Inspiration comes in many shapes and forms, can be long lasting, or fleeting. Inspiration can be the motivation to implement change, be creative, pursue long held ambitions, or simply learn to be content.
This morning, having checked the weather forecast last night, I was inspired to swim in The Forth, the first time this month and, indeed, for a few weeks. The sun was bright, and the wind speed light, while the sea had a hint of a restlessness, generating sequences of crashing waves, which soon dumped on top of me, forcing me to laugh.
The sea temperature was 7 degrees, and there is a saying to swim for as long as the temperature, so for me that was 7 minutes, which I managed easily. The recommendation on Surf-forecast.com was to wear a warm wetsuit, gloves and boots, which is obviously recommended for those who plan to be in the water for longer than 7 minutes. I choose to wear a swimsuit, with a rash vest, 2 pairs of boots, gloves and a woolly hat. I always swim parallel to the shore, and rarely go much out of my depth. Two years ago, some friends and I met for a sunrise swim to celebrate my birthday and we were all clad in suitable neoprene wear. Because I used to suffer from a mild Raynaud's Syndrome which left me with painful hands and feet, wearing a wetsuit felt mandatory, but I soon realised that I was getting colder trying to take the sticky fabric off than quickly stepping out of my swimsuit and getting changed. Since then, I have hardly looked back to those neoprene days, and my symptoms have significantly decreased. Of course, on occasion when I want to stay in the sea for longer, then a wetsuit is a necessity.
Sea swimming acts as a sort of reset button for me, allowing tangled thoughts and conflicting to-do lists to drift away so I can focus on what I need to do, allowing minor activities to take a back seat. I enjoyed a wonderful Easter weekend with family staying, eating well, including a delicious rack of lamb from Anderson’s Butchers and fresh tuna steaks from Edward Collins, both on North Berwick High St, cooked to perfection by my eldest daughter. The weather was mostly favourable and we sat outside enjoying wine, beer and prossecco. Everyone was comfortable under one roof, from an (almost) octogenarian to the smallest member who’s not quite 10 weeks old.
Inevitably, upon their various departures, I have a domestic need to strip beds, wash towels, vacuum, re-make beds and generally tidy up, which I managed over 2 days before collecting my partner, Ronnie from hospital, so he can convalesce with me, as he recovers from hip replacement surgery.
Inspiration was slightly lacking this morning, but when I felt the cold water caress my body, chilling me, forcing me to breathe slowly, to absorb the minerals and salt, and blink at the morning sun, I felt restored. Furthermore, every day when writing my 5 Minute Journal, I factor in time for myself: to walk, read or write. Previously I have been guilty of attending to the needs of others to the detriment of my own physical and emotional requirements, but I choose daily affirmations, with care, while comfortably addressing the need to be true to myself, looking for external prompts if necessary.
Whether inspiration comes from an act of nature, such as a sunrise or sunset, the words of an author or lyricist, the determination of the wizened lady pushing her wee ‘buggy’ around the local park, hoping to catch sight of the elusive woodpecker, the local businesses who show up daily to provide a service unlike any which can be achieved in a large shopping centre, or indeed online, or whether inspiration comes from someone close to you who has overcome an obstacle which was holding them back, take time to admire, respect and learn from the actions and words of those around you.
Following on from my last blog post and getting that thing off my chest about ‘mostly men’ using social media messaging to spread misogyny, hate and degradation between each other, I was prompted by some followers, that women can be just as guilty of perpetuating unpleasant, hurtful and hateful attitudes through social media outlets as men. The recent classified leaks in America came from what was believed to be a closed gaming friendship group. Allegedly the messages were seen by a much wider group with an international following, so information was shared, and re-shared and eventually leaked.
Words have actions - better to spread kindness and inspiration.
PHOTOGRAPH:
This collection of objects is beside my bed and serve to remind me every day to be grateful for who I am.
The crystal paperweight was given from a parent when I left Leith Academy 8 years ago and is inscribed: ‘Charli, Someone to Inspire and Teach Someone Who Inspires’. The ‘Someone Who Inspires’ refers to their child who is autistic and has ADHD, and, with it, a steadfast determination to achieve a positive outcome pursuing their love of art.
Another former pupil who is also Autistic and has ADHD called me last week to announce that they finally had a paid job. They were so excited, and I told them I was proud and inspired: they have been volunteering since leaving school, rather than hanging around waiting for something to come their way.
Look for inspiration all around you, and learn to inspire yourself along the way.
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