What inspires you?

Unless you have severe asthma, emphysema, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or some other illness that affects breathing, you never stop to think about the act of breathing in, do you? It's just natural and occurs without your giving it a thought. Amazing!

The word "inspiration" means the act of breathing in. As we know, it also has another meaning: "something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create: a force or influence that inspires someone."

Just as we aren't aware of inhaling and exhaling most of the time, so we aren't always aware of things around us that may inspire us. Stop for a moment and think about that. What inspires you—either to create or even just to be or do? If you're an artist, perhaps it's the natural beauty around you. Or it's the morning bird choruses awakening your senses. Perhaps it's another writer. You may do your best work when listening to classical music. Or you may have your personal and resident muse.

Whatever it is that inspires you, notice it. Bring your awareness to what's in and around you that calls you to your best self. Let that wonderful spirit flow into and through you. It's not just the air we breathe that's important to our well-being; it's also all the other things we breathe in. Know what those things are for you. Then be sure to surround yourself with those things that inspire you. It will help you be your most joyful, creative and positive self.