“If we look at the world with a love of life, the world will reveal its beauty to us.” ~Daisaku Ikeda
Have you ever been in a rut or felt like you were living on auto pilot and out of sync with your personal values and passions? Creatives can often find themselves in a rut because of creating similar art over and over. Others may not find time to fit in creativity or feel unmotivated and are waiting for a force in the universe to spark inspiration. If you are spinning your wheels and feeling frustrated and defeated, you want change, and you want it asap. While it may seem that there is no way out of a rut, one key to moving forward is to fall back in love with life. This may seem like a crazy idea when there is no money, no ideas, or rejection around every corner, but falling back in love with life, even when life is imperfect, is a perfect way to get out of that rut and back to living the life you want.
One way to jumpstart loving life is to travel. If you can designate one weekend a month to get outside of your house/apartment/ studio and change the scenery, you will feel more inspired and invigorated. You will be reminded that there is so much more to the world than your routine. Low-cost travel can include camping, backpacking, or visiting a friend. Another option might include signing up for an art retreat or class in another area or country.
Making room for surprises instead of trying to manage every aspect of your life can provide joy and inspiration. If you would usually say no to something, try saying yes and see where it takes you. You may meet new people or experience something new. Some of the most memorable experiences come from unplanned events.
Receiving love is an important aspect of loving life. If someone offers help, accept it. If you are complimented, allow yourself to feel the love! This can be so hard, but you will begin to feel the love you deserve.
If you find yourself filled with negative thoughts, think a positive thought for every negative one. When you counter-act that negativity, you will notice change. Allowing grudges to disappear will offer more peace and positivity into your life. Give yourself permission to let the past mistakes go and move forward.
The world is filled with amazing humans, try speaking to one new person each day. When you are in the coffee shop, take a minute to get to know someone. You will feel the connection that all around you. Look for the positive in the people you meet. When you focus on the good things about them, you will feel the good energy and learn to accept people with more joy. Allow yourself to listen when others are talking. We have more to learn from others than we think we do.
Moving is a great way to feel good and enhance mood. Check out a class or sport that looks like fun. You may meet new people or get inspired as a bonus. Love your body and respect it by giving it nutritious food and plenty of water.
Watch for opportunities everywhere. If there is a career move you always wanted, look at what you need to do to get you closer to that goal. Surround yourself with positive people who will uplift and inspire you and make you the best version of you. Be open to change and pick out the positive aspects of the way things are.
Finally, just dream. If you can dream, you allow yourself to see what you really want and what you can be working toward.