Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
–Arthur Ashe
Sometimes I get in a rut and feel like I need a change of scenery to be happy, to be inspired again. Often I want to get away from it all, out of town, alone to feel refreshed. That can’t usually happen, so I decided to make a list of the ways that I feel inspired right where I already am with what I already have.
1. The birds in the backyard come back several times a day to sit on our fence for just a moment before the dog chases them away. I’m inspired by the way they sneak back again and again because they know the value of those stolen moments, even though they are short. They don’t give up or say they aren’t enough. They enjoy the moment for what it is.
2. The crocheted afghans and hand-sewn quilts made by my grandmother and great-grandmother are memories of my ancestor’s worn hands working the rows. I remember the effort required to just stay warm and fed and I am reminded of how much time my modern life gives me. I am inspired to make hay while the sun shines.
3. The plain white dishes in my cupboard feel like a blank slate to me. They are soothing in their simplicity; restful and easy on my eyes; they are quiet and serene and I feel like I can breathe when I use them. I like to envision the colors I can arrange on them like paint on a canvas. A green salad with bright red cherry tomatoes? Butternut squash or yellow peppers? Delicious, vibrant possibilities.
4. The candles I light in the evening remind me to accept that the day is done and to let go of what I did not do. It’s my signal to stop and use the rest of the day to relax, inspiring me to decompress.
5. My tea cups are chosen according to my mood on a particular morning. In honoring my current mindset, I can orient my next steps towards what I’m needing most and I am inspired to listen to my inner wisdom. I like to start my day, not stumble into it.
6. My square-heeled leather boots make me feel tall and confident. My feet slip into these and instantly I feel awesome and able to stride into any situation capably. I feel inspired to try new things when I put these on.
7. My itunes playlist includes artists that I’ve met and hugged and loved. When I hear their songs I feel that connection all over again. When I hear my feelings sung in poetry I’m reminded that someone else feels that way, too, and it’s okay.
8. My camera creates perspective. When I’m feeling overwhelmed a few minutes looking through the viewfinder narrows my attention. It distracts me long enough to get lost in the moment of playing with light, creating a composition. A couple dozen frames refreshes me with fun, detail and focus.
9. A collaborative painting (seen above) given to me by my conference attendees sits over my desk. It’s a talisman; a reminder of good times shared and the lives I can touch. It’s colorful and happy and inspires me to create meaningful opportunities to connect with others. I’m inspired to put myself out there again.
10. My kids wake without fail every morning asking What are we doing today? They have an endless thirst for adventure, discovery and movement. Being with them I am inspired to be a better mom and a better person every day.
All without every leaving home.
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