“The Search for Inspirado”

This blog has always been a creative outlet for me. As a confused nearly-25 year old that still feels like an awkward 16 year old on a regular basis, Crazy Crazy Crazy has been one of the few consistencies of my life. In the last year or so, I’ve made it a point to blog every weekday, so that I could spend an hour or two a week just writing and focusing on the things I love. Photography, music, movies, clothes, my family, my friends, my boyfriend. This blog is the one place I happen to feel most like myself. I work a modest job, live at home, and reside in an area that doesn’t exactly swarm with culture (you really have to hunt it down, but it’s worth it all the same).

Still, if I allow myself to get in a funk, the blog gets in a funk. While I was disappointed in myself for slipping away from my baby for a while, I guess it was necessary. I’m still shaky and nervous about it…I don’t want to give up on this little project I’ve been working on for three years. I’m not ready to. But what do you do when you can’t get back on the horse?

I guess everyone has their own ways of getting inspired again, but I wrote out a little list in the cute Hello Kitty notebook I carry with me at all times for occasions such as this. Why not share them? I noticed on a few other regular blog reads of mine that hiatuses and ruts and goodbyes were happening quite frequently. But that makes the whole thing more realistic, relieving. We all go through it.
So this is how I choose to tackle those completely uninspired times.

Isolation

It’s nice to be surrounded by loved ones, whether it be your family or friends or your significant other. But sometimes, you really just need to be alone. If you’re not alone, then how do you get to know yourself? I think I had a pretty good handle on myself in college. I would close the door to my room, blast some music, and just let my mind wander to whatever it wanted to. Since I’ve moved home (3 years ago, and I’m still comparing everything to college), I don’t have much privacy. And then, of course, when I stay with Brad, we spend lots of time together.
Lately, though, I’ve decided to plug in my headphones, close the door, and shut out the world for a while. The best inspiration and motivation comes from those moments when you really get to think your thoughts and feel your feelings, completely uninterrupted.

Blogs/Tumblr/Pinterest

Maybe this seems like cheating in a way, but this is what these sites are here for! I probably never would’ve started a blog if I hadn’t gotten into reading some really great ones (Like Rockstar Diaries or Cupcakes and Cashmere, though the list has grown plenty since the beginning). My love for these blogs led to love for photography, for the beauty in everyday life and the little things. When I was growing up, I kept journal after journal. I’d write until my hands were sore, listening to my music and letting the day flowing out of the pen. I love having the site to look back on, just as I’m sure other bloggers are thankful to click a random day in a random month in a random year and remember how great it was. Tumblr and Pinterest are basically there for inspiration. Sharing photos and music and quotes that we all can find inspiring. Heck, Pinterest allows you to pin something from any site that will allow you so you can always remember that great thing you saw! When I see great photographs, cute interior design, yummy food, pretty clothing…I get a jolt of inspiration.

Remembering Little Things

Quite a few people will argue that the best things in life are the little things. The details. After all, a whole day may stick in your mind, but usually there are a few specific moments that are what made up the day. The cup of coffee that warms your soul. Waking up and realizing your love is still holding your hand. A little flower making it’s way through the cracks in the pavement. The goosebumps you get from a beautiful song. The trees, bare or leafy, as you drive from point A to B. These are where you find the best moments in life. I don’t get to travel as much as other people, I don’t have as much money, I don’t live in a big city. But it’s all in the details.
Every life is special in those unique little moments when your heart feels full.

Fake it ‘til ya Make It

I know this is a common slogan for someone who is kind of unhappy. I think it counts with inspiration as well, though. You might not want to, but pull out the camera. Take a walk and look for something beautiful. Go somewhere. Do something. I am so easily put into funks. Whether the day is super stressful or tiring, I can be found curling up in bed watching TV. But nothing gets done if you do that. So you have to put on your shoes, maybe some pants without an elastic waistband, and get out and enjoy the time you have. Though, of course, some of my favorite times involve sweatpants and ice cream. But if you don’t take that initial step, whether or not you feel like it, you won’t get anywhere.

Be Open to New Things

It’s so easy to get into a routine and stay that way. But I love when I step outside of the box. I like to try new things. I like to try to try new things. From local restaurants that serve interesting foods, to a different beer or blend of coffee, to hairstyles and articles of clothing. It’s hard to get inspired if you continuously do the same things. Some of my favorite days (and consequent favorite posts) came from stepping out of the box or trying something new. I do lots of different things, but I often have to jump the anxiety hurdle before I do it. It’s very rare that I regret it. I’ve found new music, tasted amazing food, and spend endless nights with amazing people because of this.

Take a Breather if you Need It

Despite all the steps you can take to stay on the path, it is super important to step away from it all and shrink a bit until you feel ready. Much like taking a sick day or a vacation. Blogging is important to me (even if I don’t have a ton of readers), so I disappointed myself by not wanting to blog. But I also didn’t want to just settle and write boring posts. I wanted to keep my blog interesting. But I needed to focus on my life for a while, figure some things out, and get back into the groove of things. I am all about taking a break when needed. Coming from a girl who feels guilty calling off sick even when I’m hacking or feverish, it’s hard to step away. But it’s always best if you do. You come out better than ever.

 

These are my current steps in “searching for inspirado,” (a title I stole from the excellent Tenacious D) but we all have different methods.
Any suggestions?