“Love life. Engage in it. Give it all you’ve got. Love it with a passion because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it.” – Maya Angelou
Life is a drag sometimes, isn’t it? We all go through low moments where we question what we’re doing, why we’re here, and whether all the trouble is worth it. We feel like just throwing in the towel and accepting our fate – a dull, boring, and monotonous life. But, if you’re anything like me, you’re not willing to accept that fate, no matter how deflated you feel. Why?! Because you know these low moments are a part of the human experience, and that if you’re deliberate about what you create in your day to day life, you can ignite the spark you need to get more fired up! You can find all the inspiration, hope, passion, and significance you can handle! I’m not suggesting you have to travel the world or start doing the impossible. Igniting a spark and getting more engaged in life can come out of the ordinary too. P.S. – Click the above links to visit two amazing blogs. A small spark can quickly become a roaring fire. And that roaring fire can fuel your life and take you places you have never even dreamed of. There are so many ways to live a more rich and meaningful life. And no, they don’t require you to put your life on the line or risk your well-being. All we have to do is add a few more drops of fuel to the fire, and watch it start to burn – here’s how!
“The painter has the Universe in his mind and hands.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Creativity (Unleash your inner spark)
I don’t want to hear that you’re not the creative type! We’re all creative in our own way. I’m not talking about becoming the next Leonardo da Vinci, I’m simply encouraging you to take a more intentional approach to your day to day life. When we keep our creativity inside its begins to eat away at us. We become spiritually devoid. So, do whatever you can to unleash your creative spark. Let it out! Start a new project, do something that requires you to think outside the box. Take up cooking, paint a picture, stare at the clouds, just do something novel!
Inspiration (Look through new eyes)
Inspiration is all around you, that is if you’re willing to slow down and notice it. Just like Ferris Buelller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
“All my inspiration comes from life. That’s how it never stops, in a way.” – Marina Abramovic
So often we end up missing the beauty and phenomenal people, places, and experiences we encounter on a daily basis. Life is where we find inspiration. Maybe you can’t go travel the world, but you can start to find more inspiration right in front of you. Think about the different dimensions of your life, such as work, hobbies, physical health, and relationships. What can you do to add more excitement or enjoyment to these areas? What can you do to make these more fresh and fascinating?
Values (What would you die for?)
What is the most important aspect of your life, and are you tending this part of your life? Simply put, are you living from your values? When we live a values driven life we will be more fueled up and energized. We become more congruent and feel a sense of wholeness. We are living a life that is aligned with what makes us feel good!
“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” – Roy Disney
Maybe you don’t know what your core values are yet. If you don’t know what’s important to you how can you live from your values? You can’t, so check out this list of values and narrow down your top four personal and professional values. Then, start living life according to your values. Consider how someone with those values would live their life, and do it!
Passion (I do it for free because it feels so damn good)
How often do you wake up energized and enthusiastic? I’m sure you have some good days and some bad days. If you’ve been having some bad days it might be due to a deficiency of passion. Passion is the force that keeps us going. Passion comes from what we love to do and where we find the essence of enjoyment. Become intentional about bringing more passion into your life by taking time each day to do something you enjoy.
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” – Oprah Winfrey
Stop only doing what you “have to” and do more of what you “want to” do. No excuse about not having time. I mean what’s the other option, continuing to live a dull and uninteresting life? List what gets you fired up, and make a date to do these things!
Purpose (There is nothing that can stop me)
“Why am I here? What am I meant to do? Who am I really?” Big questions I know, but finding our purpose is kind of important! We could say it’s the reason we are alive. But before your head explodes from these massive questions, lets break purpose down to simply what you find meaningful and fulfilling. When you’re connected with a sense of purpose you will have greater fulfillment from life and feel part of something larger and more significant than yourself. Who can you serve? What mission or cause can you rally behind or create? What gives you a feeling of inner satisfaction despite the external rewards? Uncover the answer to these questions and experience your life exploding with meaning and joy!
“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.” – Carl Jung
Action (Get off your ass!)
Sometimes we just need to get the ball rolling to get our fire back. We need a little momentum and velocity to feel a sense of power. Action breeds energy. So, do something about all the above ideas. Don’t just read them saying, “that sounds nice, I could use some more passion and inspiration.” Get moving, take action, and feel the velocity of life.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle
Dream (I have a dream baby!)
When was the last time you let yourself dream and think big about life? Unfortunately, many people settle for quiet life of desperation and let go of their dreams. They live by the motto, “I guess this is it.” Open up new possibilities in all areas of your life. Don’t settle, keep dreaming and desiring, and never lose hope.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman
Go out there and ignite a spark in your soul! Catch your life on fire and let it burn bright! Live this moment, this day, every day, from a place of fullness, passion, and awareness!
