Inspiration

This blog was actually inspired by a piece of news that I heard about Taylor Swift on the radio. It seems that she "skin doodles" lyrics on her arms during concerts, a recent one was from a Selena Gomez song, and it read "You've got every right to a beautiful life". I really like that lyric! Who doesn't have a right to a beautiful life?  We have each been given this fabulous opportunity to have a tomorrow, why not make it beautiful? Now, there is some inspiration for you!

Taylor garners much of her inspiration from her real life experiences and the art of the world surrounding her. Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration is often collected in the form of quotes and scripture. I have a blank journal where I keep tabs of all the gems that I find, or that people say. I've quoted tv shows, songs, witty remarks from friends, and the Bible. Its weird how a random assortment of words can have an impact on me and how I live my life. I'm sure that Thoreau had no idea that he was going to have an impact on someone's life almost 150 years after his death. I will also be the first to admit that I have turned to Taylor Swift songs in an effort to banish a broken heart.

I also find inspiration in the people around me. I have been blessed to cultivate a career in a helping/serving profession. I come in contact with a wide variety of college students on a daily basis that teach me a great deal about who I am and who I can be. I am inspired by their struggles, their epiphanies, and their energy for life. They make me want to read more, ask myself the hard questions and to simply have fun.  Each of these kids make me want to do my job a little bit better and become a better person so that I can help them (and myself) navigate the road ahead.

Merriam-Webster defines inspiration as a power that can move the intellect or emotions. Have you been moved lately? My hope is that everyone finds inspiration somewhere. I know that on some days it is harder to come by than others. It is not unusual to see post-it notes or pieces of paper spouting quotes in mine or my co-workers office, we like to have daily reminders of why we do what we do and have become who we are. Take a minute and think about what brings you inspiration and surround yourself with it, you might be surprised with what it motivates you to do! 

Stage 5

During a recent conversation with friends I was labeled as "clingy" when it comes to relationships. I never thought I was until this fact hit me square in the face and I began to think of my behavior in past relationships. I will be the first to admit that I have made some questionable decisions when it comes to guys and been in some unhealthy "relationships" (if that's what you want to call them) and I can see where my behavior stemmed from. I'm not proud of the decisions that I made but now that I see the error in my ways, all I can do is move on from there.

I realize that my clingyness comes from a lack of trust. I put myself in several situations where I was the backup plan for the guy, essentially I was the other woman. I often spent my time wondering if the man of the moment was spending time with the person he truly cared about and what they were doing together. I knew that if I hadn't heard from him that he was with her. I didn't trust these guys and because of this I constantly wanted to know about their whereabouts and what they were doing. I was becoming more and more clingy in my efforts to establish a real relationship.

I've also realized that I am guilty of creating instant relationships with guys that I am interested in; by date number two, I already have us married and with two kids. Whoa, Nellie! I need to put the brakes on this situation fast! I am quickly approaching stage 5 clinger territory. I have got to slow down and learn to appreciate the process. I'm sure I have just scared off any potential single guy that may be reading this! I know that in order to fix this, I have to let go of the hurt and the pain I am carrying around from all my bad relationship decisions. I have to have faith and patience that God is going to bring me through this and bless me with someone that I will be able to trust.

All that I can do now is learn from the past and break the cycle. There is no need to dwell on all the things I did wrong, but to take what I can from each experience and move on. I know that I have the strength to do this, because God has given it to me. He is my strength and everyday I am becoming more of the person He intended me to be.