How do you stay inspired? When external circumstances and situations seem bleak and your patience is wearing thin, what keeps you going? How do you keep your dreams and goals alive in the midst of tough times?
I am constantly challenged in this area of staying inspired when things get a little challenging. Patience is definitely not one of my strengths. So when things aren’t moving as fast as I’d like, it’s easy for me to get frustrated and discouraged. There were times in my life when I was completely diverted, diverted from focus, because I felt blind from external circumstances that had me frustrated and stressed. Today I am doing much better managing my frustrations. I am learning that things ARE progressing and moving in my life, despite being on their own schedule. The key for me has been to enjoy the process. (Advice I constantly get from one of my sisters!) I shouldn’t get so consumed with future goals that I lose sight of today. I must give myself time and permission to enjoy the present and be grateful for all that I have today.
I am learning to keep my dreams in view and in mind every day, every minute. When doubts arise, I think about how I will feel when I look back and see the growth I have experienced. I daydream about the conversations I will have with my husband as we examine our life. We will look back and say: “Wow! We did it!” Look how far we’ve come! We will embrace and be grateful for our strength and endurance throughout our journey. That inspires me! When I hear my children refer to the goals that I have expressed with faith, enthusiasm, and anticipation, I am inspired! When I receive the faith that my children exhibit, my dreams ARE possible.
When you are hungry for your heart’s desires, when you stop at nothing to pursue your dreams, inspiration will come easily. You will protect your dreams by feeding them. It will filter the things that appear in your life to hinder or block your dreams. You will remind yourself that you are living a life in pursuit of your goals and that will inspire you. Many people cannot make that claim. So when things around you start to feel overwhelming and you feel like giving up, don’t do it! The moment you decide to throw in the towel could be the moment when greatness is on the other side of your hurdle.
So stay inspired! Find ways to keep your mind, body, and soul enriched so that you can always find inspiration in your life no matter the circumstances. Find ways to be in the moment or NOW of your life, so you can be inspired to continue YOUR journey to greatness.
(c) 2008 Gwen Thibeaux – All rights reserved.