Get Inspired to Realize Your Dreams!

The following is taken word for word from a weekly newsletter by Cheryl Richardson:

Before March rolls around and I start receiving calls for interviews from magazines working on spring stories related to sticking with New Year's resolutions, I thought I'd offer you a little shot of inspiration early this year. It's from a story I shared in 2007 that spawned a great list of ways to stay motivated.

A group of friends invited me to see the movie "Dreamgirls," staring Eddie Murhpy, Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson (who is amazing!). During the movie I was so moved, that I found myself thinking: "I need to do this more often. I need to put myself in places where I have a chance to experience this kind of 'visceral inspiration,' - a strong emotional reaction that lifts me up, takes me to new places in my mind, ignites my creativity, and gives me a first-hand experience of what it looks and feels like to channel Divine Creative Expression." I left the movie thinking about inspiration and the role it plays in keeping us motivated to achieve our most heart-felt goals.

I'm sure you've had a similar experience where you find yourself deeply influenced by a theater performance, a great song, or the stunning beauty of visual art, only to be transported to another place that connects you to your highest potential. You might see a powerful character in a movie who encourages you to keep taking the acting class you finally signed up for last month. Or, you might read the biography of a great athlete who renews your commitment to keep going to the gym. It's the energy of inspiration that can be used as divine fuel that keeps us moving in the right direction.

So, what inspires you to keep pursuing your dreams? Here are a few examples from members of our community:
From an artist: a visit to my favorite museum
From a writer: a long walk on the beach
From a mom: seeing my daughter in a piano recital
From a daily exerciser: listening to a playlist of my favorite music
From a dancer: watching a dvd of my own dance performances

This year, why not make a deliberate attempt to fuel your goals, resolutions, or dreams with regular inspiration - starting now? Don't wait until you lose steam. Make a list of the things that inspire you and resolve to have one experience every week. If music, movies, books, or great conversations provide you with inspiration, you might even make it a daily habit - they're easy to incorporate into your day.

When thinking about inspiration, keep this in mind:
Inspiration = Motivation and Motivation = Realized Dreams

Click here for other things people do to stay inspired. For more great ideas from her, check out http://cherylrichardson.com/ and sign up for her weekly newsletter.