Be Inspired Every Day

Double Bows by Nicholas_T

Each new day is a blank canvas waiting for you to fill it. There are so many opportunities for joy, laughter and fun. Inspiration can come from anything. For me it is often something totally spontaneous, like a song on the radio, a funny commercial, or hearing a child laughing. Anything that causes you to play, smile, and enjoy life.

I am often awed by the beauty of the world around me; a rainbow after a storm, the bright white glittering of stars in the darkness, even the reflection of the sky in a puddle of water. I am amazed by the compassion and love of strangers who rescue a child from a burning building, donate a kidney to their sick friend, and adopt handicapped children into their families.

Faith and the power of the human spirit shines through in the words and deeds of some of my favorite mentors like the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, the teachings of Buddha, Jesus Christ and Confucius. I am enthralled by the dedication and remarkable advancements made daily in the fields of science and medicine.

I’m captivated by the everyday items many take for granted; the small size and versatility of the cell phone, the light weight and durability of the laptop, and incredible resolution and detail of the digital camera and LCD TV. The ingenuity of corporations to produce ever more useful and convenient electronics for the everyday person is astounding.

No matter where you look you can find an endless supply of splendor, wonder and delight. Whether you are watching the undersea world of whales on TV, reading the newest scientific developments in the paper, or simply taking a walk through your neighborhood, beauty and marvels of all sorts await you around every corner.

Here are a few every day sights and sounds that endlessly spark my imagination and stimulate my senses:

• Fluffy white clouds against a brilliant blue sky.
• The green rolling hills where deer and cattle graze.
• The delicious scent of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven.
• Drumming raindrops lulling me to sleep at night.
• Catching a smile on the face of a child.
• A butterfly fluttering along on the wind.
• The heavenly sounds of the classical greats; Beethoven, Mozart, Bach and others.
• The songs of birds high in the trees.
• The playful antics of my two dogs.

I also love to see new art, even if it’s just the drawings of my 12 year old niece or the doodles of a bored coworker. I love special effects in TV and movies and the vivid writing of the many fiction writers out there – both adult and children’s authors. There is so much out there to see and experience. Don’t let a chance to stop and smell the flowers pass you by.

How to Stay Positive When Your Life Is Falling Apart.

One cute nose! by WTL photos

Gas prices are rising. Bills need to be paid. Ordinary tasks are confusing and difficult. Like dominoes falling in a row, problems are piling up. Frustration and irritation follow you like a cloud of doom. How do you keep your sense of humor and sanity while you’re standing in the downpour?

When troubles come knocking at your door, how do you retain your inner calm and stay balanced so you don’t let stress and anger aggravate the problems you already have? It’s easy to be peaceful when things are going well, but having a few ready-to-use techniques when you're overwhelmed is very helpful.

Here’s a few of the ideas I use to help keep myself centered:

• Call a friend. Find someone to talk to, who can keep your troubles private, while letting you vent and perhaps even give you a fresh perspective on your problem.
• Write a daily gratitude journal. This can be vital in helping you see the good things in life. Just this simple step can help you feel more in control of your life, aware and in charge.
• Have some chicken soup. Literally and figuratively. Have a big bowl of comforting homemade chicken soup and pour over inspirational stories from Chicken Soup for the Soul. Both body and mind will get a lift.
• Find your motivation. What helps you feel better? Faith and church, friends and family, proving your worth? Maybe you need a day away from your problems to gain perspective. Look for what motivates and excites you into action.
• Let go of what you can’t change. Don’t hold on to guilt and pain about things that are out of your control or that have already happened. Instead focus on improving what you can and do your best to move forward towards your goals.
• Count your triumphs, not your failures. Remember to give yourself a pat on the back for all the smiles you’ve given, the love you shared, and the gifts you’ve given. When your good outweighs your bad, you’re on the right track.
• Give yourself some credit. When things go bad and we make mistakes, we may tend to forget the good things we’ve done. Keep a folder of people thanking you, certificates of your skills, and other tidbits of your better days. Look it over when you’re feeling unloved and unappreciated.

These are just a start, of course. Feel free to share your own ideas here for me. Meanwhile here are a few other related articles to help you out.

How to overcome those bad days.

Everyday perks not to be missed.

Don’t stop believing in yourself.

Imagination – the Gift of Possibilities.

The world through my eyes by aussiegall

Besides laughter, imagination is one of the greatest gifts of human beings. Our imaginations allow us to contemplate such mysteries as how we can lower our electric bill and save money, to the merits of brawn versus brain in a Hulk versus Superman fight to the finish. With the power of our minds we can create new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of thinking. With a little help we can make our imagination limitless.

Imagination is often underrated and overlooked. Parents are heard shushing their children, “There are no such things are monsters under the bed,” while in later years advertisers pay millions for successful product ads filled with the same type of originality and wonder.

Imagination is part of our world in a wide variety of ways; from new recipes and taste combinations, to the books we read, movies we watch and of course the art we enjoy in our homes. Imagination is the powerhouse of creativity and ingenuity that create new products and services and grow our economy and our world. Inventive and visionary people from all walks of life are sought for an assortment of jobs, businesses and careers.

Imagination has played a part in my life since the very beginning. As a child my love for reading and learning came in large part from the colorful, creative and unusual world of Dr. Suess. Cartoons which allowed a suspension of reality filled my head with wonderful and marvelous new ideas. Fun and playful commercials enticed me into a fantasy world with my favorite characters where adventure and excitement lay around every corner.

Here are a few of my favorite imaginations:

• Shel Silverstein – author of “A Light in the Attic,” and several other wonderful books. Childhood poetry and books opened my mind to meeting new people and seeing new places.
• Roald Dahl – author of “Matilda,” and “The Big Friendly Giant (or BFG).” Dahl’s creative wordplay, playful attitude and funny characters are still a joy to read.
• George Lucas – director of Star Wars. Okay, we all know George. His movies have created one of the hugest fan bases in this universe. For over 30 years he his beloved films have inspired new generations of scientists, researchers, explorers across the globe.
• Beethoven, Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart and other classical artists have touched hearts and minds with their musical genius. Their legacy continues as the beauty of music continues to inspire countless generations.
• Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell, and the many past and present inventors, whose very job it is to have the biggest imaginations possible. Without them and their wonderful minds we’d still be in the dark.
• Your children and grandchildren. If ever you need a boost in how to access and use your imagination, spend a little time with some kids.

If this has inspired you as much as it has me, you may want to jump right out there and start using that noggin of yours. Use it or lose it as they say. Here are a few web sites to help you do just that:

Develop Your Imagination by Using it.

Guided Imagery for Relaxation

Robert Alan Black’s Creativity Challenge #14 (1999)

International Centre For Creativity and Imagination

Things I’ve Learned From My Dogs.

My two little fuzzy bundles of joy have taught me many great lessons over the years. Here are just a few:

• When you want someone’s attention all you have to do is stare at them for 10 minutes.
• Nothing is better than being reunited with your family.
• Just driving your car can be a great adventure.
• When you keep your mouth shut and eyes and ears open, you’ll be amazed at the things you notice.
• A full belly and a good nap can make your pain disappear.
• You can adapt to almost any new situation if you have to.
• Body language is an extremely effective means of communication.
• Be willing to try new foods, you might love them.
• It’s not how educated you are that’s important, but how you treat the people around you.
• Being willing to approach new people is a good way to make friends.
• Fresh air and a long walk often make you feel better.
• Living in the present moment is a healthy way to live.
• You’re never too old to roll around in the grass.

What great lessons have your pets taught you? I’m constantly amazed at how much of my dogs needs I can understand simply from their body language and behavior. Often what people DO is much more important that what they SAY. I’m grateful every day for my dogs love and affection – as long as I love them, they love me right back!

What Makes You Laugh?

Happier squircle by tj scenes

Everyone wants to enjoy a good sense of humor and a playful attitude, but how does one begin? If you don’t laugh often, or have a mindset that says humor is something that can only be indulged in after the hard work is done, you may need a little help to begin. But almost everyone can learn to add more pleasure, fun and playfulness to their day.

You can start by identifying what makes you laugh. Make a list of your favorite funny movies, comedians, cartoons, and commercials. Perhaps you’re a slapstick kind of person, drawn to the Three Stooges, SNL stars like Chris Farley, or one Mr. Wile E. Coyote, dastardly foe of the speedy Roadrunner.

Maybe you enjoy spoof comedies like Airplane or Hot Shots. Perhaps you have a favorite columnist or author who excels in witty commentary or sarcastic jokes. You might enjoy the off-key hilarity from the next crop of delusional contestents to audition on American Idol. Whatever your taste, there is something out there for everyone. You only need to identify the type of humor you enjoy. Here’s a list of different types of humor to get you thinking.

It’s also important to know what kind of humor you dislike. If you love Adam Sandler but find Jackass star Johnny Knoxville offensive, it will help you choose what to watch and what to skip. Do you love Mad TV’s celebrity impersonations, or are the exaggerated stereotypes from NBC’s The Office more your style? Finding the types of humor you enjoy is a key factor to increasing your appreciation for fun.

Most of all, approach humor with an open mind. Read the newspaper for inadvertently funny headlines. Skip down the hall when you go to the restroom. Leave a humorous message on your answering machines. When you relax and let go, the possibilities are endless.

Here are a few great humor techniques:

• Wear a clown nose during your drive home from work.
• Visit your local comedy club once a month.
• Buy a great cartoon book like The Far Side, Calvin & Hobbes, or Peanuts. Read often.
• Get a humor ally. Find a friend who enjoys the same type of humor as you do.
• Get some humor toys; a super bouncy ball, a Scooby Doo figure, some juggling balls, the Shrek soundtrack or a CD from your favorite comedian.

Be open and enjoy the process. Don’t expect instant results. Here is my own confession; when I first started playing with humor, I often hid it from other people. I would sing alone in my car, dance in my bedroom with blinds drawn and door shut, and my funny file was in the bottom drawer at work where no one could see it.

Now I’m a little more public about my fun side, but I’m still not as free as I’d like to be. I still worry about what people will think of me. Sometimes I still sink into my chair when I spill something on my new shirt or when I’m caught dancing to music while I shop. But little by little I’m getting better.

I’d love to hear your story. To help you get started with your journey into fun, here are a few great sites:

Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter

Benefits of Humor in Healthcare

Chief Happiness Officer (Being Happy at Work)

500 Fun Things To Do

Link Love

There are so many great sites and wonderful articles out there. Here are a few sites I’ve submitted articles to this month. You’ll find lots of information and ideas on a variety of topics. Take a look:

Carnival of Life, Happiness & Meaning

Carnival of Healing

Personal Development & Happiness Carnival

Carnival of Observations on Life

Movie Monday

Carnival of Positive Thinking

The Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary Through Gratitude.

Gratitude makes your life better. It’s a truth that comes back to me again and again. Practicing gratitude daily and weekly helps you see the beauty and wonder that we lose when we start taking the comforts of our lives for granted.

Simply by watching coworkers who struggle with an unhappy marriage while yours is happy, or seeing that your family is financially stable while a sibling or family member is plagued by money troubles you can find a reason to be thankful. When you click through the television channels and see people in third world countries struggling to find clean drinking water, or receiving the most basic of medical care such as bandages and aspirin, we can come to realize the blessings of the conveniences we use every day without thinking.

How about the benefits of clean, fresh running water? Think of not having clean water to drink, wash and cook with. The next time you turn on your tap, give a big thank-you to the universe for your good fortune. Give a prayer of thanks for the healthy, wholesome food available in your local grocery store. Think of all the people involved; from the farmers to the truck drivers, stockers and cashiers, everyone that helps grow and deliver that food to you.

You can move your attention to the clothes you are wearing. From the plants, factories and workers that make the clothes, to the stores that stock and sell them, and finally to the production and sale of the affordable machinery that washes and cleans the clothes in the convenience of your own home. You can give thanks for the workers who maintain the roads you drive on, from the asphalt layers to the engineers and city planners who regulate and plan the layout and design of interstates and city streets.

Gratitude can be found almost anywhere. Once you start looking, it’s easy to keep finding more and more things to be grateful for. There are books to read, libraries to borrow from, thrift stores with low prices that recycle books and goods for others to use. We have movies to entertain us, video games to play, board games and card games, playgrounds for the kids, zoos to visit and more.

These are just a few of the ordinary, everyday things I am grateful for. I’m sure your list is quite different or even longer. Gratitude is like a magic pair of sunglasses; when you put them on the world seems brighter, kinder and more connected than before. Appreciation for the good things in your life can help you feel more satisfied with life overall, making you feel happier, calmer and more at peace. Increasing the awareness of the beautiful things in life like family, friends, health and home is a great recipe for a fuller life and a more positive perspective, and that can only be a good thing.