To be honest, I probably wouldn't have started this post if I hadn't just finished watching Troye Sivan's YouTube video about doing whatever you want because you want to. "Make cool shit," Troye says. So I'm going to make me some cool shit.
in·spi·ra·tion
ˌinspəˈrāSH(ə)n/
noun
- the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
- "Helen had one of her flashes of inspiration"
Let's talk about inspiration. Where do you find it? Do you have to search for it? Why do you even need it in the first place?
Inspiration can be found anywhere. Sometimes it's found in a leaf falling from a dying tree, sometimes from a great book or a cool sign. Sometimes, from a YouTube video you're watching while you should be studying for a huge biology test tomorrow. Whoops. Inspiration isn't one specific thing. It is different for everyone, because that picture of a cat and dog cuddling that makes your heart swell and makes you want to be nice to everyone, might just be trashy poster crap to your friend.
Finding inspiration can be weird. For me, I usually don't go out looking for inspiration unless I've already found some and am craving more, or I am just really, really, really bored and my eyes hurt from watching Netflix. Even then, I'll rarely go. Inspiration doesn't always just come to you. Sometimes, you have to go looking for it. Searching for inspiration can be difficult, and ways to look varies per person. When I'm trying to find inspiration, there are a few ways I look.
1. Google it
If I'm feeling really lazy, I'll look online. Sometimes, just going on YouTube and looking for inspirational videos can help (I must recommend Sprinkle of Glitter because she has some really great heart warmers). Other times, looking at quotes or photos by your favourite person or about a cause or problem that's important to you (no matter how cheesy it sounds) can be very helpful.
2. GO OUT!
If you're like me, going outside can become a bit of a rare occurrence (thank goodness I have to walk to school otherwise I'd never get out). Getting outside into the "real world" can really help. Go for a walk through the park. If you like photography, bring a camera, if you don't, just enjoy the fresh air! Look at the children playing and the birds chirping. Life is great! Don't waste yours! Or, you can go to the library! Or attend an event! Like DIY and/or art? Go to an art show or a museum! If you don't have any money and/or can't get to a park easily, SIT OUTSIDE. On the curb, in your backyard, on your porch. Maybe you'll see something happen that will inspire you to write a story, or draw an amazing work of art! Inspiration is everywhere, if you're looking.
3. Listen
My last recommendation for finding inspiration, if you feel like you don't have a talent that can be inspired by trees or books or art or cats, just listen! Read the newspaper or listen to the radio! Maybe something will come up that makes you passionate. Listen to your parents talk about boring things and hey, maybe you'll find it interesting. Or, if you still haven't found inspiration, ask someone! I'm sure your parents and teachers would love to inform you on things they love and feel strongly about. Ask about problems in third world countries, about travel opportunities, anything you think is cool! That crazy civics teacher might just tell you about the things that go on in your city's government that makes you want to do something about it! Grab a camera, write a blog, TELL PEOPLE. With a little inspiration, you can do anything.
Wait, if it can take so much work, why do we even need inspiration? BECAUSE IT'S COOL. And fun, and makes life worth living. Without something in your life that makes you happy and passionate, I really don't know what life's for. You were given a wonderful opportunity, make use of it! Don't worry if you haven't got anything just yet. We're still young. I'm not sure what my purpose in life yet is either. Use the tips above, and together we can find something that makes us smile and feel good and want to do something other than sit on our asses watching YouTube and writing blog posts while we're supposed to be studying for a huge biology test tomorrow.
