The glory of spring is palpable, and getting most of us excited — excited to be outdoors in warmer temperatures, excited to see colors blooming, excited to begin to see people in person. I enjoyed a wonderful walk with a colleague on Friday afternoon, and look forward to more opportunities to see people, ideally outdoors.
Getting outside is one of many great ways to get inspired. We’ve been cooped up for so long, and while video calls have kept us connected, the chance to be together for real feels great.
How to create inspiration when it goes AWOL
No matter the time of year or the external constraints (the pandemic having been a huge one for the last two years), we all have times when we feel uninspired, or experience a dip in energy and enthusiasm.
When that happens, it can help to have a short cheat-sheet for ways to find a spark.
Here are three great ways to light up your spirits.
These approaches can build enthusiasm for a task at hand, get you excited about taking on a big new project, can help you overcome doubt, and can generally get you feeling more alive and excited.
1. Invite a great conversation
I often say that everything good happens in a conversation. Sure, email is great, and texting has its place, but an actual conversation offers so much more possibility.
And if that conversation happens in person, all the better! (The walk with my colleague on Friday was richer because we spent time together on a circuit around a gorgeous reservoir and had a far-reaching conversation.)
The key is to invite people who think positively, who are curious, maybe funny, and in whose company you feel happy.
2. Look for wonder
I wrote a chapter titled See Wonder, in my book.
Why?
Because wonder lights us up. It inspires us and connects us to our hearts. And most of us miss it as we rush through our days.
When we tune in to the wonder that is all around us — beauty in nature; a shadow created by light streaming through a window; the colors, textures and tastes of lovely food, for example — our outlook about everything is buoyed.
We all have a camera on hand! Why not look for wonder and capture that moment with the camera on your phone. You can pause to savor wonder in the moment, and reconnect to the wonder any time as you pursue the photos in your library.
3. Play!
I also wrote a chapter on Play in my book.
And, this topic is still a work-in progress for me. I think it is for many adults.
The more I have learned about play, the more impressed I am about the power that plays has for us. We can all benefit from returning to the power of play that most of us experienced as kids.
When we play things don’t feel so serious. Fear drops away. When we get silly and experiment, we stop worrying about mistakes and are more focused on possibilities. We are in the moment, present and excited.
When we play and feel joy, life feels expansive. We create with ease!
I know that the possibility of letting go to play with abandon can feel risky for some. Maybe you were “good at” play as a kid, and maybe not. At some point nearly all of us were told it was time to get serious, we played less, and we are out of practice.
Why not look for opportunities to bring play into your life, and practice it?
Inspiration fuels creativity
And creativity is the key to making the life you deeply desire a reality.
Life is precious. Each day counts.
When you stay inspired, when you are truly self-aware and focused, when you learn to bring all of your best self into the world and are able to navigate the inevitable challenges (big and small) as they show up, you can create an inspired, fulfilling life.
Many accomplished, thoughtful women want that life, and yet don’t know how to get there, or struggle to do it on their own.
Perhaps some of these thought have occurred to you:
I am ready to stop settling for less than what’s possible.
I feel there is something more I want to explore or do.
I know I am ready to take a bold step in my life, but I don’t know what it is.
I know it's time for me to stop living small.
If thoughts like these feel familiar, and you want to explore what is possible for you, let’s talk.
The Spring 2022 Live Big Live! program is kicking off soon. If you are ready to light up your spirit, get clear about your vision, and create an inspired future with intention, email me and we’ll see if this program is a fit for you.
Stay safe and well, and create your life with joy.
