Don't Think Outside of the Box- Get Out of the Box! (A word on Inspiration and Creativity)

After coming home from a trade show a few weeks back, I was tired.  Many collections designed and made, and the website updated, there was a breath of fresh air to be had. So much time spent, efforts made, product to be sent to new stores….While exhausted, I  still felt inspired and driven. This company continues to be exciting and while not easy, provides a continual creativity stream which keeps me going.....inspired and curious.
I believe that where there is inspiration, there is curiosity. There is a need to wake up in the morning to see and experience more.  It can help shine a light where there is no hope. Time doesn’t creep by but races; often I find hours have passed when I am making jewelry and I haven’t noticed. In the veil of inspiration, you too may feel driven, happier, and content.  It can often be transformative. 
Inspiration is not necessarily driven by money or self worth. Inspired people can often feel that something is driving them, that there is a power greater at work in themselves. 
But let’s be real. Sometimes inspiration doesn’t come easy. In fact, it may feel completely elusive and out of reach. So the question begs itself; why are some people inspired and others not? Perhaps you are feeling at this moment, dull, uninspired, like you are doing to just do. Are you on auto-pilot? Are you ready to feel inspired? 
Here is my suggestion: start small by focusing on being curious. While walking your dog, notice the sky, clouds and breeze in the trees. In the grocery store, keep your head up and your eyes watching those around you and  their movements. If there is a topic you want to know more about, read, or go online and investigate it. You are exercising the part in your brain that keeps you focused, alert, and attentive. As you become more curious, you will start to become

​more motivated. It's been researched- in fact higher levels of dopamine are released as you interact with something new to you. Theory is that curiosity is imperative for us; we need the motivation to explore and experience, enjoy new relationships, and acquire more knowledge to evolve as human beings.
What inspires you?  Please leave a comment below or email me directly.
Blessings,
Gillian
​See some jewelry that may help with inspiration.

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