By Jerry Gertes
Inspiration is something that is often talked about but not clearly defined. We describe inspiration as a feeling, yet what is the meaning? The dictionary defines inspiration as “the act or power of moving the intellect or emotions.” So how do you tap into this power? Before you can find your inspiration, you should start to look at what inspiration means to you personally. Different people are inspired for many different reasons. When you think of inspiration, you might think of positive events, like a firefighter running to save someone in a burning building, or a successful business person making it to the top. But inspiration is not limited to just the positive events in life. Often people are inspired by something not so positive, such as the death of a friend or family member, a divorce or the end of a long-term relationship. Inspiration to me personally is the power to move you to do something great with massive emotion behind the actions you take.
Consider This
Feeling inspired is good, taking action on the inspiration is much greater. Inspiration to me is a feeling that I need to do something more; it causes me to take action beyond who I normally know myself to be. When I am inspired, I am more likely to respond in a deeply emotional way, instead of just going through the motions. When you understand what inspiration means to you, the ability to find what inspires you becomes easier. My environment is a huge source of inspiration to me, as well as the friends I keep and what I allow into my mind. Understanding what inspiration means to you will help you create your world to be an inspiring place.
Reflections
What does inspiration mean to you? What inspires you?
My Request
Inspiration isn’t limited to those major events in life when something extremely positive or negative happens. You don’t have to wait to go get it at a motivational event. Begin to really understand what inspiration means for you and you will start to find it in the form of everyday things, such as when you are inspired to help carry an elderly person’s groceries to their car, go the extra mile to help a friend or simply stop and enjoy the world around you. Inspiration may even find you when someone reaches out and helps you with something. Spend a few moments this week thinking about what inspiration really means to you and how it can play a major role in helping you create a life you really love.
Notable Quotes
“Most of life is routine – dull and grubby, but routine is the momentum that keeps a man going. If you wait for inspiration you’ll be standing on the corner after the parade is a mile down the street.” Ben Nicholas
“I could never tell where inspiration begins and impulse leaves off. I suppose the answer is in the outcome. If your hunch proves a good one, you were inspired; if it proves bad, you are guilty of yielding to thoughtless impulse.” Beryl Markham
“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” Jack London