By Monika Platek » It’s much easier to be cheerful on a sunny morning
then it is to stay optimistic on a rainy day. Just like the weather,
your confidence can go through highs and lows. Some days are filled
with good news and bright thoughts, while other days are filled with
thunder and darkness. It’s all natural. But there are things you can do
to keep the sun shining every day, no matter how much rain is in your
forecast.
People often ask me, “How do you stay so inspired?” The answer is simple – I find inspiration in life’s little things. This isn’t always easy. I am self-motivated because I surround myself with inspiring thoughts and words. No matter where I look – my wallet, my room, or my computer screen – there are hints of inspiration staring back at me. They didn’t appear out of the blue, I put them there.
Here’s how I wake up feeling inspired every morning:
I surround myself with uplifting words: I have a soft spot for motivational phrases –
At the end of every storm, there’s a golden sky. Inspiring words have always been magical to me. My room is a reflection of this, and my favourite phrases are written on the walls. Picture this –green walls with bright pink words written above the windows and doors. Above my bed it says, To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. They are memorable phrases I have learned from people and places over the years. Writing on walls may not be a typical decorating trick, but it’s a great way to create an inspirational atmosphere.
I’m not suggesting that your room needs a makeover! But you should surround yourself with inspirational messages on a daily basis. Write a motivational phrase down on paper and tape it to your mirror, or paste a photo of a happy memory onto your desktop. It’s important to capture inspiring moments, and put them where you’ll see them. I don’t always notice the writing on my walls, but when I’m feeling uninspired, the words reach out to me.
I carry around my ‘inspiration charm’: Here’s another trick: I keep a token of inspiration in my back pocket at all times. I have a few good luck charms that I carry around with me wherever I go – not for luck, but for inspiration. My favourite charm is a little rock that has the word “CREATE” engraved in it. I got it as a gift when I was a child, and it lay in my drawer for many years just collecting dust. I didn’t understand how powerful the word “CREATE” could be. Now I see that the simplest things can be inspiring.
American writer Edgar Allen Poe once said, “Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.” (Here I go again with my phrases!) Every time I see the word “CREATE” embedded in the rock, I am reminded that opportunities must be created. There is no use in waiting for your life to unfold before your eyes, because you can take control and create your happiness. Whenever I’m in doubt, I reach for my rock and remember to “create” my inspiration. It’s incredible that the smallest things in life can carry the biggest messages.
I sing MY theme song: I was born in the Eighties, and it’s no surprise that my favourite song comes from that decade. The popular tune What a Feeling by Irene Cara (from Flashdance) has become my theme song. It’s more than just my favourite song; it’s the melody that plays in my head whenever I’m feeling uninspired.
On my way to a job interview, I recite the lyrics. Whenever I’m feeling unmotivated, I turn up the volume and play it in my room. It’s MY personal soundtrack to life because it’s upbeat, energetic, and meaningful. “Take your passion and make it happen.” These words have truly become my life motto.
Music has the power to make you move, and finding your theme song will make you unstoppable. I encourage you to find a song that puts the bounce in your step. Keep it on PAUSE for now - and whenever you’re feeling down, just press PLAY and dance towards your dreams.
I encourage you to try these tricks in your own life. You’ll feel better and brighter within days.
Here’s one final secret: Inspiration is contagious. Once you have it, you’ll become inspiring to those around you. Just like sunshine, it has the ability to brighten any weather (or life) forecast – even a rainy one. Trust me, I haven’t used my umbrella in a long time!
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