Nearby Inspiration

Inspiration can be found in nearly anything and everything around you, from the smallest rock to the largest mountain range.

Inspiration depends on you. What encourages and motivates you. Finding inspiration is not always easy. Here are some things to think about:

• What reminds you to continue with your progress?
• What items, images, or objects do you have a deeper connection with?
• What/who encourages and supports you or influences you on your journey?

There are many that can inspire you and your activities – in a muse sort of way.

A muse can be a person or object which is the source of inspiration for a creative artist. No mater what you call it, the person, object, item, etc. is there to encourage, inspire, motivate and provide the necessary influence to advance your ambitions.

Items/People to Think About

Let’s take a look at what could possibly inspire you, perhaps you need a different perspective as you see things in a new light.

Image Inspiration

Images of every shape, size, color, and texture have been inspiring people for many a year. Galleries all over the world hold some of the most famous paintings and images done by the most talented artists. We purchase those that interest us to put on our walls, in frames, and on desktops and screensavers. While some may find art to be just another thing taking up space, others find it to be the most encouraging piece to learn from.

No matter if the the item is a painting, photograph, or mix media art, there is someone out there that finds it to be the most inspiring piece they have seen yet. That piece will inspire, encourage and engage the new artist to do the best they can and create something for the next generation of artists to admire.

Movies/Books/TV

With the debate as to whether the book or the movie was better, all have sent others on a path to create their own stories, write their own screen plays and become characters in their own movies. Speaking from experience, there is so much others take from any of the three to create their own masterpiece.

It’s not that people are stealing from those who came before, they are using those things to create something new, something different. They are learning what can be done and moving forward with it. It’s one of the greatest compliments an author/director can get… they inspired others to create something fantastic for others to enjoy.

Music

Since we hit on it above a tad, we’ll talk about it here. Music is heard nearly everywhere we go from the grocery store to elevators, from movie theaters to carnivals. Music is all around us, providing beats, notes, lyrics, instrumentals for whomever decides to take the moment to listen.

We’ve created playlists for nearly everything we do. Working out, computer work, writing, walking, driving, you name it, someone has used music to inspire them while they are completing their tasks. It’s our small outlet and connection to sanity as we struggle through the journeys we are on.

Objects

Big or small, antique or new, these are the things we keep on our desks, decorate our rooms and collect as we go through life. These knickknacks and other items are carried with us in bags, pockets, and displayed in different places. No matter the object, you find that you just can’t let go of it for whatever reason. Whether sentimental or practical we hold those things that give us hope, inspire us to change, or just give us a glimpse of happiness close to us.

Games

Now, you may not think games could be inspiring, but like movies and books there are some games that take on aspects of those same media styles. Monopoly has created so many different boards based on different movies, they can go on forever.

Video games have the same details about them as books and movies you can take inspiration from, especially since you get to be the main character in most, so you are going on the journey yourself as you face monsters, defeat enemies and save the day. It’s one of my favorite pastimes and why I created a channel for it.

Places/Nature

You know your area better than anyone else, you know where the local parks are. Where the nearest forests are and where the nearest fishing hole is. Nature is a magical space where anything can happen and if you take the time to slow down, really see it for what it is, you’ll find you missed something amazing all your life.

Nature has a way of balancing itself out without the interference of humans. Birds nest in tree branches, other animals in the trunk, and insects all over. Even when trees fall over, there are animals and insects that inhabit the areas beneath, within and on it. They use it until it doesn’t become usable any longer. We could really learn a thing or two from nature if we are willing to take the time to learn.

People

Now, as this is ‘nearby inspiration’, I’m focusing on those that are close to you. Those you see on a regular basis. Your parents, siblings, teachers, paster, and others you see around your home town or city. Whether you speak to them or just nod and say hi, there is always something you can take from them to inspire you.

Their fashion sense, their friendly or brash nature (to not be like that and look for the bright side), their overheard vocabulary. There is a reason why authors people watch, they are looking for someone who resonates the characters they are writing to get real world experiences from. And who better than those who are immediately around you on a regular basis.

Final Thoughts

There are so many ways to gain inspiration close to your home, you just have to slow down and take a look around to see it. What have you noticed lately that you haven’t before?