Let’s face it. Life can be difficult. It just can be. Work pressures mount, family demands become overwhelming, health suffers, stress builds.

I have to admit, it happens to me and when it does, when life gets to be too much or too hard, I put up a “CLOSED for business” sign and seek out a little inspiration. After-all, I am my business and whose business is it to take care of me but me? Once I’m taking care of I make it my business to take care of others;  so yes, it’s okay to put up that sign sometimes. Peace of Mind is priceless and it saves me the cost of giving someone a piece of my mind…you understand?

Inspiration looks good (a beautiful photograph), smells good (fresh flowers, baking cakes), sounds good (nature cd, listening to my glambaby sing to me) and feels good (a slow walk, your favorite movie/book or blasting the music and dancing like no one’s watching).

Surrounding yourself with inspiration helps you get and keep your life on track because it returns you to YOUR spirit – to your center. When you feel inspired, it’s a sign you’re touching a place deep within yourself. From this place, you can create, plan, and simply live a life that feels better. And when you feel better, everything runs a bit more smoothly, creativity increases, things get done, you feel happier.

1. Inspiration is Heart Opening. Think about the last time you read an inspiring story. Did your heart feel 10 times bigger than normal? Inspiration opens your heart and when your heart is open you become more accepting of yourself and others. You feel more patient. Your general outlook improves. Connecting with your heart reduces stress.

2. Inspiration Inspires Greatness. Have you ever seen a beautiful painting and had the urge to stop by your nearest art supply store for a canvas and oil paints? Inspiring works of art touch within us our innate desire to create art that’s unique to us. (art = an outward expression of your deepest joy…i didn’t say how anyone else perceives it, just you)

3. Inspiration Calms and Restores Nature. Fresh air. Wide open spaces. Sunny, hot beaches. Don’t you already feel more relaxed? Exactly! Mother Nature is ready and willing to share her inspired works of art with us. She’s made it highly accessible and totally free! This is why I have a dedicated day for the beach this summer because it replenishes ME!

4. Inspiration Energizes and Refreshes. How did you feel watching 16yr old Gabby Douglas make history as the the first black gymnast to win the individual all-around gold medal in the 2012 Olympics? Did it make you want to do backward flips on a tiny bar high up in the air complete with splits and twists and turns? Maybe! Did it make you want to do something greater with your life? Inspiration is powerful because it touches the part of us that knows, deep inside, we’re made for so much more.

5. Inspiration Spreads Joy. Inspiration makes you feel good. Just think of the last inspiring chain-email you received and passed on with a note that said, “I never do this but I had to share this with you!” When you feel good, when the joy in you comes alive, and you share your joy with others, you impact the world in a thousand positive ways.

The next time life feels difficult, put up a “CLOSED for business sign” and get out for a little inspiration. You’ll love the results and others will love you for it!