Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Inspiration for the New Year

I don't mean to come off like Oprah, promising to change your world. But I do find that tips or quotes can sometimes provide a succinct way to put things into perspective. Here are two that inspire me:

Inspiration number one: This quote attributed to educator, theologian, and civil rights activist Howard Thurman. He founded the first intercultural, racially integrated church in the United States, the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco.

I came across this quote a few years ago in a profile I read in my husband's alumni magazine. It resonated so strongly for me because it was a time when I was going through a lot, trying to figure out what my next step should be.

This Christmas Eve my daughter Rebecca got off the plane with a big piece of cardboard and it turned out to be this poster. She remembered how much I loved this quote and purchased the poster from letterpress printer bookish lady. I'm planning to hang it in my study, so that I am reminded on a daily basis to honor the choices I've made and to prioritize my life so that the things that make me come alive don't get buried in the mundane activities that can eat up a day. It also helps me remember that doing so can have repercussions beyond what makes me happy...that my choice can serve others.

Inspiration number two: Today's Etsy blog post by Noah Scalin, who's written Unstuck: 52 Ways to Get (and Keep) Your Creativity Flowing at Work, Home, and In Your Studio. 
I haven't read the book, but I quite like his six suggestions in the Etsy post. Check them out here.

How about you? Any tips or quotes that are inspiring you this new year? I'd love to hear them!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Because right now I am in a moment of trying to figure out what to do next I really like this quote: Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it -Buddah

jill/marny said...

Thanks so much. Just in time. Love the advice. It will spur on creativity and products.