Signs of Inspiration

Retirement is not an "end of the game", but the start of a new chapter. As the hot days of Summer seem to drag on it makes more difficult to gather the energy to garden or even hike. When hiding from the heat indoors with air conditioning for survival, the outdoor adventures loose the momentum. Outdoor time seems to limit many days of cool morning sunrise and quick trips around the yard moving a sprinkler. Inspiration to perk my soul is found so easily when I am outside. Not letting the heat beat it down! Summer makes us think and feel like we should be going, doing, making things happen. It is ok to step back, relax and enjoy the moment. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." — Sam Keen. There is a certain truth to Summer laziness, some days are too hot to do much.

Summer does not have to be always "productive" and on the go. Usually warmth and sunshine creates energy within which gets the inspiration flowing. The days of heat and managing to just stay cool can zap inspiration as well. Inspiration can be found in little moments and places and at times we have to seek it out. Those days when we are blessed with a few clouds sure sends a message from Heavens above. Clouds capture light and add texture, depth and something uplifting to the Summer sky. White and puffy against a deep blue back drop or the shimmering silver and gold lining the illuminates in the heart. Sunrise and sunset speak out when it casts colors across the sky if there are clouds to reflect.

Sunflowers have to be the happiest flower on Earth. The tall stalks the stretch up high and golden flower bursting to face the sunshine. As a sunflower reaches for light, its energy spreads a light of happiness. When you have to look up to the flower, the bright yellow against the deep blue sky is dramatic, bold and sends warmth. "Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadows”, Helen Keller. Be like the sunflower and keep your face to the sun and let the warmth be felt deep inside.

I realized not going on hikes, traveling and adventures, I also had not picked up the camera as much or written. I let the heat zap my inspiration. Don't let changes in a season, changes in life style, or changes of any form, change the heart. Grow with change and adjust the outlook if needed. Be adaptable and accept what life throws your way, if needed search a little when the inspiration seems to drain out and find in the simplicity that energy to recharge. " Change is constant and sometimes requires effort to maintain those things that are not open to change, life, liberty and happiness." - Dave Brown

So find it in a flower, the moment in the clouds, a sunrise, the stars or going to a local event and watching people. Find it in diving your nose into a book while laying in the shade or while harvesting in the garden and the delight of eating more blueberries as you pick than you gather to store. I can find it in bear poop! Hahah, that sounds silly but seeing a sign of my bears hanging around even when I don't see them makes me happy.

Once you find all the little joys that inspire your heart, you realize they can be so simple they never really left but were just over heated by the Summer sun. Maybe today, you can not climb a mountain so look closer to home. Keep the heart hydrated and drink in those little treasures.