10 Ways to Find Inspiration in Every Day Life

photo credit: h.koppdelaney

Ideas are tricky things, they come to the brain without provocation but you have to find something to do with them. If your mind is open and willing to take action, inspiration can come from daily life. Here are ten things to do to spur the imagination.

1. Exercise: Staring at a computer all day is an activity that is done by a lot of people. When you find that your brain is going numb, take a walk around the house or office. It usually takes fifteen or twenty minutes and it really gets the brain working. Exercise focuses individuals into creative work.
2. Watch the sunrise: Every sunrise and sunset is different, awash with colors and beautiful. They are divine poetry, written for all to see. If you need writing inspiration, take a few minutes to describe that fleeting moment on paper.
3. Look to your dreams: Dreams can tell stories of what’s going on in your daily life from a completely different perspective. They will often be abstract and take you to places that you’ve never been. Who better to capture the flavor of your dreams than you?
4. Write Poetry: To many, there is nothing so fun as wordplay. See how many words you can rhyme together and try to make them connect. Use some of the different styles of poetry to frame your fun. Dip into iambic pentameter and round out your fun with a limerick. While not guaranteed to bring forth a great work of your own, it will get the brain working.
5. People Watch: Go to the mall or your favorite bookstore and watch the people around. Make up stories about the strangers that you see, how they interacted with others. If you get a chance, listen to their conversations and gather ideas about how they talk.
6. Change the Venue: Get out of the house and go look at something that you’ve not seen before. Travel to one of the many state parks and see the sights there. Benches abound and the fresh air will do you some good.
7. Check out some books: Libraries are great sources of ideas and inspiration. If you don’t feel like reading one of the many books, look through the card catalog to see what others are interested in. Passion is something great to see in almost any venue.
8. Volunteer: Volunteer opportunities are available in most towns. Take a few minutes out of your day to help others with their needs. Not only will it give you a great feeling, it has the potential of telling you a few stories that will get your own creativity going.
9. Let the routine slide for a day: Try taking a different route to work and paying attention to the scenery that’s along your way. If you can slightly alter the way, you will be amazed at the various shops and restaurants that grace the path. Remember that a path to work might be longer, but it can be more fulfilling.
10. Talk with friends: Friends are great fountains of information. They have wonderful stories and they offer a different perspective from where you are. They’re the ones who are keeping an eye out for your interests and can inspire you to do your best.

Inspiration is usually found when you’re doing something else. Actively searching it out, there might not be as much luck as the day that you just let it all go. If you’re seeking inspiration to do a craft, keep in mind that something usually comes if you’re continually doing that craft.

James is a tech writer and analyst who works for a UK based specialist in supplies such as the HP 350 ink cartridge and other printer inks.