***Secrets to Inspired Living

Finding inspiration is so much fun! It is not as hard as some people think, you just need to know where you can find it. It is very easy to get stuck in a loop of negativity when you feel like you are searching for something that is eluding you. I totally can relate to this pattern, while I was recovery from a recent surgery, I was stuck on the couch and was feeling very trapped in my own head. While I wasn’t able to get off the couch right away, I could choose to occupy my mind with inspiration material. SO that is just what I did and I was able to work through a amazing “ahh” moment. Here is the good news is that you can change the way you look at things and, in doing so, you’ll welcome even more inspiration into your life.Where to Look Inspiration can be found everywhere, but different experiences generate enthusiasm in different people. If what you’re seeing doesn’t move you, try changing your location. If you’re in the city, head for nature. If you’re out in a rural setting, check out the bustle of the big city. A change in perspective and scenery can make all the difference! If you’ve tried that and it hasn’t helped, perhaps try focusing on the specifics. Maybe you’re inspired by the shimmer of dew on a petal, the reflection of the setting sun on the multi-paned windows of a skyscraper, or the tapestry of voices in a busy coffee shop. The big mysterious trick to all this…. keep looking until you find what lights your fire!What Do You See? Of course, where you’re looking might not be the only reason you’re not feeling inspired. Your mindset can also have a big impact on whether you feel inspired. Open your mind so you can really see what’s there. Avoid looking just at the surface, but focus on what’s beneath it. You might be surprised at what you find. For example, when your young daughter says, “Play this game with me,” do you see a bored child or do you feel the love and joy that she brings to every chance to spend some quality time with you? When the sun rises in the morning, do you think, “It’s too early to get up” or do you feel gratitude for the opportunities this new day can bring to you? How to Seek Things That Inspire You With a positive mental attitude, things will look far different than they do when you’re unhappy or angry. Of course, everyone feels bad sometimes. If you find that you’re always feeling sad and uninspired, though, it might be time to change your focus toward something that brings you joy. I like to use a strategy called “Flip Switch” it only takes 17 seconds to change your mindset. When you realize that you are feeling down or uninspired, stop those thoughts in their track and then intentionally create thoughts that are more positive. Just stay in those thoughts for 17 seconds, which is not long at all. If you can stay in that positive moment for longer, a minute or more. Taking time to stop and smell the roses – just enjoying the moment – might be all you need to find your inspiration! Inspiration is very much the same as Happiness or Joy, it comes from inside of you, and is only sparked by outside sources that you see and hear. Here are some ideas for getting in the mindset and where you can look for inspiration: * Breathe Deeply – Closing your eyes and seeking inspiration in the sounds and smells around you. * Talking with a loved one about the things that inspire that person. * Going somewhere that you haven’t been before to get a different perspective. * Looking at something you see every day in a different way or from a different angle. * Get out into Nature – allow the sunshine, the rain, the wind and the earth to permeate your entire being. You really just need to get creative with the way you hunt for inspiration. It’s literally everywhere, but it can be easy to miss in the bustle of our lives.