Summer Inspiration

It's amazing where sources of inspiration can come from. It can come from the strangest, unknown, or unexpected places. Or perhaps, the inspiration comes from something that was just underneath your nose. Most importantly, inspiration is something that only comes if you believe you deserve to recieve it. Inspiration is God's grace. People who have faith and believe in giving and recieving God's grace are more apt to understand inspiration, faith, and meditation.

Sometimes inspiration can be from a friend who is going through similar hardships and has moved on to a happier place. Inspiration can come from going on a much needed summer vacation or spending on afternoon taking care of yourself - watching a matinee, making your bed, getting a manicure, taking a hot bath, walking in a garden, or sitting quietly outside. The more trust and honesty you put in God and in your talents and abilities the easier inspiration gets. It can not be forced though. Sometimes inspiration just isn't ready to come out yet. Or maybe you are so busy doing everyday things that God doesn't feel you're ready to be open for inspiration or answered prayers. But, you have to continue living life, dreaming, praying, writing, and smiling with the hope and trust that the inspiration will come.

These are things that have been inspiring me this summer. May you carve out the time to find inspiration in your everyday life.

:: matching underwear - taking the time to start of wearing nice things is a sign of self respect

:: black eyeliner, earrings, and headbands - I have really short hair now and it really brings out my face and ears more. So, these are pretty affordab::le ways to update a wardrobe.

:: seeing photos of Paris and practicing my French - I like reconnecting to my "maternal" tongue. Exploring and revisiting my birthplace and listening to the beautiful language I was exposed to at such a young age is deeply motivating. I hope I can go to language school in Montreal, attend the Cordon Bleu in Paris, and explore French art sketching away, dreaming, and resting.

:: being comfortable in my own skin and loving who I am - there are ugly, mean people out there. sometimes they are strangers and sometimes they are loved ones. if you respect yourself enough to stand up for you and honor the beauty that resides in your appearance and in your sould, the harshness of others will wither away. the best form of revenge is continuing being a healthy, happy, beautiful woman. happy for no real honest reason comes from you and God alone.

:: being creative, examining images, and walking in an art museum - I connect to colors, images, shapes, and creativity. It is what inspires me in ways words cannot express.

:: writing and reading - Sharing my thoughts on a blog and reading great authors and articles are very motivating. Sometimes it is the only respite I can get when my thoughts, words and ideas are not accepted by others.

:: exercise - Since I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, I have had to take a back seat to my intense training. I have had to slow it down and just take in little bouts of exercise like walking to Food Town, exploring my neighborhood on food, riding my bike to the duck pond, and going to yoga class. Slowing down was hard for me, but I have found that my "workouts" are much enjoyable.

:: cooking and being a foodie- I love practicing my Spanish in the farmer's market and examining all the various colored fruits. I like reading all the bottles of spices and watching the Food Network. I feel a deep connection to nourishing myself. Just like wearing nice underwear, taking the time to feed yourself and rest during your meal is a simple luxury and sign of self-respect.

:: traveling - This year, I have been blessed to go on some fun trips. New Year's was spent exploring waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and beaches in Costa Rica. For my birthday, my beau brought me to my birthplace Montreal - such a beautiful place, arty, sexy, and cultured. Denver was lovely and natural. I was able to hike Mount Audobon, bike around town, and eat some good food with good friends who are supportive and adventurous. I've also taken some fun trips in Texas to the blueberry farm in Porter, hanging out at Barton Springs in Austin, and beer and oysters on a nice spring day in Galveston.