5 sources of inspiration to help you stay positive and keep your inner spark alive in 2020.

Needless to say, 2020 has been a rollercoaster year that’s challenged us all in ways I don’t think anyone could have predicted. When things took a turn in March, we were all hopeful that the global pandemic’s affects would be temporary. Well, here we are at the end of August and it’s quite clear this period will stretch out for many more months to come. 

The rollercoaster ride of 2020 has, no doubt, been a wild one to endure! I’d be lying if I said I haven’t had a lot of sleepless nights, that my anxiety has been kept consistently under control and that inspiration has been flowing endlessly. No, instead this uphill battle of a year has taken more work than others and there’s honestly no shame in admitting it’s been hard. It has!

Sources of Inspiration in 2020

Today’s discussion is dedicated to those out there who, like me, are seeking out ways to keep the sparks of creativity and inspiration alive during this challenging era.

I’m on the hunt for great sources of inspiration every year — but particularly now. It’s been especially tricky this year as so much has come to a halt. Schedules and travels have scaled back dramatically and with them? Those steady sources of inspiration we have so commonly relied on in the past have changed as well. 

Down below, I share 5 sources of inspiration that have been a big help to me over the last month. I encourage you to stick them in your back pocket for those days when you need a little pick-me-up. And hey, it’s more than okay to have those days! 

1. The Michelle Obama Podcast

I’m never going to hide the fact that I absolutely adore Michelle Obama. Since I was first introduced to her in 2007, she’s continued to be one of the sources of inspiration I can most rely on.

When January 2017 hit and we watched her fly away from Washington DC, I was worried about losing access to her inspiring voice on a regular basis but guess what? Since, she’s stepped up to the plate and truly delivered! There was of course her endlessly inspirational memoir Becoming, the many public speaking engagements throughout her book tour and the Netflix documentary that followed.

In July 2020, she stepped up to the plate once again — launching The Michelle Obama podcast on Spotify. Each episode invites listeners for a relaxed conversation with Michelle on a variety of topics. From social movements to health and girlfriends, no subject is off topic and each episode is filled with personal soundbites of inspiration that are sure to lift your spirits. 

2. Nature Walks

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll frequently find me sharing snaps of pretty flowers and things I come across on nature walks. Getting outside and moving on their own can be great sources of inspiration, but using that time to appreciate the beauty of the world around me has helped me feel inspired on even the darkest of days. 

As cheesy as it is to say, Mother Nature is the ultimate artist and her work is all around you. Appreciate it!

3. What If It Was Easy?

This easy, but incredibly effective, source of inspiration is 100% credited to London-based content creator Amelia Liana. I spotted this on her Instagram story and immediately stepped up to do it myself! 

It’s a nifty trick that will help you instantly change your mindset from negative to positive. Simply write “What if this was easy?” on a Post-It note and stick it where you’re guaranteed to see it in your workspace. Whatever challenges you’re facing, the note will help you chase away those internal thoughts of “Ughhh” away by asking you “What if it was easy?” instead. 

It’s honestly such a simple and effective trick that I think everyone could use! This year, we’re all lugging around a lot of thoughts. Sometimes, they’re great – but sometimes they’re negative excess baggage we really need to shake off. This encouraging Post-It note trick can be a big help!

4. The Camera Roll

Usually, my photo stream is a constantly moving forward. The years fly by at a rapid pace as I snap new photos and video, rarely taking time to look back at what’s happened. In fact, it’s not usually until that traditional end-of-year nostalgia ensues around New Year’s Eve that I take time to scroll back. 

While previously overlooked, my camera roll has become one of the sources of inspiration that’s really keeping my going this year! Essentially, it’s a time capsule that’s been hiding out in my pocket all along. It shows me how far I’ve come, all the wonderful memories I have and that life truly is about moving forward — even when life feels stalled as it sometimes seems in 2020. 

5. Forgotten Treasures

Each of us has at least one, likely many more, drawers filled with things you’ve entirely forgotten about.

From jewelry drawers to storage bins tucked beneath my bed and old journals lining my shelves, I’ve been taking time to go through these neglected spaces around me and rediscovering old treasures. The ring I’m wearing in these photos is a vintage one of my Great Grandmother’s that I was inspired to start wearing. In journals, I’ve found pieces of poetry I’ve written and jotted down memories I’d completely forgotten.

Rediscovering the forgotten treasures of your life will spark inspiration in you in ways you might never expect. Start digging around, I think you’ll be amazed at what you find!

Looking for more ways to keep the positive vibes flowing in 2020?

I recently shared my top tips for how to decompress after a hard day. Thanks for reading!

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XOXO
Kelly

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