“If we look at the world with a love of life, the world will reveal its beauty to us.” –Daisaku Ikeda
Sometimes life can knock you off track.
Receiving an unexpected bill, putting in long hours at work or recovering from an illness can zap your energy and leave you feeling uninspired. When these things happen, it can seem like your goals and dreams are so far away.
But like your dreams, the inspiration you need never really goes away. It waits patiently – waiting to be jump started whenever you are ready.
To get your life back on track, and to get back to the business of pursuing your goals, try a few of these ways to jump start your inspiration. Then watch your energy become resorted; your hope renewed and your dreams draw closer once again.
- Rest your mind and body
Fatigue can get the best of you. If you find yourself dragging and your inspiration just isn’t there, try going to bed earlier or waking up a little later. Consider using the weekend to catch-up on some much needed rest. Your mind will recover as soon as your body does. - Step outside
Your home or office can actually stifle inspiration because of the monotony and routines found there. To kick-start your creativity, step outside, breathe some fresh air, admire the scenery and clear your mind. - Spend an afternoon with your child
Our children can often remind us of what is truly important in life. Their simplistic and honest view of life can jumpstart us into looking at a problem from a different perspective. - Exercise
Move! One the best ways for your body to release a healthy dose of inspiring-producing hormones is to get up and get going. On the days when I feel completely uninspired, I make myself go for a run. After plugging some high-energy music into my ears and getting the first mile behind me, I feel rejuvenated, refreshed – inspired. - Do some housework or yard work
The benefit of getting some chores done isn’t just in the fact you can get a little exercise in the process, but you can actually get something accomplished! Too often the larger problems of your life can seem overwhelming. There is little energy left for inspiration when these concerns are in front of you. But vacuuming the carpet or mowing the yard are tangible, cross-them-off-your-list type items which can leave you feeling successful. - Read a good book
Steinbeck, Faulkner and Grisham are not only some of my favorite writers; they also motivate and inspire me to write, too. No matter your favorite author or genre, sitting down with a book you enjoy will help take your mind off your daily routine and will engage your imagination. - Watch a movie
Like reading a book, watching a movie can also give you new ideas or help you see things in a different way. Really good movies have a way of speaking to your heart and recharging your mind. One thought or idea from a movie can be just the seed you are looking for in order to begin growing and cultivating your own inspiration once again. - Go for a walk
Take a walk. Better yet, go for a walk with a friend or your partner. Having some unencumbered time without emails, telephone calls (leave your cell phones behind, if possible) and meetings can lead to important conversations where new ideas can be explored and refined. - Take a bath
Honestly, I don’t get this one, but my wife swears by it. At the end of a long day, she will draw a tub full or hot water and drop-in pellets of bath salts. She may take a book to read, or just bask in the relaxing water to clear her mind. Her stress level is always reduced afterwards and she is ready for another day. - Relax in a coffee shop
Sometimes the distractions in my house keep me from finding the inspiration needed to do any quality writing. This is when I pack it up and head to the Starbucks. There, I get my favorite cup, find a quiet table, and let my inspiration begin to percolate. - Go for a long car ride
There’s something soothing about hearing the car engine run or the sound of the tires striking the pavement. Take along a few of your favorite CDs or plug in your smartphone and you have an incredible recipe for inspiration. - Hang out with your friends
Let loose and just forget about it for a while. Time with your friends can be the perfect distraction to take your mind off any stress or anxiety that may be weighing you down. Sometimes moments of inspiration strike when you are not even looking for it or least expect it. - Do nothing for as long as you can stand it
When your inspiration and creativity are just not flowing, try shutting it down for a while. Actually walk away from the barrier. Time spent doing absolutely nothing will clear your mind and recharge your batteries. You will find clarity when your day becomes less complicated. - Play hooky from work or school
Take a day just for you. If your schedule allows (and it won’t get you too far behind) consider taking a day for self-care. Go the gym, visit the library or do whatever it is that puts you in a relaxed and inspirational state. - Take-in a ballgame
There’s something cathartic about going to a good ballgame. Whether it’s attending a basketball game or hitting the park for a baseball game, the emotion and energy expended is contagious, and inspirational! - Channel surf
There are no accidents without value. Here’s what I mean: If you find yourself in an apathetic and uninspiring state, which is using the catalyst for wanting to channel surf in the first place, chances are good you will land on a show or program that will inspire you to solve a problem. - Visit the shopping mall
This isn’t an excuse to spend beyond your means, but rather an opportunity to put yourself in a different environment and expose your mind to a variety of sensations. The smells coming from the food court, the brightly-colored advertisements in the store windows and the thrill of buying something new can all contribute to getting your inspiration back on track. - Get a massage
There is a mind – body connection. Nurture one and the other benefits from association. - Cook a delicious meal
Preparing a meal takes creativity. It begins with planning the menu, organizing the ingredients, and then bringing it all together. Your ingenuity will be sparked and you pallet (creative and otherwise) will be satisfied. - Pray
There is a plan for each of us. At times, however, we may feel our personal plan is off-track or just not attainable. When this happens, we need to rely on our faith and surrender our doubt. Your prayer, or a consciousness manifestation of your heart’s desire, will be heard because the Universe is always listening. You just need to remember to keep asking for more of what you want. Bo doing so, your inspiration will be reignited and your progress will be unstoppable.
Image Source: Google images
About Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer.
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