Be an Inspiration

Living an inspired life is amazing. I’m often inspired by what others are doing, or by how someone is being in the world. I’m intentional about the people and information I allow into my life in order to create as many opportunities to be inspired as possible. As much as I love to be inspired, it’s equally important to me to be someone who inspires others. In fact, it has become my life’s work.

How does that happen in practical terms? What is it about a person that causes another to become inspired in some way? It has to do with some measure of the following components:

1. Doing something that seems difficult in a way that looks easy

2. Doing something that someone else wants to do but hasn’t yet done

3. Making the impossible seem possible

4. Sharing a new thought that touches someone on a deep level

5. Bringing a positive attitude into a negative situation

6. Offering another perspective that may unblock someone from action

7. Guiding someone to think bigger

Inspiration is the fuel for getting things done. It happens everywhere. People use inspiration to begin projects and to finish them. Inspiration helps people write, paint, sing, dance and get their creative juices flowing. Being inspired increases our sense of well-being; we know that all is right in the world for that moment.

The world seriously needs people who are committed to inspiring others. Perhaps you’re one of those people; and if not, how can you be more of an inspiration?

Be Inspired

For me, it begins with being inspired. Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Living life as if everything is a miracle has me slowing down to notice the small things. It has me inspired by the wonder of the sun breaking through the clouds after a summer storm. I’ll notice the curious eyes of a child who has not yet learned not to be curious. Or perhaps I’ll be inspired by the cup of tea in my hands, thinking of all the hands that did the work to make it possible for me to be drinking it.

When I notice things that others haven’t slowed down enough to notice, and I make a comment about it, it results in others being inspired in the same way. For example, I was with a client in an artist’s pottery shop one day. I picked up a cup and held it in my hands and said, “I will get so much joy out of drinking tea from this cup.” My client said, “I don’t even notice the cup I’m drinking from.” My client was then inspired to pay more attention to the little things around her.

Be Compassionate

Another way to be an inspiration is to be compassionate to others. You know that person in your life that always listens to you, the person that not only listens, but listens deeply? You get the feeling the she really cares about you and what you’re saying. You feel loved and accepted, and like that she understands where you’re coming from. You leave the conversation inspired. We all need a safe place to speak our deepest feelings. You can be that person for others.

Be That Person

Speaking of being that person, who doesn’t love to see someone boldly take action to create big things? I work with a client who inspires me every day with her commitment to action. While so many people talk about what they want to accomplish, a few people actually roll their sleeves up and do the work. You can be an inspiration to others simply by staying in persistent action to bring about the life you’d love to be living.

In order to be an inspiration to others, you must first be inspired yourself.