Inspired to be inspired

“Inspired.” As it is the title of this column, I’ve often thought about the many meanings of this word and what personally inspires me in various areas of my life.

Inspiration is often synonymous with words like “motivation”, “stimulation”, “encouragement” and “insight”.

What inspires you?

Where do you find energy and motivation?

What helps you feel insightful?

Recently I’ve encountered more than a few of my girlfriends experiencing depression, complacency and all around blues and blahs – all for various reasons ranging from work and family stress to relationship issues or simply boredom and dissatisfaction with what they have (or don’t have) going on right now. I think this feeling is more common than we may admit. We all go through cycles where we need to refresh in order to feel our best. I believe this is also essential in order to feel healthy and youthful – this is where inspiration is key.

Often we get lost in our daily have-to’s like work and family responsibilities. Before we know it months of living on auto pilot have gone by and we find ourselves in a drone-like state with our stress and dissatisfaction continuing to mount. What to do? How do we break out of this cycle and inject some happiness and energy back in our life?

1. Get reconnected with yourself. Carve out a few minutes a day just for you, even if all you can find is the last few moments before falling asleep. Take a few deep breaths as you think of something that makes you happy – imagining a beautiful landscape like a serene beach is one suggestion. Deep breathing will help you to calm down and settle your system more easily.

2. Remember your goals and desires. What did you dream about growing up to be? Even if our childhood fantasies are unrealistic now, there are often elements worth reexamining. What part of being a firefighting-physicist-supermodel-teacher made you excited? Traveling? Helping others? Making discoveries and researching new ideas? Feeling glamorous? These things can be incorporated into your life now. If changing jobs is not an option, consider a side business or volunteer project that may allow you to do work you enjoy. Research has shown there is a direct correlation between doing something you enjoy and having better mental and emotional health.

3. If you’re lost for ideas or not sure what inspires you these days, why not consider scheduling a night out with some friends or your partner? Find a reason to try a new restaurant, get dolled up, start a cooking club in your neighborhood, join a class learning something new, etc. These are usually cost-friendly, too – which means they can be done on a more regular basis and in turn, be more effective in stimulating your creative energies.

Don’t stop seeking inspiration, even when you feel you’re in a rut. Are you ready to be inspired? Sometimes it’s waiting just around the corner in the least expected place!

Best wishes,

Barbara H. Marynowski

Barbara H. Marynowski is recognized as an expert in stress management, self-care and personal empowerment. Her passion is helping women live healthier, happier lives free from stress, shame, guilt or fear and she believes everyone has the right to pursue and live a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous life. Barbara is an active member of Juko-Kai International and studies at White Crane Michigan. She is a 1st Dan Black Belt Instructor in Juko-ryu Tai-Ki and receives personal and on-going training under Dr. Rod Sacharnoski, Dai-Soke, 10th Dan, who is the President of Juko-Kai International and it's Asian recognized martial arts. Appointments and private sessions are available by contacting her directly at BarbMarynowski@aol.com and on her blog at http://www.barbaramarynowski.blogspot.com