Finding Your Inspiration
As a kid growing up in the big city, I would constantly gaze up at the majesty of the skyscrapers downtown in an uninhibited state of wonder. How was something like this possible? Bereft of any sort of engineering knowledge, I understood them to be a product of some type of magic. As grew older, I learned about how such things came to be and found that the scope and ability of man inspired me–look at us! Conquering the elements in such grandiose and terrific fashion!
While the sheen eventually wore off with time, it’s that speechlessness that I remember, and as work, family, and the speed of my daily routine have taken over my adult life, that degree of wonder and inspiration is something that I still seek.
We’ve all experienced them–those little flirtations with different muses. And while staying focused in the moment on the task at hand is certainly important, setting a date to experience the sublime can work wonders on every aspect of your life. We’re all different, and your outlet for inspiration can be as simple or elaborate as you require, but it’s important for your spirit to let yourself go from time to time. Hawaii vacations; a stroll through a favorite record store; a meal that you really love–all perfectly viable options that can deliver you out of your routine and place you in a relaxed, inspired state of mind.
The inspirational by-products of such adventures are the real joys. You may feel the urge to write, or call an old friend; sitting on a beach with the tumble of the waves as your soundtrack may inspire you to travel. The excitement and anticipation that arises at the prospect of experiencing those moments that you can’t really explain with words is a fuel that you can use to power yourself through work or school.
It can be a wonderful thing then to share that inspiration with someone important in your life. I’ve found that seeing a friend swim in a swirling pool of amazement has driven me to seek that same feeling. The phenomenon is truly contagious, and for all of us, it is out there, waiting to be found.
Make a plan to do something you love.
We are all made up of a series of interests and likes–inspirations and dreams–and without proper nourishment, we can go through life without experiencing the wonder of what surrounds us.
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
