr Seuss.

About Marlaine Andersen

Leads 2 Business Advertising Co-ordinator and Digital Designer

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