Inspiration and Pain Lead to Fruit.
This post was hard to write.
Not because I don’t appreciate the topic. Inspiration - we hear about it often. Look up inspiration and you’ll find videos to motivate you. In fact, research shows that inspiration contributes to increased well-being and inspired people have higher levels of gratitude, positive mood states and energy (Kaufman & Gregoire, 2015).
I want to dive deeper into this topic. I love going deep. Here it goes.
What is it for you?
I’m thinking about that thing that inspires me. The thing that makes me better. It draws my attention. I’m passionate about it. It keeps me going. It gives me purpose. It’s destiny for me. What is it for you? It could be your children. Your higher power. Your career. Your calling (this isn’t always the same as our career). Whatever it is, I want you to focus on it while reading.
What’s the cost?
Whatever it is, are you willing to sacrifice for it? Are you willing to stay up late? Go broke for a season (it may be a long season). Are you willing to be unsure and still hold on to that thing that gives your life meaning? What else are you willing to do for it? What is it about this thing that inspires you? Who knows about it? What happens when you don’t tap into it? Do it. Or give it attention. What happens when you neglect it?
I wasn’t expecting this.
In a time where stardom is more attainable via the internet and social media, overnight success feels like something more of us are chasing. But that is not always a reality. Sometimes it takes people a while to actualize their dreams and step into what they’re called for. Sometimes it’s not something we’re creating or a goal we’re pursuing but a human we’re raising. Whatever it is, chasing inspiration demands sacrifice.
What have you sacrificed? What have you lost? What have you had to say no to? How has your life changed because of it? What have you had to say yes to?
I’ve spoken to several people who talk to me about suffering, uncertainty and late nights chasing their dreams. All because of something that inspires them.
The act of pursuing what inspires us involves sacrifice. It requires that we let go of something in ourselves to pursue something greater. We may have to change certain habits, relocate and change our thinking. We may naturally think a certain way but the thing that inspires us cannot withstand that version of us. We have to evolve. While loss hurts, it’s not always bad. For every loss, we gain something. I’m a firm believer that in order to receive more, room must first be made.
Disclaimer: this might hurt.
Inspiration hurts.
You may be inspired by a good cause. But being dedicated to something will require your sacrifice. It will require commitment when things are up in the air and uncertain. I don’t mean to dampen the mood. You will be better for it if you stick with it. What about that person who needs what you’re offering? Especially if you’re in pursuit of something that will add to the world and not subtract. This process is building your character. The tools you gain through sticking with it will serve you once you get to your destination.
Fruit.
I’ve prayed for things that inspire me. I suffered while I waited. I was committed and focused on what I needed to develop (my fruit). Once my prayer was answered, I had the wisdom and expertise to show up right. Often times the wait is purging what needs to be purged and developing the fruit that needs be developed. Don’t give up. Because there is someone in the world waiting for what you’re offering.
Londyn
Fruit for Thought:
What inspires you?
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
What is something you want to be remembered for?
What character traits have you developed on the path to pursuing your goals?
Reference:
Kaufman, S. B., & Gregoire, C. (2015). Wired to create: Unraveling the mysteries of the creative mind. First edition. Perigee, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
