One of my goals for 2012 is to learn how to consistently live a truly inspired life. Perhaps you share this goal. But first, we have to know what this actually means! Inspiration can be defined as “the process of being mentally stimulated to do something, especially something creative.” Certainly, being mentally stimulated and working creatively rank high on many of our priority lists! And people frequently report that creativity often serves as an amazing antidote for boredom, fatigue and moodiness that is faltering toward the doldrums. So, how do we become inspired? One thing is for sure: what inspires one person many not inspire another, so there is no comprehensive list of “definitely inspiring” people, places or things that would work for everyone. In contrast, what seems to matter most are our individual perceptions. How we perceive – indeed, even if we perceive – the world around us has everything to do with our resulting reactions and whether this leads to inspiration or desperation. For example, if you visit your favorite spot at the beach and watch a breathtaking sunset…you may find yourself uplifted and inspired by this natural beauty. If, however, you are upset over life issues such as a job loss or a break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, you may visit the same spot and find no pleasure in that glorious sunset…if you took note of it at all. Thus, leading an inspired life has so much to do with a commitment to remodeling our perceptual habits and learning to find that beauty exists, no matter how well hidden, in all things. That means that the glass is always half full rather than half empty. It is the same four ounces either way, but the pleasure in drinking is greatly determined by our perception of whether we only have four ounces left (half empty) or still have four ounces yet to enjoy (half full). And the beauty is…we get to decide.
“Emptiness is a symptom that you are not living creatively. You either have no goal that is important enough to you, or you are not using your talents and efforts in striving toward an important goal.” –Maxwell Maltz
