Answering the Call of Inspiration

What is inspiration? Is it something that only applies to those in the creative field? Or is inspiration something we all have access to?

Inspiration is kind-of-a tricky thing. It doesn’t warn us when it’s coming. Or how it’s coming. Or even what topic it will lay upon our heart. The only promise it makes is that it will come to all of us.

So, what will you do with it when it comes? Will you even recognize it when it’s upon you--begging you to help it take form? And if you do recognize it, will you put it off till later? Or will you do something about it? This is exactly what I want to talk to you about. Adhering to the call of inspiration.

Inspiration can hit any of us at any time. It can whisper in our ear as we sleep. Or it can shout at us while we drive. It will swirl around us for days, months, sometimes even years. But with each passing hour that we don’t answer, we take the chance of inspiration leaving us. This is not to say that it won’t come back again, but more than likely not with the same inspiration.

How many times have you had a great idea, one that won’t leave you alone? You think about it all the time and get goose-bumps at the thought of “it” coming to fruition. But because you did nothing about it, later you see someone else “took” your idea.  Well, that idea wasn’t taken from you. You gave it away.  

Inspiration occurs for a reason, it wants to be created. It must find its way into the world and it has come to you to make it happen. But you can be sure of this; if you don’t answer its call, it will find a new host. We all get those bursts of inspiration, it’s up to us to listen and take action.

So this, is this week’s call to action. The next time inspiration comes knocking at your door, whispering things like, I should write down this recipe, you should do it. Or I think having a store selling “____” is a great idea. You should do it. Or I really like writing, or singing or acting, or being a coach or a teacher or a mechanic. You should do it. Get the point?

Inspiration will come to each of us in different ways, and it is our duty to obey for the advancement of the world. Think about all the amazing things we would be missing out on if others had ignored their inspiration like sometimes we ignore ours. People like Walt Disney and JK Rowling have made amazing contributions to the entertainment world because they listened.  This goes for all industries--all inspiration matters. So go ahead, listen closely to what inspiration is trying to have you do and DO IT.  

Till Next Time!

 

Morning Rituals: Successful People Swear By Them, Shouldn’t You?

Morning rituals… what’s that all about?

For starters, some of the most successful people of our time swear by morning rituals: such as Tony Robins, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg and the late Steve Jobs to name a few.  Their morning rituals, is partly what sets them apart from the rest.

Morning rituals are a way to get your day started on the right foot. Rituals such as exercising, meditating and tackling your hardest task first are essential in creating the day AND life you desire. Steve Jobs once said that the first thing he did each morning was to look in the mirror and ask himself, "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" He said, "And whenever the answer had been no for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."

Because I know how powerful morning rituals are, I did them, and what transpired was pretty remarkable.  I began to see great progress in my life. However, because I’ve been a little busy lately, I started to neglect my morning rituals and I have noticed a huge change in my attitude—as far as the way I tackle the day ahead. I’m not as optimistic or relaxed or happy. Needless to say, tomorrow I go back to my routine.

Your morning ritual can be anything that makes you feel good. It shouldn’t be forced. For example, if the thought of meditating freaks you out, then don’t push yourself to it. Though, I recommend you try to slowly incorporate meditation as part of your routine. Meditation is a way to center yourself. It’s a reset of sorts. Most of the time, if not always, you will come out of meditation with a new and clear mindset.  But until you are able to make your way there, do other things that will help start your day right. Go for a short walk, 10 or 15 minutes and watch the sun come up. Or listen to something positive, even 10 minutes of something motivational can get you AND keep you pumped the entire day. Stay away from your phone, computer and television. All those things will only interrupt the process.

Try it for one week. I am confident that you will start to notice great changes in your days and life. Plus, you will be better equipped to handle the tough things that may come your way each day.

Till Next Time!

 

Top Reason Why You Hate Working-Out

Have you ever decided to start working out only to quit before the first day? If so, you probably experienced the same problem as me.

I have been on a health journey for the last three years, one that includes eating superfoods, practicing yoga and meditation. Through this journey I learned a very valuable lesson that I want to share with you. Prior to starting this journey I was drawn to yoga and the people who practiced it. I placed yogis into this holistic-peace-loving category of people, and I desperately wanted to be like them. However, not having an athletic bone in my body and being extremely challenged—as far as flexibility goes, I didn’t see how I could ever do yoga. Still, the desire to practice yoga wouldn’t leave me alone and so I decided to just go for it.

Fast forward to three years later, and I am happy to report that I can do yoga and I love it. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no better way to get fit. Yet, even knowing this, I started to dabble into other areas of fitness, like weight lifting and cardio, and this is what happened. I went from practicing yoga every day to not exercising at all. Why, you ask? The reason is simple. I started to dread my workouts. So instead of going back to yoga (most logical choice) I decided to “stick” with the new exercise program I had committed to.

This is where the lesson lies; many of us don’t get past the first day of our workout because we are dreading what we’ve signed up for. Knowing what I know now, I can say with certainty that if you want to reach your fitness goals, you must be in love with the program you select. Sure, it may take you some time to find out just what that program is, but once you do, you will realize that exercising is not as bad as you thought it was.

Through this journey I realized that I don’t like cardio, in fact, I hate it. However, knowing that cardio is vital to my health, I found a way to fit cardio into my life that doesn’t totally tear me apart. I enjoy going for walks in the afternoons with my husband; so, when I get home from work, we walk to a plaza near our home, we typically walk 3.5 miles a day, more than I ever would if I were on a treadmill.

So I suggest this:  dedicate yourself to finding the right fitness program for you, because once you do, it will change your fitness life forever.