“Just don’t give up on trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” – Ella Fitzgerald.
As I was looking for inspiration for today’s post, I came across this quote by Ella Fitzgerald. Doing what we are inspired to do usually also comes with love and brings us great joy. I just returned from viewing an exhibition of art by Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keefe: two artists, different media, similar subjects. Clearly these two great artists were filled with love for what they do and incredible inspiration. Just viewing their work is inspirational. Through the legacy of their artwork, they can continue to inspire us long after their passing. May we all be so blessed to leave such a legacy.
Maybe we can not all create great, lasting works of art that will be seen and cherished by millions long after we leave this earth. But, maybe we can inspire one or two people, who will inspire others. Like I spoke about a couple of posts back, there is a ripple effect from our actions. I hope that each one of you is inspired to do at least one thing every day that brings you great joy, and in so doing, bring inspiration to others.
How inspired is your life? Hopefully, you are fortunate enough to do work you enjoy and time to follow your inspirations. That is as it should be. Or, have you put your dreams and passions on hold until the kids are grown, or until you have some free time? There is no time like the present to take one small step to do that thing which you know inspires you. You say you don’t know what inspires you? Then, you may need to stop the chaos of your day-to-day life to think about this one. But, I’m sure you will feel it hit you like a spark of energy and make you smile. It is that thing that nags at your heart strings and you have been trying to ignore.
When you know what it is that inspires you, then go ahead and do it. Who cares what other people think? Do not worry about whether you are good at it or if it will be a “success” (whatever that means.) If it is something you love to do, enjoy the process of doing it; take a leap. (You might not want to quit your day job quite yet, however!)
Today is Labor Day: the official end of the summer season. As people get back to school and return from summer vacations, it may be a good time to find that class you want to take, or go out and buy those painting supplies. Start today: find and follow your inspiration and you can’t go wrong.
Namaste.