“Inspiration is the greatest gift because it opens your life to many new possibilities. Each day becomes more meaningful, and your life is enhanced when your actions are guided by what inspires you.” Bernie Siegel.

I went to see a great film last week called Blinded by the Light. It’s about Javed, a British teenager of Pakistani descent growing up in 1987 in Luton, England. One of Javed’s classmates introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen.

Javed sees parallels to his working-class life in the powerful lyrics and as he discovers an outlet for his own pent-up dreams, he also begins to express himself in his own voice. Bruce Springsteen’s music inspires Javed to become a writer.

The Oxford Dictionary defines inspiration as “The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.”

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the world’s great composers, once remarked: “When I am, as it were, completely myself, entirely alone and of good cheer, say, travelling in a carriage, walking after a good meal or during the night when I can’t sleep, it is such occasions that my ideas flow best and most abundantly. Whence and how they come, I know not, nor can I force them.”

We don’t have to be a genius like Mozart to know what he’s talking about. When we’re in an inspired state and our mind is still and calm life just seems to flow effortlessly. It helps us to come up with creative solutions to challenges and enables us to feel good and confident. As a result we may step out of our comfort zone and try some new things and approaches. It’s why spending time relaxing and on holiday is so important. It also makes a positive contribution to our well-being.

Many people have told me over the years that they got solutions, fresh ideas or insights when they were least expecting them or thinking about particular issues. Some said it happened when they were meditating, out walking or running, on a beach or a mountain. Some even said they were in a shower!

Have you ever considered what your sources of inspiration are?

I am always inspired when I spend time in nature particularly by the sea. Music, films and literature including quotations help my creative juices to flow.

Other sources of inspiration for me include seeing ordinary people achieve extraordinary things and perform random acts of kindness. I’m always moved by people who are driven by a cause and make a positive difference in the world through their actions and use of their natural talents.

There have been many examples of people who achieved extraordinary things. They committed to making the world a better and fairer place and in doing so left a lasting legacy. Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandella, Martin Luther King Jr, Gandhi to name a few. All of them had the drive to be true to their convictions.

They all were all authentic and unafraid to be themselves. This simple act inspired many others to do the same. They didn’t have it easy and the way they overcame challenges and adversity is in itself inspirational.

We don’t have to be famous or get headlines to be inspirational. The people who regularly do work in their local communities to make it a better place and improve the life experiences of those who live there are inspiring. Quite often they do this work for little personal gain apart from the satisfaction of knowing they have made a positive contribution and difference to the lives of others.

No matter what our standing is in the world, we can all be an inspiration to others and give back to our communities. When you give with good intention, you don’t always have an understanding of the potential impact your actions can have.

Your positive actions can be great example to others and inspire them to do something good. A small well intentioned action can create a positive ripple, the impact of which can be felt far and wide and by many people.

This week, why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider what inspires you. Ask yourself  “Am I dedicating sufficient time (in the busyness of life) to do the things that I love to do and bring me a feeling of inspiration, contentment and relaxation?”

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk