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Developing Your Inspiration Stream

September 9, 2013

We all need to be inspired, which is why having an inspiration stream is such a good idea. What exactly is an inspiration stream? Great question! An inspiration stream is a collection of sources (read: anything) that you can turn to for inspiration. Yes I made that up. The idea is that you don’t have to go on a hunt to find things that inspire you when you need inspiration most. You can turn to the sources in your inspiration stream and let inspiration find you. Developing an inspiration stream is as simple as taking note of the people, places, sights, and smells that inspire you and nurture your creativity. You can keep this list on your phone, iPad, or whatever the latest techno gadget is so it’s always with you and can be easily updated when you find new sources. To help you get started crafting your own inspiration streams, I’ll share a few things on my list.

Inspiration can come in the most unlikely places or forms. These are a just a few items that I’ve come across that I’ve found to be fun and inspirational.
Some of the sources in my inspiration stream:
Long solo drives – I love the time alone to think about my future, specific goals I have, and ideas for pieces that I want to write.
Sitting outside on a sunny day – There’s something about a perky blue sky that gets me excited. Possibilities seem endless and the world seems like a happier place.
Music – I imagine this is a source of inspiration for many people. Music is so powerful. It can get us moving, change our mood, and restore faith. This is a pretty broad source but there are a few songs I immediately think of like Moon by Emily King or Clocks by Coldplay.
Books – I saw a quote on Pinterest that said “Warning: reading inspires genius” and I completely agree with this. So often when I read, I find myself putting the book aside for a second so I can jot down an idea the book just inspired. No wonder I’m a slow reader!
Do you have an inspiration stream? If so, what are some of the things on your list? Tell me in the comments!

 

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1 Comment

  • Reply Miss Amara September 13, 2013 at 10:55 pm

    Rainy days, thunderstorms, and blizzards – I love being forced to cozy up inside and focus on me and my living space. Add a cup or three of tea and a journal with my favorite contemporary jazz mix playing in the background and I couldn't ask for more.

    A clean environment – Nothing clears my mind and inspires and motivates me more than a well decorated, clean and organized living space.

    Music – Almost goes without saying. In my spare time, I am rarely without my headphones. Very rarely. My musical tastes span the spectrum from classical music to traditional and contemporary jazz, folk rolk, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and even gutter rap. I pride myself in that heterogeneity. I have playlists for every physical and emotional occasion.

    For online sources, tumblr takes the cake. Inspirational quotes and imagery are boundless on tumblr, and for every possible subject you can imagine.

    Finance magazines like Money, Kiplinger's, Entrepreneur, Black Enterprise, and Forbes. I have subscriptions to each and I am grateful for all of the pearls of wisdom I've been able to glean from them, and also excited for the opportunities to put them into good use.

    Nice topic!

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