Seeking Inspiration in the midst of Obligation

Let me repeat that…. SEEKING INSPIRATION IN THE MIDST OF OBLIGATION! *whenever possible!

Easier said than done. In this life we are living, I’m certain that we all have obligations that must be fulfilled on a daily basis, whether to our family, education, or work. Finding inspiration in those obligations, expectations, and requirements is not always the easiest thing to do, but it’s worth the effort. So, what does that look like?

Inspiration - Feels like a hard YES from the inside out! You don’t have to think too hard to make a decision on doing something, participating, moving, or being. It just feels good, an easy choice even!

Obligation - Usually, this is an expectation from the outside. An expectation that I’m supposed to, I should, or I have to. Whew! I have a lot of situations that feel like this, and it can be tiring and overwhelming.

With that all being said, as often as possible, I’m SEEKING inspiration! Let me share a few ways we can transform everyday tasks of obligation into moments of inspiration.

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Make a personal connection

There are situations on the daily in which we are making business decisions, whether you own your own business or patronize a particular business on a regular basis. These interactions can become mundane and very checklist-y at times. Slow down and take a moment to ask how the individual started their business or what motivates them to continue doing what they do. There are lessons to be learned and insight to be gained by sharing our stories with one another.

Practice mindfulness during errands and chores

Make sure this is done safely… meaning do NOT attempt deep meditation while driving, but rather, you can engage in quick breathing exercises while sitting in traffic or at a long stoplight, even during a wait at a doctor’s office. Have you ever practiced or tried breathwork exercises? I cannot express enough the benefits of this practice. By practice, I mean the continued effort and commitment to carving out time to take care of your body and mind. The benefits can positively affect your life physically, emotionally, and mentally. If ever you need some help in getting started or simply have some questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, as I am a Certified Breathwork Coach and happy to help you. Other activities might include acknowledging 3 things you are truly grateful for while you wash dishes or fold laundry. While these tasks can become cumbersome, reminding yourself of the blessings of having the food you ate on those dishes, along with having clean water that washed that huge pile of laundry you’re folding.

Take the long way home

This is my favorite, possibly because I grew up in a very small town in Oklahoma and we always took the long way home because that was the often the only way! So now, when at all possible, I do the same. It relieves some of the anxiety that comes up from back-to-back traffic, never-ending brake lights, detours, etc. Taking the long way allows me to travel at my own pace, practice patience on my own terms, and arrive at my destination in a better state of mind.

Try new meals

Ahhh, yes… the ongoing task of planning dinner, every.single.day! Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m oh-so very thankful to be blessed with the budget, amenities, and food to make it happen; it’s just that I find myself dreading the importance of providing variety, acknowledging different tastes and dietary needs, and the prep that is required. So far, the ways I’ve been changing my mindset and seeking inspiration is by trying new (and easy!) recipes incorporating some of my family’s favorite foods & ingredients we already have on hand, along with plating our meals in special ways (using the “good dishes” now vs. saving them for special occasions, as every day we are alive is truly a special occasion). Those two tweaks have me beginning to feel excited again and looking forward to dinner time. Every day is different and presents its own scheduling challenges, but I’m moving in the right direction.

Find ways to make movement fun

I’d like to think that we all know the importance of exercise and movement. Even if you tend to “forget”, a good doctor will often remind you! As a group fitness instructor and personal trainer, this is one of my favorite job requirements… creating fun workouts for clients and myself. Motivation doesn’t always last, you have to have the proper mindset to continue forward when that happens… remembering your why, some might say. Think less about the necessity to exercise and more about living a longer happy & healthy life! Skip the gym, if that’s what you need to do; instead, go for a walk in your neighborhood, work in your garden, or join a dance class. Remember, before beginning a new or increased exercise program, always check in with your doctor. I’m certain that in most cases, they will be more than happy you are taking the initiative to care for your health. If you need some guidance, I’ve got your back!

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Biggest Takeaways

Inspiration comes from within: you feel called, motivated, and energized by the choice. The “why” is most often a personal one. Obligation comes from outside: you act to meet expectations, rules, or duties, even if you don’t want to. The “why” is external, an expectation or requirement.

Will every day be a perfect balance between the two? Nope. But can we work towards choosing inspiration over obligation? Yes! Just the act of being mindful of the difference between the two will help in our daily lives.

I hope this information will prove to be helpful for you. I’d love to hear from you! Until next time.