“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them.” ~Richard L. Evans~

What is inspiration……?

I often questioned myself a great deal about this.  I learned over the years that many people often confuse inspiration and motivation.  I have learned that no one can motivate you because motivation comes from within yourself.  This is one reason why I never say I am a “motivational” speaker/leader or that this person “motivates” me.  Because that is not true.  I motivate myself.  What people say can inspire me to do things… but it is ME actually taking the necessary steps to “ACT” which that drive to ACT comes from ME motivating myself within to do whatever it is that the person inspired me to do.

So back to the original question…. what is inspiration?  So let’s take a look at the webster definition.  According to the webster dictionary, inspiration is:

1 a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions
2 : the act of drawing in; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs
3 a : the quality or state of being inspired b : something that is inspired
4 : an inspiring agent or influence <a scheme that was pure inspiration>

Ok so there are 4 parts to this “official” definition.  When I read this definition, the FIRST definition spoke to me most.  But I still had to take it in and figure out what inspiration means to me.  I truly believe that inspiration is the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions.  When I am inspired by someone’s words, it touches me deep inside of my heart and soul.  It moves me within.  Sometimes it even affects me so much that I get teary eyed.  The words do influence me to give myself the energy or the fuel to drive myself to ACT.

I realized that inspiration is much like a fingerprint.   It is different for everyone, just as everyone’s fingerprints are unique.  Inspiration comes to me through different means and ways just as it will for you.  I get inspired from nature.  Just sitting outside listening to the wind, the birds chirp, water moving down a creek or river or looking up at the clouds can inspire me.  Music inspires me too– hearing different styles of music– the words, the rhythm, the melody can inspire me.  Dancing inspires me.  I love to dance and watch others dancing and I often find myself drifting into deep thought and becoming inspired by what I am watching or doing and then I get in gear to ACT.  But for the most part, I found that true inspiration for me comes from deep inside of my heart.  Especially when I’m talking to someone and feeling led to inspire them.  I always dig deep down inside myself and seem to know just the right words to say to inspire them.

In summation, I found that it inspiration is anything that fosters me, gives me the will to do, animates me, reveals my desires within reach, moves me to do anything that I enjoy and love doing.  Just like my opening quote shows you something that is quite true.  Children will not remember you because of the material things you have given them.  They will remember you for the feeling that you cherished them.  That’s inspiration.  You cherishing your children is inspiration to them— something they will remember forever.  Inspiration can be found everywhere and in anything!  So you don’t have to go searching for it and nor should you just “wait” on it.  Open your eyes, it’s right there— right there in front of you.

The Universe can always provide you with something, you just have to open your eyes and REALLY SEE.  Inspiration is what got you to follow your dreams.  It is that deep down soulful and exciting feeling you get when you are truly moved and even causes your heart to glide.

So I encourage you, empower you and inspire you to OPEN your EYES and SEE your inspiration.

So…. What is YOUR inspiration?

Take a few moments to think about it and SHARE with me here.  I love feedback.  I truly believe in sharing this is only how we can help each other.

I hope you enjoyed what I have shared with you in this posting.  I know that I enjoyed sharing it.   Again, I LOVE receiving feedback from each and everyone of you… so please DO NOT be shy!  Leave a comment below & SHARE this information with your friends by clicking the links below the post to share on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and so forth.

To Seeing Your Inspiration & More…

Blessings,