How do you stay inspired? When external circumstances and situations seem bleak and your patience is wearing thin, what keeps you going? How do you keep your dreams and goals alive in the midst of difficult times?

I am constantly being challenged in this area of staying inspired when things get a little challenging. Patience is definitely not one of my strong suits. So when things do not move as quickly as I would like, it is easy for me to get frustrated and discouraged. There were times in my life when I would be thrown completely off course, taken off focus, because I felt blind-sided by the external circumstances that had me frustrated and stressed. Today, I am doing a lot better at managing my frustrations. I am learning that things ARE progressing and moving in my life, despite being on its own schedule. The key for me has been to enjoy the process. (Advice I constantly receive from one of my sisters!) I must not get so consumed with future goals that I lose sight of today. I must give myself time and permission to enjoy the present and to be grateful for all that I have today.

I am learning to keep my dreams in sight and in mind every single day, every single minute. When doubt sets in, I think about how I am going to feel when I look back on today and see the growth I've experienced. I daydream about conversations I will have with my husband as we examine our life. We will look back and say, "Wow! We did it!" Look how far we've come! We will embrace each other and be grateful for our strength and endurance along our journey. That inspires me! When I hear my children make references to the goals I have expressed with faith, excitement and anticipation, I am inspired! When I receive the faith that my children exhibit, my dreams ARE possible.

When you are hungry for the desires of your heart, when you will stop at nothing to pursue your dreams, inspiration will come easy. You will protect your dreams by nurturing them. You will filter out the things that show up in your life to hinder or block your dreams. You will remind yourself that you are living a life in pursuit of your goals, and that will inspire you. Many people cannot make that claim. So when things around you start to feel overwhelming and you feel like giving up, don't do it! The moment you decide to throw in the towel could be the moment that greatness is just on the other side of your obstacle.

So stay inspired! Find ways to keep your mind, body and soul enriched so that you can always find inspiration in your life no matter what the circumstances are. Find ways to be in the moment or in the NOW of your life, so you can be inspired to continue YOUR journey to greatness.

(c) 2008 Gwen Thibeaux - All rights reserved.