I have been reading and researching about inspiration and what inspires people.

This was prompted by thoughts about walks by the sea which are always a source of inspiration for me.

It’s my birthday soon and I plan to have a walk by the sea as it’s the way I like to celebrate my birthday now. Even though my birthday is in November and the weather isn’t particularly warm here in the UK at that time of year it still makes me feel good. Time by the sea always puts me in a state of peace and calm.

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 are in a calm state and our mind is still or when we have some quiet alone time we receive creative ideas and insights. Many people have told me over the years that they got creative solutions to challenges, fresh ideas or suggestions, when they weren’t looking for them or thinking about the issue. Some have told me that it happens to them when they are in the shower or when out for a run or walk.

The Oxford Dictionary defines inspiration as “The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.” When we are in a state of inspiration, life just seems to flow effortlessly. It enables us to feel good and confident and as a result we may step out of our comfort zone and try new things.

Have you ever considered what your sources of inspiration are?

Another major source of inspiration for me is seeing ordinary people achieve extraordinary things. People performing random acts of kindness and showing selflessness move and inspire me. People driven by a cause and making a real positive difference in the world through their actions and use of their natural talents provides me with inspiration.

There have been some ordinary people who have had 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, for little personal gain apart from personal satisfaction are inspiring.

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

There are a variety of things and activities can provide a feeling of inspiration. These can include music, amazing sporting performances, watching films, beautiful sunsets, pictures and paintings of dramatic scenery particularly the sea, cliffs and mountains. Some people are inspired by flowers in bloom and other scenes from nature such as the colour of the leaves on the trees in autumn, biographies, inspirational quotes and pieces of writing or people taking a risk and producing something original

This week, why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider what inspires you. What would be on your list of inspirational things?

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?

This week’s quotation:       

“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.

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