10 Things That Are Currently Inspiring Me

This summer has been monumental for personal growth and maturity, and damn am I thankful for all that this season has brought me. Take a look at the 10 Things That Are Currently Inspiring Me, heading into fall. From my newest habit implementations to amateur kitchen adventures, see what has kept me inspired and intentional as I navigate through these times of chaos and uncertainty.

10 Things That Are Currently Inspiring Me

1. Creating Positive Habits.

   Not just any habits, ones that reflect the dream life I am building and have envisioned for myself. Putting positive energy into a situation will create a positive outcome as a result. And my intention and energy are the catalyst to my success.

2. Audiobooks.

   I have always enjoyed the comfort of a physical book so I never quite leaned into audiobooks until I found myself listening to more and more podcasts, subsequently wishing it were actually someone's book.

3. Vitamin D.

   And no, I'm not talking about the tall, dark and handsome one that lives in your building. I'm talking about good ole sunshine. Since I started 75 Hard, I have been going on daily mindfulness walks around my neighborhood, and man has it made all the difference! The sun and movement alone, have played such a huge role in my attitude and behaviors that follow it. Even on the days that it is 100+ degrees, where I am not jumping out my door, I wind up having a much more clear and centered mindset when I return, than I ever had before I left.

4. Leaving My Comfort Zone.

   My sister told me once, that I have to "choose your hard". I can ultimately, remain the same when I am unhappy (hard). Or alternatively, make a drastic change for the better, that terrifies me (also hard). Whether that is completely uprooting my life, moving somewhere new, starting a new business, a change in career, in beliefs systems, you name it. Moral of the story is, you can't avoid the hardships that life throws your way, but you can can choose how you respond to it. You choose what you endure in exchange for your desired outcome. Decide for yourself, don't let life ultimately decide for you. Choose your hard.

5. Vision Boards.

   These have become an incredible tool for me. I usually do a new one depending on phases or seasons in my life. When I feel a shift or am anticipating a shift to occur, I usually lean into inspiration found between the pages of a free Vogue subscription from years ago that has never really ceased. I tend to give myself about an hour in this endeavor, lead by intention and nothing else. And during this time I am given a window into what my soul truly, and subconsciously wants.

6. Angel Numbers.

   Sometimes I just need something outside of myself as a confirmation of what I already know to be true. I will google a number that I see in a normal setting, but strike me in a meaningful way for one reason or another and type "angel number" after. I'll take a deep breath and move forward with that intention in mind. Most of the time it will be something that has already been on my heart or mind.

7. Making Quality Purchases.

   This might be the Taurus babe in me, but I think loving what you spend your money on helps it also love you back. What I mean by this is when you choose to invest in yourself, purchasing items of quality that you truly love, makes you realize the attributes of the things you love and why you love them. It is a more conscious effort of tapping into the why behind the purchase or even larger, the action. Rather than mindlessly buying another item, for the dopamine hit from satisfying spending impulses, I choose to make quality and conscious choices around what i truly desire, making sure the purchase is in alignment with that.

8. Learning A New Language.

   Spanish is a language I never knew exactly how much I needed to learn it until I started learning. It opened my eyes to such a different perspective as language is often times, a tool we take for granted. Or at least I have. Working on a farm changed my perspective as to how many amazing stories and relationships I am missing out on simply over a language barrier. Then, I realized this is something I am in control of and became an iPhone student.

9. Cooking My Own Meals.

   Believe it or not, cooking my own meals have given me so much confidence and ownership of my life. I used to be the queen of eating out and subsequently, always stuck in a comparison loop. Whether that be my body or financial situation, convenience and speed always trumped what would truly fuel me. I wondered why my results were different than my peers, but refused to own up to the actions I was taking. Doubt was a huge factor holding me back as well. I had no confidence in my ability in the kitchen, let alone to create something healthy, delicious, and that I was proud of. I used to hold my breath in the kitchen out of pure anxiety, but i got through that by taking control of my situation. Rather than being scared, over time I became empowered. The show "Chopped" used to give me a pit in my stomach over time management, but now I am grateful for the ability to keep myself calm and under control. Fully knowing how capable I am now, and the health results that have followed eliminating processed food from my diet, has empowered me to take ownership in the choices that shape my future.

10. Childlike Creativity.

    Leaning into creativity with a childlike mindset has opened my world up to so many possibilities. When you were a child you were careless, you were free. You created with a sense of wonder. For so much of my adult life, I have put immense pressure on myself and my creative abilities, not truly believing that I was an artist. What I have come to realize through this journey is that you give yourself credibility, no one else. Nobody told you could or couldn't draw when you first picked up a pencil (and if they did, they can fuck off anyway). Your perception is art itself and your expression of this is what makes you an artist, not your talent. But the ability to create something from the depths of your conscious and unconscious mind, that in itself radiates art in its truest form.

XOXO,

INTENTIONAL STONER