8 Things I do Daily to Stay Inspired
Daily Inspiration #1: Love
I usually wake up before my alarm goes off. I take a quiet moment in the dark. My husband is sleeping, one kitty is on our bed, the other is on the bench at the foot of our bed.
I realize that my first inspiration is right in front of me! I have a place to call home, a loving husband, and two sweet kitties—I am alive, I am thankful. Love is my first inspiration for the day.
Daily Inspiration #2: Clarity
I close my eyes and take a big breath in. "One, two, three, four." I hold for four counts, "one, two, three, four," exhale for four counts, "one, two, three, four," and I hold "one, two, three, four." I do this for about five minutes. I feel calm and ready to start my day with clarity.
Daily Inspiration #3: Beauty
I get up and watch the sunrise in my backyard. The grass is still dark, while light slowly rises in the east, red, orange, and yellow stretching across the sky. There is still a hint of dark blues and grays. I hear no sound around me. Suddenly, a few birds, a squirrel, sometimes a chipmunk, and a bunny show up. I take in all this beauty.
Daily Inspiration #4: Recharging
Almost every morning, my husband and I take a forty-minute walk. We go to our favorite neighborhood, which is just a few miles away from ours. We talk about what our day will be like--expectations, duties, routines--and we dream of what it would be like to live in this neighborhood. Our morning walks are our way of recharging for the day.
Daily Inspiration #5: Perseverance
There are days when my morning routine does nothing for my inspiration. Unexpected news, not feeling well, anxiety, depression, pain, I feel it all. I push myself to make my morning smoothie, take a shower, get dressed, and I literally tell myself: "I am strong and confident—I can do this!" Whatever issues I am experiencing at that moment, I know they are only temporary. So, I take a deep breath, look at my beautiful blooming orchids, pet my kitties, and I feel better. I don't give up—perseverance becomes my motto for the day.
Daily Inspiration #6: Spontaneity
When stress takes over my day, I kind of lose it. I become a different person, and everything and everyone around me irritates me. So, I have to stop what I am doing and try something different. I make a cup of coffee in my favorite mug, handmade by a talented friend, look at my backyard and savor the moment. I might pick up one of my design magazines and dream of creating beautiful and cozy places. Spontaneity inspires me to reduce my stress.
Daily Inspiration #7: Empathy
It is the middle of the day and I am getting tired of working. I take a break. Instead of thinking of myself, I turn my thoughts to a friend or a family member who I know needs some cheer. I call or write to them and offer words of comfort, and I listen with empathy. My body, mind, and soul feel recharged, refreshed, and full of love. By taking a moment to help others, I feel inspired again.
Daily Inspiration #8: Gratitude
My workday is over, and it is time for dinner. I love to cook, so this is definitely a moment of true inspiration for me. I rarely know what I am going to make--I like to experiment with what I have in the fridge that day! Whatever recipe I come up with, my husband loves it, even when it is not appealing to look at, and does not taste the way I thought it would, he still loves it. This always makes me smile.
Our kitchen is not only for cooking but is also where we spontaneously start dancing! We love dancing and seize the opportunity whenever we can. So, between chopping, stirring, and tasting, we dance!
It is time for bed. I make a cup of tea. Meditation music is playing in the background. I sit in a chair in my bedroom and reminisce about my day. The kitties usually join me while my husband finishes the dishes. All feels calm again, and I try to just think positive thoughts. My heart is bursting with gratitude. I understand how lucky I am to be here at this moment in time, embraced by love, friendship, and inspiration. I suddenly realize that I have all I need to "Design a Good Life."
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That was beautiful. We can all take a page from your book ( blog). With so much negativity in our world now it is far easier to throw up your hands and give up but I know, as do you, that gratitude is the only way to seek clarity.