A forever friend recently asked the following question on Facebook, “What inspires you?” I confess, I didn’t answer her question, mainly because my first thought was ‘everything’ and I didn’t want to hijack her post. But, her post produced a lot of deep thought on my part trying to come up with a mental list. Then, wouldn’t you know it, the universe handed me something cool. I found a list I started a while back written on the back of my car registration paperwork. Why I chose to write this list on such an important document, I have no idea. I’m pretty sure it’s because it was the only available piece paper and I was having a moment of clarity and wanted to capture it. I confess this happens a lot but I digress, back to the list.
The list was titled, “Things That Make My Heart Happy.” I realize this is not the same as things that inspire me but it’s close enough. On the list were the following items:
- My daughter’s smile
- My son’s laugh
- Blue skies with big fluffy white clouds like the walls in Andy’s Room in Toy Story
- Driving on an open road as far as the eye can see with no cops around
- Fields of Cotton
- The smell of honeysuckle when driving with the windows rolled down
- Really good music
- A really good story
- Ice cream
- The beach
- Disney
- Family
- Friends
- Puppies
This list was obviously composed while riding in the car but it still holds true. The only thing I would add to make it what inspires me would be nature’s beauty in general and stories of accomplishment over immense adversity. I am always amazed at the perfection of nature (think perfectly symmetrical shells) and the strength of the human spirit.
What’s on your list? Do you have one, even a mental one? It’s kind of a fun exercise. It certainly brings to light what is truly important in one’s life.
