Words of inspiration lift the spirit, boost morale and nudge you in the direction you want to go. No tow people are inspired quite the same way, and what inspires is a unique as the sound of your laughter. No tow people are inspired quite the same way. One person’s inspiration may come from reading a book, poem or quote. Another may be inspired by music, the sound of children’s laughter or silence that encourages reflective thinking. If you feel uninspired and long to rekindle the glowing coals of your life into a roaring fire, try using the following tips. Let a few words of inspiration sink in as you ponder the possibilities of living an inspired life.

What is Inspiration?
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot
The American Heritage Dictionary defines inspiration as, “stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level if feelings or activity.” Who doesn’t want to be inspired and experience heightened emotions and the joyful sense of satisfaction from achieving? Without inspiration, innovative ideas have no chance of taking flight; in fact, they fail to exist. As the pressures of mundane existence consume most of our time, we might let some earlier dreams or goals go by. In this quote, Eliot Speaks to his reader’s doubts and assures them that it’s never too late to turn around and discover your dreams.

Get Inspired

“Life Shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

One can only be inspired if one is willing to take action and seek inspiration. Like the Nike as that insists, “Just do it,” pushing yourself and taking action gets results. Ask yourself this question, “How do I get inspired?”  Think of past inspirational moments. What were you doing? Where were you?  Was anyone with you? Inspiration can come from almost anywhere, at any time and often from unlikely sources.

From pushing yourself to run that extra quarter mile in the morning to working towards a goal of stating your own business, words of inspiration can be the catalyst that gives you the courage to make it happen.

Find Inspiration
“As I grow older part of my emotional survival plan must be to actively seek inspiration instead of passively waiting for it to find me.” – Bebe Moore Campbell
If you are wondering where to find inspiration, you can find it everywhere you look. For some people, inspiration comes after reading a book; for others, seeing an exquisite sunset can inspire them. Inspiration may come to you while taking a shower or jogging down the road while most of the world still sleeps.

An inspiring speech may move you to take action or you may discover that it was right there in front of you the whole time
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Find Inspiration Within You

“Every person, especially every woman, should be alone sometime during the year, some part of each week, and each day.” -Anne Morrow Lindbergh

The world within you is too often untapped due to lack of time and the demands of others. Find some time each day to ponder you and all that you are and wish to be. Journal, meditate, go for a walk alone. Create a space where you can be alone with your thoughts.

Invite Inspiration
“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.” – Iris Mudoch

Words can take the most stoic person’s breath away. Beautiful, haunting words can inspire people to do all sorts of unexpected things.
Find a short inspirational quote and turn it into your mantra for success and motivation. Like a continuous small treat, words of inspiration constantly reassure when feelings of doubt enter the mind and soul. Read your word treat every day as an affirmation to find inspiration and live a fuller life.

Stake Your Inspirational Claim
“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” – Margaret Thatcher

When words of inspiration fail to spark the proper feeling, it’s time to head out the door and into the world. Take a walk through the park, sip on tea at a café and watch people or even go to a movie. Just being outdoors and indulging your senses can revive you. Before you know it, the well that seemed dry refills with life experiences and you feel exhilarated.

Benefit from Inspiration
“Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on other without getting a few drops on yourself.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

An inspired person is a motivated person who takes action. The benefit from being inspired come with moving in a direction that you wish to go. The inspirations to paint a picture, write a book, move to a different country or start you own business puts the wheels in motion. Whether your achievement touches only you or millions of others, You will feel a true sense of self and wonderment at the journey.

Carl Jung thought about a benefit of being inspired that you may not have considered,” Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially their children than the unlived life of the parent.” Think of the pride your child and family exhibit when you achieve your heart’s desire or goals. It’s a spine-tingling moment when a child tells apparent how proud she is of her mom.

Inspiration, like a lover, makes people shiver with anticipation and delight in the adventure. That “a-ha” moment brings a smile to the face and suddenly the world seems less daunting. It’s a great way to feel!

Whether the inspiration came from people watching, stopping to really see the beauty of a flower or from words of inspiration, it’s been discovered. Once you become inspired, hold fast to what inspired you and why. The saying, “get out there, follow your dream…” should move you forward. One last quote to inspire you on your journey is:
“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

ARE YOU LIVING YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST?
James Dean once said, “Dream as if you’ll live forever, and live as if you’ll die today.”

Do you take time to pursue your passions or are you a slave to the daily grind?

Tags: goals, inspiration, life, Personal Growth