Ever have those days where you’re just not feeling it? Perhaps you’ve overslept; maybe the sky is gray; or it could just be a down day.
Regardless of the reason, it is what it is. But that doesn’t mean you need to stay down for long.
Feeling blasé every now and then is normal. But after a day or two of feeling off kilter, most of us will bounce back. After all, to be at peace is a natural state—and our happiness comes naturally to us when we’re aligned with our innate human nature.
So then why is it still difficult to feel better on some days rather than others? Because our thoughts have power and momentum. When we practice thoughts that don’t serve us well, they become easier to hook into—and those thoughts can eventually control us, leaving us stuck and uninspired.
But help is on the way. When we’re feeling down, something as simple as a conversation with a friend, a brisk walk, or a powerful song seems to inspire us again—and sometimes when we least expect it.
When we find our motivation, we get our energy back. Inspiration fills our tank—it fuels creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Our momentum starts moving in a positive direction. And even though our inspiration appears to be coming from something or someone else, it’s really just triggering the feelings of well-being already within us.
Lost your spark lately? Here are a few ways to connect with your inner being and rekindle your own natural inspiration:
Reconnect with yourself. Take time to be quiet and listen to the calm rhythm within. Aligning with your inner spiritual being takes a conscious effort, but it gets easier with time. In our noisy world, one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself is through meditation. Besides, you’re already meditating whether you know it or not. Just start doing it more intentionally.
Tackle the tough stuff. Once you tap your inner being and start feeling inspired again, don’t be afraid to go after the big rocks—the stuff in your life that’s holding you back. By facing your fears head-on, you help move energy, which can help you move through procrastination. Just take the first step.
Reconnect with nature. Since human beings are created of the same elements as animals, plants, and trees, a quick way to reconnect with yourself is go out into nature. Got a minute? Take a walk outside and breathe the air into your lungs—a literal definition of the word inspiration (see #6). When we’re looking for harmony and balance, we can always turn to nature for clues.
Quiet the stinkin’ thinkin’. If you find yourself engaged in chronic unpleasant thoughts, break the cycle by finding a healthy distraction. Sometimes a small positive diversion can break the cycle of pesky pessimism and help you avoid sliding further into negativity. This diversion can allow well-being to find its way back to you.
Check your environment. Our immediate environment—the location, sounds, smells, and even the color of the walls—can greatly affect our sense of well-being. So can timing. Pay attention to where and when you are feeling more inspired and when you’re not. Then choose the right moments to reconnect with yourself again.
Start here. Regardless of where you are or where you think you’re going, just stop where you are right now and start from here. There’s no need to go back into the past and dig up old memories. Accept what has happened as a learning experience designed to help you evolve. Wisdom is the result of accepting that all things happen for a reason and that our experiences remind us that we’re always growing and expanding.
And finally, keep in mind that we are the only ones responsible for our happiness. Our joy is waiting for us when we find ourselves. Then the clouds will part, the sun will shine, and we’ll find our inspiration again.
Michael Thomas Sunnarborg helps people find clarity and balance in all areas of life. Learn more at michaelcreative.com
Enjoyed this article? Find more of Michael’s stories, insights, and life lessons in Bald Men Don’t Use Hairspray and Other Assumptions, or another one of Michael’s books at michaelcreative.com/books
Image: Taken with my Nikon D40 in Kerala, India, 2007
Originally published at michaelcreative.com