As I was driving around town the other day, I heard a song on the radio, “Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne. It was so appropriate for the way I was feeling that day. And begs the discussion of how we replenish our energy and spirit when we feel depleted.
Some people tend to withdraw – naps, isolation, no answering the phone for awhile. Some find distractions that don’t require a lot of energy and temporarily feel good: binge eating, shopping online, watching lots of movies on TV. How about a more creative way to refill our wellspring? Let’s try to find some Inspiration!
We are bombarded by inspiration all the time: internally and externally, through sight, sound, dreams and thoughts. Often in our busy lives, we take no notice, and when we are stuck or tired, it’s hard to grab hold of that fleeting feeling and make it our own.
So, here’s a simple creative action you can use in your daily life to refill your energy and interest to keep moving forward.
Find some inspiring quotes that are meaningful to you. Try for at least 10 and print them out. There are thousands online and you might already have your favorites from books or cards.
- Cut the quotes into slips of paper, fold in half and place them in a bowl or jar- draw one daily or weekly, or when you just need some inspiration. Notice your response and the thoughts that come up.
- If the kitchen is where you spend a lot of time, it’s fun to randomly tape some inside cabinet doors, tuck them among pots and pans or in the spice drawer. And then read them as you come upon them. What’s the smell or taste associated with them? Let your sensory awareness enrich them.
- If you’re a gardener, paint or write them on a rock and place them in your yard where you’ll often see them.
- Record some on your phone – our brain takes in our own voice better than any other! Use expression when you record them, then play the quotes thru your earbuds when folding laundry, out for a walk, working in the yard. Let nature and movement amplify them for you.
Ask Yourself-
Are there certain daily activities that seem to drain my energy more than others?
When was the last time I really felt inspired to do something?
What are my daydreams about? Any inspiration that I am overlooking?
Sharing a few inspirational quotes for your week ahead! Suzanne & Patty
“It’s amazing what you learn about yourself when you start looking.”– Melissa F.
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’.” – Audrey Hepburn
“A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot. It has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain” .– Mildred Witte Stouven