I am a deep thinker. Unfortunately, sometimes thinking so deeply can be a detriment. I have thought so much about what to write about – what to say – that I realized I was blocked. My creative freedom had been taken from me, because I constantly overthought the outcome. Enters – writer’s block! So, I am choosing to write now. I am choosing to get my creative juices flowing again. I might not have an outstanding entry here, but at least it will release me from the block I have been experiencing. The hardest part is just taking the first step. I have been using art and music to inspire me over the last month. I think with everyone in isolation due to the pandemic, it was too easy to get into a rut. I have talked to so many people who are just spinning their wheels. It’s an emotional and physical strain to be isolated and to be repeating the same routine day in and day out – seeing only the same small group of people every day. Recently I made a very intentional choice. I chose to gather my art supplies, wipe the dust from the tools, and brighten my work area. I WILL NOT continue to live in the darkness of dull expression. I am not a grade worthy artist or singer, but I will use art and music to move my soul. It feels quite liberating to use my markers and washi tape again! Maybe I will soon be inspired to do some walking in the fresh, brisk air.
I recently read a good reminder in one of the many books I’ve read this winter. When you think about motivation, it is fleeting. Really our motivation comes and goes. We can’t guarantee that we will have motivation to help us achieve our goals. What we need is inspiration. The inspiration will create and propel the motivation. Inspiration comes in many forms. Some people are inspired by other people – people they know, people from history, celebrities, characters, etc. Other people are inspired by art/music and even physical activity inspires some. Identifying what inspires you is a form of self-love. If we take the time to learn about what inspires us and create a healthy habit of using that information to move us along, we will undoubtedly improve our chances to reach our goals.
I am inspired by overcomers, especially women overcomers. I can literally feel the tenacity in a woman who has overcome an adverse situation. Maya Angelou is one of my favorites to use as a way to move me. She had a less than stellar upbringing. She had childhood and adult trauma. Instead of being a victim, she chose to grow through her trials. She became mute when she experienced a traumatic childhood event. She went on to talk again and to write award winning poetry. I am deeply inspired by many of my clients as well. Most of them are overcoming hard situations in their lives. They are choosing to do the hard work to overcome and thrive in their situations. I genuinely believe I am so blessed to get to work with so many inspiring people. Another thing that inspires me is art in the form of scrapbooking. I love to tell the story of my family and friends through scrapbooking. The art involved in the process energizes my soul. I hope sharing my top three inspirations will help you formulate who/what your inspirations are.
A few questions….
- Have you struggled with darkness in your soul during this pandemic? You are not alone!
- How do you inspire yourself to continue on your personal growth journey? Are there certain people who inspire you? Music? Art? Books?
- What hard situations have you overcome in the past? What did you learn about yourself in the process?
Growing word by word,
Jackie
Great write up! I’m glad you powered through your writers block!
I am inspired by my family. I also love music, I could listen to music all day. And I change the category of music based on my mood!