I do agree, though, that inspiration really is everywhere. It's on TV and the internet, it's in newspapers, books and magazines, it's in our homes and out on the streets. It can be found in the most unusual places like the back of a bathroom stall or as a part of our every day endeavours like the girl across from you on the bus. I remember being in university, struggling to come up with a name for an event that I had created for a class assignment. As I stood in front of the wide open freezer, eating frozen strawberries in an attempt to avoid a quick run to the store across the street to stock up on sugar, my roommate looked at me curiously and of course questioned what I was doing. The first words out of my strawberry-filled mouth were ‘feeding my creativity’ and not only was I stunned that the words had come out so easily but I was suddenly inspired, having felt a stroke of genius when I thought it would never come. Who knew a cheap bag of frozen strawberries would be the perfect ingredient for inspiration? It’s moments like this that can be so motivating, knowing that the perfect word or picture or idea could pop into your head at any moment. It’s a moment like this that I am so patiently waiting for right now. I know the inspiration is there, I’m just not seeing it too clearly. It’s a reminder that sometimes we have to look a little harder, dig a little deeper, break out of the box and it really will be right before our eyes. Just in case though, I’m thinking heading out to the store tonight to stock up on strawberries might not be such a bad idea!What inspires you? What is your best source for inspiration?
25 comments:
I just bit the bullet and paid $6 for a container of strawberries the other day. They'd been staring me down since Christmas. :]
Cooking inspires me. When I feel in a slump, I find a new and challenging recipe, and I put on some Carla Bruni, and I get lost creating something. Also, yoga always helps me too. It clears my mind of all the daily clutter and allows space for things that otherwise not might have made their way in.
I hope you find your spunk! :]
I totally understand the lack of inspiration. I think we all fall victim to that from time to time. Blogging honestly inspires me like crazy, I can get lost in others blogs for hours! I love baking and knitting so those are my go-to sources for inspiration. I also love doing just a little bit of redecorating to get my creative senses flowing. Our apartment is chock-full of clutter and it feels like it's swallowing me. Just last week, I went to some organizational type websites and got a few tips then went to town. It helped so much - I am a little less cluttered and got rid of a whole truck full of stuff. It feels SO GOOD.
Good luck getting over your slump, it will happen some time soon and you'll be back to your old creative self!
I think that happens to the best of us-sometimes the best way to recharge our creative juices is not to push ourselves to be inspired. For me, watching classic films or favorite tv shows provides an instant jolt of inspiration-I'm a sucker for anything from the 50s and late 60s, and those full skirts just seem to do something for me!
I think it's def normal to go through phases like this, or else we wouldn't feel "inspired" when the time came :)
What a cute story - inspiration in a bag of frozen strawberries. I don't have a particular thing that inspires me; a rush of inspiration could come from a pink moped parked in the snow, new recipes, Anthro clothing, and antique stores, etc. Good luck!
I have found so much inspiration from blogs (like yours)- I do also like to read so I generally research other writers and see if I can find inspiration in what they do!
Throw on some music!! Music can change your mood, remind you of things and times, or just make you happy! And happiness inspires creativity. At least it does mine...So, try some music! Let me know if it works! ^_^
I think it's the post holiday blues...there's so much build up and excitement and then it's a big ol' drop to the ground. Ugh!
I'm trying to be kind to myself: rediscover the simple things - delight in a good book, a nice long soak in the tub w/some Sake bath, my fave cup of tea...and dreaming of spring. Get those strawberries and go big! :)
xo,
C
I agree with what others have said, don't look for it just be and all of a sudden there it is. The frozen strawberry (can't imagine eating those btw) is just the perfect example. It is indeed everywhere, it's recognizing it when it comes, perhaps it's also acting on it. I hear or think of first lines to a wonderful novel I proceed to write in my head but getting the proverbial pen to paper often elludes me. Good Luck!
i think there's so much expectation around the beginning of a new year and you feel like you're meant to be inspired and have all these plans for the new year. that's a lot of pressure!
but it will come, be patient. in the meantime, keep eating strawberries :)
The problem with inspiration I think is, it is fleeting. Some days I have it in spades and can't contain my enthusiasm to get home and start painting a new "masterpiece" or trying a new recipe or finally finishing that damn blanket I've been crocheting for YEARS (two months) and yet other days, I can't find a single, solitary inspiring moment. It's so unfair...
I think its normal to feel like that from time to time and when the righ time comes you will feel inspired again:) For me it works to just let go...and let it happen on its own:) Happy Tuesday,sweetie
Kisses
Music inspires me more than anything. If I'm having an off day I listen to my favorite band (The Rocket Summer) and it usually puts me in such a better (and more productive) mood. You should give them a listen! They may not be your style, but I love them!
Books and blogs inspire me =-)
i've been doing my morning pages lately which i have found to be SO inspiring! i usually get these great epiphanies as i write, or i am at least able to clear out all the mind clutter that is keeping me from being inspired later in the day. i now feel like i'm ready to be inspired at any moment. you can learn more about the morning pages here if you haven't heard of them before: http://www.theartistsway.com/the-basic-tools
Fantastic post. And I do so understand that even though inspiration really is everywhere there are times that just feel...drier than others. I'm the same in terms of needing the sunshine. :)
As for what inspires me, I love nature and being out in it. Seeing beautiful or interesting art and reading good writing also inspires me to try myself. Looking at creative photos...stuff like that. Travel really inspires me to, it always wakes me up to the fascinating world around me.
It is so nice to meet you! I really look forward to reading more of your blog!:)
I know the feeling all too well. It is very difficult to find inspiration at the beginning of the year it seems. I think a lot of it has to do with the winter weather and the routine of a work day, but finding inspiration in a new hobby, a new recipe, book, hosting a themed party, or doing a wine dinner with close girlfriends always seems to help me. I think the word I'm looking for here is challenge, anything that causes me to grow or do something that is a little outside myself gives me a sense of inspiration.
Oops sorry for the book!;) I stumbled across your blog this afternoon and have really enjoyed reading it. I am your newest follower!:)
xo,
Molly Jane
PS. Stop by and follow me too if you want!:)
www.browneyedcharmer.blogspot.com
mmm I know what you mean, I think it might be the lack of sun! Haha how funny that strawberries did that, what a great moment though! My inspiration is catching a bus (doesn't matter where) at sunset and just staring out the windows and dreaming.
hey lady! i'm TOTALLY feeling you on this post. despite all these fancy NY resolutions on paper - i've been coming home and sitting on the couch until bedtime. I finally made myself get up last night and get things done - i guess a clean house is inspiring me! - i'm excited to go to the gym tonight and work on projects ;)
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog. You're welcome to become a follower :)
I really enjoyed reading this post and I agree with you that we can find inspiration everywhere, usually in the most weird possible moments. But that's the charm of it, isn't it?
Even though you didn't find an inspiration you managed to write a wonderful post and I think that a lack of inspiration was in fact an inspiration for you. Wonderful!
i agree and share your problem. hang in there.
I think that sometimes, the more we look for it, and try to force it, the more "inspiration" evades us. It's in the little things - like you found with the bag of strawberries. And until that happens, just let it come. No rush :)
I've been there too. I hope that it comes back soon, sweetie :)
i think my future-hubby inspires me!
I'm in a similar boat. I'm lacking the inspiration for WOW Omg things. I think with the holidays over & people trying to get back into the swing of things it might get better. Ya know return to that norm. Sitting in a park or a mall sometimes helps me or if my bf says something funny I'll try to turn it into a post. Go with your gut & when you least expect it, inspiration will come! Good luck!
Melanie's Randomness
Post a Comment