INSPIRATION

I started working on an article last night about caregiver inspiration. After tripping over the first sentence for about 15 minutes, I closed the lid on my computer and went to bed.

This morning I woke up with the thought that happiness is an inside job. There are so many things in our lives over which we have absolutely no control, but as I heard my mother say at least a thousand times, “As long as I have the ability to think and to reason, I have the power to choose my attitude toward any person, thing or event.

I believe my mother was right about having the power to choose her own attitude. However, I’m also aware that she frequently drove to the library, checked out stacks of self-help and/or spiritual books and then sat up reading into the wee hours of the night in search of an inspirational thought or idea that would give her the emotional strength she needed to continue to care for my Dad.

When my soul is in need a boost I head for a hiking trail. There is nothing that helps me regain my balance and perspective more quickly than soaking up the sites, sounds and smells of nature. A few hours of vigorous physical exercise out in the clean, fresh air can keep me going for days.

Some people are inspired by music, art or poetry. Others find inspiration through meditation, reflection and prayer. I believe there are abundant sources of inspiration available to all of us. The trick is to identify what we need and then give ourselves permission to seek it out.

I hope today you will find the time to do something that inspires you. I think you’ll be amazed at how doing something that inspires you and lifts your spirits can change your perspective and give you the energy you need to continue to care for those who can no longer care for themselves.