What is Inspiration and Where Do You Find It?

The definition of inspiration from the dictionary is as states: The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. "Helen had one of her flashes of inspiration."A sudden brilliant, creative, or timely idea. "then, I had an inspiration." So, inspiration is creative, spontaneous, timely, sudden, and brilliant. How exciting! Who in their right mind wouldn't want to be inspired by something or someone?! I believe everyone wants to be inspired at some point in their life, but will they? Who Does Inspiration Seek? Inspiration comes to those searching, working toward something, or wanting to find it. For instance, if you're depressed, struggling mentally, and downtrodden, I don't think inspiration will come knocking on your door. Inspiration feeds off hope, faith, and a positive attitude. It doesn't appear out of thin air. Now don't misunderstand, I believe people do have those big inspirational moments, but again, they mentally search for it in their way.  How Does It Feel When Inspiration Comes? Inspiration is like a dose of pure life. You feel young, free, bursting with happiness and excitement, and very motivated. It can also be sobering. Not to be cliche, but you get the sense that a missing piece of you is now complete. Does Inspiration Continue? Inspiration is the first process. After that, your mind starts to look for the next piece. That piece keeps leading and inspiring you to search and take action steps toward moving forward to your goals producing greatness in your life. Or, you may feel the inspiration to help or aid someone in which you won't meet any life goals, but you will fulfill a calling. Caution: If you stop searching, you may miss out on the possibilities that you never let come true. Or if you stop listening, you may change someone's life you could have helped. Where Does Inspiration Live? Sometimes when people look too hard for something, they never seem to find it. Do you ever wonder why that is? My theory is they miss the small, seemingly insignificant things that will help get them to the place they are longing.  You don't have a baby and expect them to learn everything on their own. No, you have a baby and immediately start teaching them the small things and continue until they have grown into beautiful, functioning adults.  If this is the case, how is it as adults, we think we can stop learning or expect everything to fall in our lap? Does this include inspiration? I think so. A person doesn't grow, become inspired, or inspire others without little moments or learning steps. How Do You Find It? Like above, inspiration lives in you and is waiting. There isn't a series of events that need to take place. You unlock it by your positive attitude or hopeful attitude. Then you merely want/desire it, patiently wait, and once it appears, stay motivated and through action steps, watch as it all unfolds.  "If you are trying to get something out of nothing, you will get nothing, but if you try to get something out of learning, you will learn."  Inspiration will happen in your life, and you will keep filling up growing and achieving whatever in life you hope to achieve. To some, "inspiration is a divine matter in Hebrew poetics. In the Book of Amos, the prophet speaks of being overwhelmed by God's voice and compelled to speak. In Christianity, inspiration is a gift of the Holy Spirit." -Wikipedia We are all connected in some way. I genuinely believe we can feel that close connection with someone near or far away from God or a friend. Remember, inspiration is not just a big idea but creative, spontaneous, timely, sudden, and brilliant. Inspiration (from the Latin inspirare, meaning "to breathe into") is powerful and something to hold onto when it hits you. In short, it's for everyone who has a positive mindset and comes at unexpected times. If you have an inspirational story you would like to share; please send me an email to heather@heatherearles.com. Until then, stay inspired and have a healthy week!! Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a farm with their four children. She is an established author, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for a local newspaper to aid and inspire others. Learn More About The Author