Change = Opportunity

Trying to come up with the perfect gift idea but you're feeling stuck? Part your hair on the other side.

Trying something new forces you to free up your mind. We spend our days in a routine. We go to bed, get up and go to work all at the same time. We sit at the same desk or in the same chair or the same pew, watch the same channels, shop the grocery store in the same pattern, and on and on and on. Whether it's the food we eat, the friends we talk to, the things we worry about, we do the same thing over and over. Partly, it's human nature. It's comforting, and it makes us feel secure. There is nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all. And, it speeds things up, saves time. We don't have to think about where to find the yogurt or what so-and-so's sister's husband's name is.

But if you are stuck, or bored, or uninspired, the way out is easy. Change things up. I'm not kidding when I say to part your hair on the other side. People will look at you and wonder if you've lost weight or are wearing new makeup -- or something. They'll notice something but just may not be sure what. It's subtle enough to be different but -- often -- too subtle to be obvious. Interestingly, when people act differently toward you, you act differently. That's true but for another post, another time.

Back to needing inspiration: When you are stuck on something -- a question about how to go forward, say, or what gift to get for Aunt Edna this year, or simply looking for a new idea -- here's a thing you can do. Formulate your challenge as clearly as you can. Make it a statement, not a question. "I want to create a better widget for my client." Or, "I want to rearrange the furniture in this room so I have better flow." Or, "I want to feel more happiness every day." It really can be any challenge but be clear. I know: You have many questions. Just pick one for now.

And then ask it. Aloud.

And then let it go.

And go about your business but differently. Literally, part your hair on the other side. Or shop the grocery store in the opposite pattern. Turn your chair in the opposite direction. Take your walk on the other side of town. Whatever you do, take your question, your said-it-out-loud question with you. Keep it in your back pocket. Don't overthink it, but think it. Say it. Then do your different thing. Get into bed on the other side. Sit in a new room. Look out of a new window. Drive a new route.

And let inspiration come.

This works. And it reminds me of a Victor Hugo quote my Dad posted on his bathroom mirror as he was dying at much too young an age from lymphoma. It goes like this: Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously completed your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.

Your God, your inspiration, your answer is awake. It is already there. Let it come.

Peace, gratitude and love to you in the week ahead.