Seeking Inspiration? It may be easier to find than you think!

Inspiration is defined as the kind of mental stimulation resulting in our feeling or doing something. These days, as life expectancy increases, many of us are constantly seeking the sort of positive inspiration to improve our well-being. For some, this may mean flicking through the latest magazine, looking for inspiration to help us eat better or exercise more. For others, it might mean shelling out a considerable sum to attend a workshop run by an inspirational speaker. Yet time and time again, we find examples of inspiration provided, not by publications or professionals, but by the very people – friends, family, even strangers – who are right in our midst. In this, the first of our 2-part series on ‘inspiration, we’ll take a look at how to find this kind of inspiration. But before we do, let’s take a peek at some real-life examples of inspiration that has set others on a positive path (we haven’t used contributor’s real names):

Julie (on mental health)

I suffer from depression, which seems to run in our family. But my aunt (who also suffered from depression) has been my inspiration. Many years ago, she told me no matter how she’s feeling, she always gets up in the morning and, first thing, ‘puts on her face’ i.e. her makeup. She says it gives her a lift and helps her get through the day. I’ve followed suit, and now I find by the time it comes to applying my eyebrow pencil, I can usually manage to smile at myself in the mirror.

Dennis (on fitness)

I’ve been a runner all my life, but after my 60th birthday, I noticed I was starting to slow down. I spent a few months wondering if I’d be able to keep running as I grew older, and even thought I might give it up in favour of walking. Then, one day, when I was in town, I noticed this old bloke chugging up a steep street. He must have been about 80. To be honest, he probably wasn’t going much faster than a walker – but he was definitely running! He inspired me to keep on with my own running, and now, at 68, I’m still doing just that (except I don’t look at my watch anymore!).

Helen (on healthy eating)

I’m a careless eater – always have been. The fact I seem to get away with it (weight-wise) doesn’t help. But 3 years ago, my husband was diagnosed with the start of blood pressure and pre-diabetes problems. He didn’t want to take medication, so with the agreement of his GP, he began eating in a very health-conscious way, and exercising more than he used to. And, so far, he’s managed to avoid medication. His dedication inspired me to quit eating the junk food I ate too much of, and to cut out alcohol, because I figured, even if I didn’t appear to be suffering any obvious consequences, health issues could be just around the corner.

To find positive inspiration in your own midst, actively think about the people (past and present) in your life, and what it is you most admired/admire about them, because their strength could well be the inspiration you are looking for. While you’re at it, take note of the people in your community whom you admire. They may be parents, grandparents, or volunteers. They may have disabilities, health challenges, or financial concerns. What is it you can learn from their actions, and use as motivation to help you improve your own life? If you rush into adopting all of these strengths in one hit, you may reach a wall. Instead, be inspired to begin change in just one or two areas – and keep working at it.

In part 2 of our article on inspiration, we’ll take a look at how inspiration works at a psychological level, and how we can avoid the sort of negative comparisons that can drown out inspiration before it even gets started!

Join the conversation

Has someone in your life inspired you — perhaps without even knowing it? Whether it’s a friend, family member, neighbour, or even a stranger, we’d love to hear your story.

Head over to our Inspiration Forum and share your experience. Your words might be just the nudge someone else needs today.

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