Sitting here sipping my herbal tea and looking out the window. The outside world is snowy gray. It's the end of January, and New Year's Resolutions have lost their novelty at best; at worst, they have been forgotten. Has the 'resolve' in your resolutions dissolved? Do you need some inspiration to keep going?
I was thinking of that very question lying in bed last night. I wanted to give you something to refresh your mind and creative juices. So consider my list below of what inspires me. I hope you can find one thing to refresh yourself. Remember everyday is a clean slate.
My Inspirations
1) Be Scent-sational.Aromatherapy really works. Therapeutic essential oils affect our neurological system in different ways. Calming and lifting oils are lavender, cedarwood, lemongrass and vetiver. Invigorating and stimulating oils are peppermint, rosemary, basil and clary sage. These oils are available as room diffusers which can turn your office, bedroom or bath into a sanctuary.
2) Remind and Surround.
Remind yourself of what inspires you and surround yourself with it. Maybe you love flowers or fabrics, but don't have any in view in your home. Yesterday, I found myself enjoying and old magazine and thought, "I love these pictures, why do I have them hidden away!" So, I created an inspiration board and put them up where I can see them everyday.
3) Game Night.
Play a game. When was the last time you did that? Get some friends together and just play! You will find yourself laughing, being competitive again and feeling revived.
4) Turn a Coffee Break into a Mini-Break.
Enjoy your favorite hot drink at the nearest book store while pouring over the books and magazines of things you love. Give yourself permission to stay a while and dream. Remind yourself of what you love and what gives you inspiration.
5) Library Liberty.
When was the last time you went to the local public library? Have you walked the stacks and checked out all the magazines, audiobooks, DVD's and new releases? Spend some time reacquainting yourself with your favorite genres. Check out the DIY, self-help and How To resources. The best part is, it's free!
6) Winter Walk.
Go for a walk outside in the cold. Better yet, go out at night when it's really cold so you can see your breath while you breathe. It will remind you of basic things in life such as breathing and staying warm. Bigger problems begin to fade. The cold is invigorating and stimulating and you will find yourself moving fast (to get back inside), which circulates your blood.
7) Music Therapy.
Dig out the old CD's that you once loved and play them over a few times. Enjoy, remember and relive passions that once drove you to do the things you love.
8) Exercise.
I know this is starting to sound like a New Year's Resolution, but it's not. This is something for you. Give yourself permission to treat yourself well, and invest in your body and brain. Research shows that regular exercise raises serotonin levels as much as anti-depressants.
Give yourself permission to start again on those resolutions and make new habits. Remember, you are worth the effort.
--Two Peas
