“What inspires you?” I felt I gave a somewhat quick, rather trite response to my friend that asked the question. I’ve since reflected on the question, rolling it around in my mind, pondering a better answer, perhaps for no one other than myself. Today’s M5T, postulates a more considered response to a seemingly simple question that, once we understand the complexity of the answer for ourselves, can shape a fulfilled life.

1. Inspiration from people

Inspired by those with passion and drive to make a dream reality, those with a sense of adventure, those that are at peace with themselves, and those that live a full life despite extraordinary adversity. Those people that are enthusiastic and have positive energy. Those people that bring out the best in others, that accept us, and that make us see possibilities that were previously thought to be unattainable.

2. Inspiration from nature

Inspiration from the perfection and symmetry of God’s design; the tranquility of sitting, just being, and embracing the beauty that is all around us. The color of the dawn sky just before the sun erupts over the new morning’s horizon, and the stillness of a sunset as it ends the day. Inspiration found in a long walk, of solitude, and by communing with the outdoors.

3. Inspiration from learning

Inspiration can be found by incorporating new ideas into your life, absorbing literature, listening to music, and gaining wisdom from history’s lessons. Learning creates good habits, self-awareness, self-confidence, and perseverance. Learning inspires us to push for constant improvement, and from the joy of success and achievement.

4. Inspiration from the everyday

Inspiration from the everyday allows us to appreciate our relationships, convictions, emotions, and communication. Inspired by love, laughter, and sensuality. Inspiration to be authentic, to practice gratitude, and to the best we can be for ourselves and for others. By investing time and being spontaneous with those closest to us. Inspiration by making decisions, taking action, and being committed to your dreams. Inspiration leads us to embrace creativity, compassion, and the potential offered by each new day.

5. Inspiration from risk

Inspiration can come from being told you can’t and experiencing the satisfaction of never stopping until you do. Inspired inventiveness comes from rebounding from the lessons of failure, finding a solution to problems, and accepting the challenge of constant change. It takes inspiration to step out of your comfort zone, to trust your passion behind the risk, to listen to that desire, that hunger, and then to apply it to your life. Over and over again.

Here is to a week of being inspired to live without restraint, to learn without ceasing, and to love without fear.