An Important Lesson and Quote About Inspiration and Finding Happiness
It’s impossible to remain happy all of the time, but you can decrease the duration of your suffering by doing the things that tend to inspire you even when you don’t feel emotionally attached.
Inspiration flows in two directions: inward and outward. Think of rowing a boat. There’s a push and a pull. The two motions work together to create movement.
Your happiness works the same way. To maximize the amount of time you’re in a positive mood, build your muscle of sharing inspiration, keep finding the humility to seek out new sources of inspiration and keep bringing them to others’ attention.
Said another way, choose to be an inspiration to others. Show by example. Care less about getting validated than knowing your good deed will come back to you in the form of future happiness or good fortune.
Look for inspiration by understanding that people have something to offer you. No one is above inspiration. Everyone has the ability to learn and grow. The narcissist tends to have trouble finding healthy sources of inspiration and learning from others, especially when the source or the information requires a perspective in which his or her place is moved away from the center of the world.
People who believe that the world (or their parents for that matter) owes them something will often choose depression over inspiration. They lack a thankfulness muscle. Their judgment muscle bulges instead.
In summary, when you shut down inspiration, both giving and seeking, you will find yourself feeling depressed. Do not choose unhappiness. Choose inspiration.
When depression colors your world view and an inspired state of mind feels impossible to achieve, keep repeating what usually inspires you when your mood is up. Seek out inspiration even if you’re not into it before you do it. Keep expressing yourself through healthy outlets like art, movement, fitness, journaling and sharing with loved ones in person.
You will feel the inspiration again, and you just might inspire others with your story.
I wish you well.
-Dr. Greg Kushnick
