Why Sleep Matters to Your Overall Health
(Health Secrets) Look around and you are bound to see some people living life with vigor, zest, and all out enjoyment. You probably will also see some people barely scraping by, complaining, and sounding like they will never be content. Which side of the fence do you want to be on? Are you missing inspiration in your life? Is a lack of inspiration zapping you of all your energy, creativity and motivation? Do you even remember what an inspired life is like?
Living an inspired life means living with purpose, meaning, and intentionality. It means choosing to LIVE and not just be carried along by the circumstances of life. Inspired living is an individual choice, and one that requires some thinking, planning, and exploring.
There is no right answer; the answer is as individual as you are. Everyone’s definition of an inspired journey is their own customized version. What works for you, may not work for someone else. The road I take will not be the same one you decide to go down. Inspired living is a choice, based on your preferences, your goals, and your lifestyle. There is no one right way. The right way is the way that works for you.
I use a collection of affirmations to act as my reminder of the important things in my life. Affirmations are concise, positive statements to help me instantly feel better about my life. Affirmations help you reprogram your mind and alter the course of your life. You are reaffirming the statement in your subconscious and making it part of who you are every time you repeat an affirmation.
Positive affirmations replace negative or uninspiring thoughts that run through your mind. As you use affirmations you are rewriting your belief system. Replace old beliefs that no longer serve you with new empowering beliefs that propel you forward. Beliefs are nothing more than thoughts you think over and over again. So, it’s time to renovate those old limiting beliefs. Find new ones that speak to your heart, transform the way you think, and enable you to live your life differently. You can literally change your life one thought at a time.
Many people have a list of affirmations they repeat to themselves every day. Other people keep the sayings taped to their bathroom mirror so they see them in the morning. Some use them as screensavers or wallpapers at work. I have them stored in my phone, taped to the walls of my office, posted on my terminal screen with small post-its, and hung just about everywhere to keep me focused. Incorporating affirmations into your everyday life gives you a continuing source of motivation.
Sometimes you come across inspiration by spotting something in nature, like a beautiful sunset or freshly fallen snow. Other times you may be inspired by a photograph, an image in a book, or a painting at an art gallery. I’m always taken by the beauty of a garden, the mastery of nature while hiking in the mountains, or the quiet wonder of a walk in the woods. The beauty of an image may inspire you to create something beautiful of your own. In the process, you’ll find new excitement and motivation to carry over into the other areas of your life.
When I feel the energy of anticipation and eagerness move through me it motivates me to work ever more swiftly with laser-like focus to reach my goal. Once you find that spark that inspires you, rely upon it during stressful or difficult times as a visual reminder to keep moving forward.
Sometimes it’s as simple as watching a classic movie like It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) on television. The movie offers a simple and universal message about the true meaning of life. You can’t help but be captivated by the story line. Children’s movies are great sources of inspiration – they contain messages for grown-ups disguised as children’s stories.
YouTube offers an endless stream of motivational videos. So many of the videos go viral and inadvertently inspire millions though it may have been originally intended for a much smaller audience. Pick a short one to watch to keep you on track and interested on a regular basis. You are worth a 15-minute investment of time every other day.
I have found that someone you meet by chance can often bring you a new perspective on old challenges if you are open and willing to listen. The next time you’re out, try striking up a friendly conversation and listen to others intently and with great interest. People love sharing their stories of success, their journey to victory, and the amazing miracles they have witnessed in their life experiences. Sometimes a brief passing comment can completely change the direction of your life. It has in my mine and I’ve been forever grateful for being present and hearing it at that very moment.
Learning to cultivate high levels of intrinsic inspiration brings powerful benefits with it. You come from a much empowered position of being able to take responsibility for your own inspiration and you no longer rely on outside sources for your motivation. Things you do can feel like play. When you are in an inspired space, you have more energy, and your work is quality based because you realize it’s a reflection of who you are. Everyone around you is inspired to do more and be more, and frankly, life feels expansive and fresh.
Read more of Donna’s blogs at renovateyourlifestyle.com.
