What Inspires You?

I’m dedicating the month of June to the topic of Inspiration.

In the ebb & flow of life, I’m convinced that inspiration is a key player in maintaining mental health.  As my youngest child finishes elementary school this week, and the high school grads don their caps and gowns they’ll hear encouraging and inspiring words in (possibly) memorable commencement speeches that might include the following:

“You’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So… get on your way!”

              ― Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

Inspirational Quotes from Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

My Facebook friends share multiple flowery or philosophical inspirational quotes daily, and I usually enjoy reading and sometimes sharing them (unless it’s just one of those days.)  Pinterest boards are also devoted to inspirational thoughts.  Tweets are short & sweet.  What ultimately compels us to click “Share” or “Pin?”  You know that decision point.  It might go something like this….”Oh, my friends would love this” OR “Oh, but I’ve already shared enough things today and everyone will think I have waaaaay too much time on my hands” OR You deem it “Interesting and Pleasant But Not Worthy of Sharing Today.” 

What are we looking for? I can tell you what often leads to my own decision to Share. Resonance. Truth.  Inspirational Facebook Shares are one way to say, “This was meaningful for me, and I hope it will be for you, too.”  There is Truth here, and truth is inspiring. 

One Definition

The medical definition of inspiration is “the drawing of air into the lungs.”  So inspiration provides us with the oxygen we need to breathe, to survive physically.  Author Wayne Dyer describes inspiration as being “a simple recognition of Spirit within ourselves. . . [We are] fully awake to Spirit within us . . . an experience of joy . . . our creative juices flow…we’re not judging others or ourselves . . we’re tolerant, joyful and loving.” Inspiration helps us to survive and thrive psychologically. 

Each week in June, you’ll receive more tips on the topic of Inspiration.  But for now, please share a comment below.  What’s your own definition of inspiration? What (or Who) inspires you?  I’ll share from my own list next week.