How to Get Inspired

Writer's block is one of the most annoying things. Ever. Especially when the desire to write is there, but the ideas aren't. How to get inspired?

Notice the little things:

This is probably the most important thing of all. Open you eyes to everything around you. It's amazing how many new stuff you'll discover and notice. Notice the ladybug on that plant you're passing by, the sound you make when breaking an egg, the way you move your toes when you're nervous. Just notice anything and everything. A simple thing can lead to an epic idea.

The colored buttons on a remote control, for example, might inspire you to write about a very emotional character that goes from angry to happy to sad in no time.

Read:

I guess reading just really stimulates the mind. And you don't really see the effect of reading on writing, until you start writing. That is when a simple word, incident, or sentence in a book begins to inspire you to create something of your own. Besides, it's so much fun!

Go on a walk:

Except if it's way too hot or way too cold. Best weather is a little breezy, maybe a little cloudy and a little sunny. Take a walk to just look around, breathe fresh air, and of course notice everything around you. The sky, the dried up river, the trees, the ugly cockroaches... 

Have ice-cream:

Give yourself a treat for working hard. Enjoy it. (Vegetables with Hummus is a healthier choice, but it's okay to have ice-cream every now and then!)

Laugh:

Learn to love life. A positive attitude not only makes you happier, but it also makes everything around you nicer.

Feel beautiful:

Mainly because writing is a beautiful thing to do (as everything done with passion), and because every single person is beautiful in his/her own way. And because when we see the beauty inside us, we start seeing it all around us. It's contagious, just like that. And it will transfer to your work.

Start writing:

Don't just sit and wait for the inspiration to hit out of nowhere (although sometimes it does and it's just the most beautiful feeling ever). Start writing. Just put your hands on your keyboard and type, or grab a pen and a notebook. Write whatever comes up to your mind, the editing comes later.

You don't have to be writing to do those. You could be working on a painting, a presentation, a design... 

Self-confidence: The Key to Success

She was only 12 years old when that thought struck her; the thought that she will lead the French army to victory in their war against Britain. And that’s what really happened. On her 17^th birthday, Jane Dark headed towards Prince Charles full of faith in herself. She impressed him with her well organized plan to defeat the British army. There she stood in the day of war, in front of soldiers.

How did Dark accomplish all that at the age of seventeen only? The answer is two simple words, 14 letters: Self- confidence, something every person should have.

Every person in this world, big o small, should set a specific goal for him in life, something he looks forward to fulfill and works to achieve. I know this girl in my village that was too shy and afraid to take risks in order to get what she wanted. She was afraid of taking a step towards hitting her targets. She never knew the hidden secret behind every great accomplishment, the two words of 14 letters. Has she had self-confidence, she would have been able to approach more people, and have a more successful social life. She could learned how to drive, and could have had a higher academic degree.

I once read about this guy that lived in the United States called Harry. He was diagnosed for a disease called Lukemia and was told that his life would soon be over. Harry’s way out of seeing things changed from positive to negative. He isolated himself, quit work, and dumped the idea of getting married. The reason behind that was his lack of self confidence and his weak personality that deprived him from enjoying life. Five years after this incident, Harry was informed that a mistake was done and he was a healthy person. That was when Harry’s self-confidence and self-esteem came back to him, and he decided to continue his life with a smile on his face. He got married, and his life changed into an incredible one.

In fact, nothing had changed except Harry’s self-esteem. Self-esteem helps us face life positively.

Self-confidence and self-esteem can’t be separated. The both complement each other and both are very important in order to reach success and perfection.

You’re the only one that directs your life, your dreams, your hopes, and plans. So head into each and every day taking every single step into consideration, with a big smile!

Life is Too Short

     "Stop throwing ze cigarrettes on my lawn!"

     "I don't smoke, Mrs. Jefferson. I didn't throw cigarrettes on your lawn."

     I remember that day when Mrs. Jefferson started yelling at me with her heavy, Greek accent when I was out checking our mailbox. I used to always laugh at her weird accent, but I was too angry to laugh that day.

     "Agh! I hate that woman!" I was screaming as I entered the house.

     "Don't be so rude," my mom told me.

     "'Why you throw ze cigarrette on my grass?' Can't she understand that I DO NOT SMOKE!" I stormed to my room and slammed the door.

     Mrs. Jefferson was our grouchy neighbor- who apparently thought I smoked.

     On a sunny Sunday, I was awaken by a delicious smell filling the house.

     "Mmmm... Chocolate-chip cookies. My favorite!" I jumped out of my bed towards the kitchen where I found my mom standing at the sink, smiling.

     "I thought you could take some cookies to Mrs. Jefferson," she said.

     "But mom!" I groaned.

But of course, my mom always wins. Minutes later, I found myself knocking on Mrs. Jefferson's door.

     "I'm counting 'till ten, if she doesn't open, I'm outa here! 1, 2, 3, 4..... 21, 22, 23..." I was thinking. A whole minute passed by, and still, nobody opened the door and I was beginning to lose my temper.

     Suddenly, Mr. Vaselli, our other neighbor, shouted from behind. "She's at the hospital," I don't know why, but I felt really bad. Maybe scared that something might happen to Mrs. Jefferson. I started running back home. "Mom, we have to go to Mrs. Jefferson, she's at the hospital! No questions, just grab the car keys and hurry!"

     We reached the hospital and zoomed up towards room 201 where Mrs. Jefferson was lying down. I panicked when I saw tubes connected to her and an oxygen mask on her face. She opened her eyes and smiled when she saw me, and I held her warm hand in my palms.

     The doctor was explaning what had happened to her "She's assosiated with lung failure. I'm afraid she might not have much time to live..."

     "WHAT!?" I blurted out.

     "I'm sorry," said the doctor, and he and mom walked out of the room. Later that day, I asked my mom if I could spend the night at the hospital beside Mrs. Jefferson, and she agreed. I couldn't sleep that night. At around 1 o'clock, I heard her soft voice calling my name. I walked towards her, my eyes all red and puffy. "Don't cry," she told me, "Remember zat day when I yelled at you because you threw ze cigarrette on my lawn?"

     "It's okay. Honestly, it doesn't matter," I said.

     "No, no... It was me who threw ze cigarrette."
     "You... Smoke?"
     "Yes... I think that maybe if I tell you, your mom won't let you visit me because me bad woman."

     "No... Not at all! I'm... I'm really sorry I was always so... Bad and mean with you."

But inside me, all I could think about was that she should have told me. Maybe that way I could have helped her somehow.

     Then, she smiled the biggest smile I had ever seen her put on, and closed her eyes for the last time. Something started beeping in the room, and doctors rushed inside. I was asked to go home.

     Today, I regret how mean I was with her. Now, after she had died, I think of her more often. I remember how she used to welcome her visitors with a big smile despite all her lonliness, how she used to knock on our door in the early morning holding a basket full of hot, fresh cookies. And although she was sometimes grumpy with me, we spent a lot of good times together. I now think of all the lonely days and long nights she spent alone.

     When I think about her, I reevaluate my behaviors. I now realize that I shouldn't base my judgments on people according to one incident.