Life can come at us pretty fast. We look up and time has rapidly flown by; or we get hit with thing after thing and it feels like we're losing at a unfair game of dodge ball. Then there are other times, where life feels so slow that we're positive a snail will make it to our destination quicker than we will. Also, let's not forget about the stand still moments ... where life feels like a long over drawn out game of freeze tag. These different feelings in life can sometimes cause us to lose motivation, drive, and even inspiration.

in·spi·ra·tion is defined as: 

"the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative."

Let's face it, when you lack inspiration it's hard to work, to think clearly, and most importantly to CREATE. The ability to flourish and grow vigorously correlates with your ability to see inspiration in every season, every moment and in everyday. It's important that when we find ourselves lacking the inspiration we need to fully thrive that we begin seeking positive ways to get our spark back.

With that being said, let me share a few tips that I use when I'm lacking inspiration:

1. Disconnect & Take a Break.  In our day and age, the internet is where we go for just about EVERYTHING. We are constantly receiving information, and it's hard to process it all effectively. Our minds and fingers are moving a mile a minute. At some point in time, we must find a way to give our fingers and brain a break. Turn off the phone; log off the social media accounts; close the laptop; use the stored up vacation or sick time and simply just  d i s c o n  n e c t.  This gives us a chance to breath, rest, recenter, clear our minds and recollect our thoughts.

2. Try a new hobby.  I have a knack for trying new things. It's thrilling and you get a sense of energy when you're in a different environment learning something new. It gives you permission to mess up, ask questions, and presents you with a new challenge. Tell me, who doesn't love a new challenge?!

3. Revisit and reflect on your WHY.  Your "why" help sets the tone for your life.  What drives you? Why do you go as hard as you do? Why do you make the sacrifices you make? The answers to these questions and many more help in revealing your "why".  It's vital that we take time to remember and reflect on why we do what we do. In the wise words of Gucci Mane " Don't get lost in the sauce." It's easy when in the midst of the daily grind and routine of life to lose sight on why we started in the first place. When we take time to reexamine our lives and hold it up against our "why," we're able to see the impact we've made or the lack thereof. Either way, this can help with re-igniting our fire and sparking inspiration.

4. Revisit some of your old goals and set some new ones.  It's good to go back and revisit some of the goals you've set and accomplished. Think about the environment you were in at the time, your frame of mind, your faith level, your inspiration, and remember just how good it felt to give it everything you had and come out as champion! Revisit old vision boards, sticky notes, journals, etc. you may be amazed to see how much you've grown spiritually and mentally since that time. It can be a rather humbling and encouraging experience. Viewing your growth and seeing pass wins can reignite inspiration in you! It reminds you of  how capable you are and how FAITHFUL & AWESOME God is! If you've done it before, you CAN do it again! Write some new goals down, start planning, keep believing and begin executing! 

5. Take a trip. Yes, a trip! Book a flight, gas up your car, purchase a train ticket and GO! A new scenery can rejuvenate you. I recently booked a trip to L.A. to visit a friend and came back completely inspired! Visit an art gallery, attend a comedy show, concert, take a bike ride or go on a hike; just simply explore the place you're in. Open up your heart and mind to notice beauty in everything you see. If you can, find some time to pray, rest, reflect, and relax while on your vacation as well; it definitely helps.

*Bonus Tip: You can always grab a friend, a camera, or your phone and have a spontaneous photo shoot! Because people, smiles, and photos go hand in hand. You can check out a few of the photos that my girl Leticia snapped of me while out in L.A. below. :) 

Losing inspiration can happen sometimes; we get busy in our day to day routines, unexpected circumstances occur in life and we can find ourselves boggled down with information overload. However, it's important to take time out and get back to the things that inspire us to dream and create. If you're feeling uninspired or unmotivated feel free to try some of my tips or if you have your own share in the comments below!

Stay inspired, encouraged, prayerful and resilient my friend... 

With Love,

Katricia Denise