Our Great City

 Article Submitted by:  Dr. Laura Steves

There are plenty of things that disguise themselves as inspiration in our culture. We may leave a movie, a meeting or get up from reading a book with a good feeling. These things may have left us happy, uplifted or simply entertained, but these feelings fade withy time. Inspiration, however, is something more.

When we are inspired by something, we can't sit still. We feel the urge to do something. Inspiration changes the way we look at the world, or how we look at ourselves. It's not just a fleeing, warm and fuzzy feeling; it is a shift in perspective that changes everything.

We know inspiration when we see it, but it's hard to know how to inspire others. First, we need to really own the ideas or words we share with others to inspire them, because nothing is less inspiring that a half-hearted cheerleader. Pretty words and nice thoughts may evoke a smile, but real conviction, a challenging point of view or an urgent call to action have the power to inspire.

The literal meaning of the word "inspiration" is to breathe new life into something. We enliven others by giving them purpose, hope and achievable goals, not just by patting them on the back and filling their ear with empty cliches.

Most important, perhaps, is to set an example that demonstrates the very things you're trying to share with others. So if you're trying to inspire others to recycle, show them how recycling has made your life better. Make it concrete, and keep it simple. Don't expect lofty, abstract ideas to inspire when real-life experience is something more people can relate to.

Remember that inspiration is not the same thing as being happy all the time. Living an inspired life is hard sometimes, but the sense of urgency to create, to change and to grow is more fulfilling than the bumps in the road along the way that might otherwise derail a good feeling. Hope and vision are sustenance for the journey, so to be truly inspiring, give those looking to you the tools they need for the change they seek.