Henry David Thoreau once said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” He wasn’t a man of empty words either; his actions in life show us that he most likely meant what he said. When Thoreau did not agree with something, he spoke out, even to the point of going to jail for his principles and beliefs. The man was unafraid of the ramifications of seriously pursuing one’s dreams.

Over a hundred years later, we can still learn from Thoreau. We can take his quote and his resolve and make them our own. How many dreams do you have? Are you afraid of venturing forth and claiming them? Thoreau tells us that all it takes is ‘confidence.’ If you do not doubt yourself, you will be able to do anything.

You don’t have to go to jail to follow in the example of one of America’s greatest philosophers. All you have to do is take that trip, write that book, finish that project. Don’t impose self-limitations; rather, “go confidently in the direction of your dreams.”

It’s very good advice.

The above is one of my favorite posts from my blog, Poetic, Inspirational Living.

How are we inspired? How do we channel inspiration into creativity or constructive use in our lives?

The image of the artists, be it writer, painter, of whichever talent you wish, is usually one of wild, free flowing individual with a vivid imagination, a mind full of ideas, struggling to get out in a coherent form. Of course, this often far from the reality of how creative people work. Most successful artists will tell you that discipline is paramount. Not only in terms of using your art to make a living but also in terms of how you create your work. But for many the notion of discipline is contradictory to their understanding of inspiration, which is usually a synonymous with freedom.

If you tend to see disciplining inspiration as sure-fire way of killing the creative process, how do you refine inspiration? Take the example of the ‘wild artist’: how is the creative impulse made clear, refined enough to be communicated to the rest of the world?

While I am slightly suspicious of self-help books targeted at honing the creative process, they tend to contain a common theme: rhythm and habit, which I agree are both essential to maintaining an active creative process. The Artists Way, one of the most well-know creative self-help books around, contains daily task for those trying to establish a functional way of life in terms of creativity. One of them is the Morning Pages, three pages, written first thing in the morning before your day begins, hand-written, not typed.

Daily routines tend to work for most people who are trying to harness inspiration but routine can also be a source of inspiration. It should not be discarded as way restricting daily life. Routine is too often associated with the 9 to 5, nose -to-the-grind-stone mentality. But think of the daily routines you have that bring you pleasure and are a source of distraction from the less enjoyable parts of your day. It is in those moments that we find inspiration.

The above is one of my favorite posts from my blog, Poetic, Inspirational Living.

The blogger over at Thought Press wrote a lovely tidbit on the imagination behind Walt Disney’s conceptions. He writes:

“I think few of us truly utilizes our imagination every day. What’s wrong with daydreaming? Or envisioning a fantasy or a utopian city like Walt did?”

One of Walt Disney’s greatest attributes was that he retained the imagination of a child. Even as an adult, he kept in touch with his inner child, which led him to create some of the greatest characters and films the world of media has ever seen. Perhaps something can be said for the Peter Pan lifestyle of never really growing up. If we, as adults, would simply tap into the imagination reservoir available to all of us once in a while, great things are possible.

The above is one of my favorite posts from my blog, Poetic, Inspirational Living.

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” –Mark Twain

Mark Twain was a master of quotes, both humorous and enlightening. This one falls into the category of the latter. It is an excellent description of the act of forgiveness - not only what it means, but the beauty inherent in it.

It is often said that forgiveness is for the benefit of the person who gives it, not the person who receives it. When we forgive others for their mistakes, we let go of anger that is harmful to us. We become more peaceful and loving. It has a positive impact on all involved, including ourselves.

The above is one of my favorite posts from my blog, Poetic, Inspirational Living.