Life Purpose Topic #4: Inspiration: Have You Found Yours?

Eleanor Roosevelt once said that when you cease to contribute, you begin to die. I feel that when you lose your source of inspiration, you begin to settle.

Nuggets of inspiration are invaluable because they:

1. Help to keep us alert, fresh and connected to our authentic heartbeat
2. Provide clues to innate sources of fulfillment and life purpose themes
3. Change, evolve and grow as we move into the fullness of ourselves

Here is my most recent source of inspiration: Facebook. Since joining in July 2008, I’ve rediscovered friends, extended family and colleagues; delighted in photos of milestone events, and had the opportunity to share tidbits about my life with others.

I feel that this social networking tool has inspired me move to a whole new level of connection, understanding, community, and activity. Most of all, Facebook makes me smile … everyday.

DISCUSSION GROUP QUESTION:
"What is a source if inspiration that keeps you energized and pulsing with a healthy appetite for life?"

Look forward to hearing from you … and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn
PS – If you have a question, comment or idea, please feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear from you.

New! For other topic areas, please click on the green links below:
Topic #6 - What Will People Think?
Topic #5 - Resources: What helped you along the way? 
Topic #3 - Success vs. Fulfillment: What's the Deal?
Topic #2 - Oh where, oh where did my Heartbeat Go?
Topic #1 - What in the world is a Soulnudge?

I am really more imaginative, creative and connected to life, when I a find stories about people who can stir my soul. These stories are often about individuals who have overcome some kind of challenge in their lives, only to shine in the arts or their chosen field. If you haven't read the books 'It's Not About the Bike' or 'Tuesdays with Morrie', then you've missed out on two of my favorite inspirational biographies.

Another motivating DVD that I just recently viewed is ‘Music From the Inside Out’, which is a documentary about the 100+ musicians in the Philadelphia Orchestra. A few short sentences can't really describe the total power, intensity and dedication that is portrayed in the various interviews and stories that are shown. After watching the DVD, it will be virtually impossible for you to not think about the faith, heart, effort and stamina that this orchestra (or any orchestra) puts into their music. You really do get the sense that the orchestra is fulfilled through their music. It’s very inspiring and nothing short of wonderful.

I am inspired by people who have gone through difficulties in their life and prevailed in spite of the odds! It is their courage, acceptance and inner strength that touches me.

Being inspired gives me a boost. I am inspired when I learn new things and especially like reading articles about … almost anything. It gives me a new way to look at a situation and I like that.

Inspiration may be something quite ordinary or very profound. The common link is that I can relate to it, reflect on it, and then apply it in my life. It energizes my spirit; I feel connected to myself, others, and to something bigger.

Inspiration will occasionally come to you when you are passive, but it will come to more often if you are open to it, or seek it. The actions and reactions of living and doing are the source of inspiration. When you are “alive” in your daily life you will be inspired. To do this, switch over from being a passive observer of the moment to an active one. For example:

 - When you see children and their freshness… revel a bit in it. Think of why all is so bright and interesting to them;

 - When you pray or mediate or just think… do it actively. Visualize and ask for growth and change;

- When you walk and talk with friends think and feel about what is so great about this;

- When you see someone who has something in your life that you would like to have in yours, don’t yearn for it or wish for it. Rather, think if “he did it so can I”. Ask your self how he went about it;

I’ve found that in the stream of life, don’t float by in a boat, take a leap and swim in the water. You have to feel life to be inspired by it.  

For me, I find that being inspired is when I'm in a creative flow. I know that anything is possible in that flow and I know that I'm capable of great ideas in that flow. So, my source of inspiration is whatever gets me in to that state of mind (or should I say, state of heart!).

I live in a beautiful, magical place - Cape Breton Island on Canada's East Coast and it is truly a source of inspiration for me. I often take walks along the cliffs in my hometown in the early morning hours. The smell of the saltwater breeze, the gentle lapping of the ocean waves, the songs of seabirds and the rising sun awaken my senses and make me feel completely alive.

Music is also a great source of inspiration and I tend to listen to fabulous songwriters. The way they can turn a phrase, along with a rich melody, can evoke such powerful emotions. For example, here's a lyric from John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery":

"If dreams were lightning, thunder was desire
This old house would have burnt down a long time ago"

The imagery and truth of a lyric like this makes me believe in the power of the creative source. While we all have our different gifts, I believe we're all empowered to tap into that source...I guess we just have to find our individual ways to get there.

I guess right now I would have to say that I am looking for my inspiration. I know that I am on a journey. At times very wonderful. Which is starting to be more and more regular. Right now I am on a journey to find myself and the god that is inside me. I no things are beginning to happen because I seem more aware of my surroundings and my thoughts. So for now that is what inspires me.

Have a great day

Bryan

I am truly inspired by gifted, creative people. I come from a family of writers and it amazes me how easy they make it look. They are following their dreams and living an authentic life! I am sure I have creativity buried within me; it is just waiting for the right time to surface.

I am inspired by children, and how free they are with their thoughts, questions, actions and comments. It makes me realize the child within needs to play more often.

I am inspired when I participate in an event that helps others. It can be as simple as supporting a family through tough times, or donating time or money for a needy cause. It is also inspiring to become more aware of the adversities many people overcome in our own country and countries abroad. A few years back I started following the "Room to Read" website, the John Woods foundation that is building libraries in developing countries.....trying to break the cycle of illiteracy. This was truly inspiring for me.

I am inspired by the ocean, a high wind and the season of Autumn...... when the trees are so vibrant.

Now that I have given thought to what inspires me......I just realized I have plenty to get my creative side moving.   Great topic Mildred.

What is a source of inspiration that keeps you energized and pulsing with a healthy appetite for life?"  Quote Mildred Lynn

Dear Mildred Lynn,   I am fond of inspirational romance. It is a source of both entertainment and gives me a lightness of heart.   The other thing I notice that energizes me is being around new life, a new baby,  the family is growing with nieces and nephews, and I am fully inspired with lightheartedness as I peer into the eyes of the newly formed life.    Today I have aplay date with two nephews; they are so energizing and full of life.   Plus,  I am hooked on traveling with MY EYES,  I follow every travel video of Rick Steves and Rudy Maxa and a couple of others who have taken me to farthest corners of the world. Places I can not afford nor travel by myself.   I am fully amazed at traveling with my eyes to every continent and every group of individuals fascinates me with their special gifts.    These are a few of the wonders of the world that keep me uplifted and alive.   Kind Regards,  Lindy

hmmmm..... Great question. After pondering that question I realized that running outside energizes me and gives me an appetite for life and organizing to my surprise. I really enjoy organizing spaces at home and work.

Thanks for provoking some thought in that department!