Cat mug here; salt candle holder here and here; coral reef here and here; Secret Journeys of a Lifetime book here; “Inspire” trinket dish here (similar).

We all want to live better, more fulfilling lives, but the truth is that many times, we find ourselves in a rut, completely unmotivated and uninspired - yes, we all have those days. Especially this past year and a half, having had to spend so much time at home, it has taken a toll on us.

I know I’m not alone when I say that I’ve had to put extra work and effort into simply not getting stuck, especially as we found ourselves in a completely new state during a pandemic. As I looked for ways to keep my spirits up as much as possible, I thought of sharing a few tips on living a more inspiring life, not necessarily for others, but for ourselves - for the sake of our own wellbeing. Here’s my list:

• Surround yourself with things you love.

  If you find inspiration in books with pretty pictures, by all means, bring more of those into your home and keep them in easily accessible spots for browsing often - those pictures inspired you when you saw them first - keep that feeling going. If a decor piece brings you joy - go for it. If you find a piece of art you love and makes you happy - or brings back fun memories, hang/place them somewhere where they can be easily seen to hold on to those memories and feelings.

• Bring some nature in…

  be it via fresh flowers, foliage, or even a cute houseplant - I promise they’re not that complicated. I say this all the time, but I find this little habit to always change up a room and lift my mood, and it can do the same for you.

• Hide the things that you don’t love but can’t quite get rid of.

  We all have some things that have sentimental value but are not exactly aesthetically pleasing. Don’t feel guilty about stashing them away - if they don’t inspire you, they shouldn’t be front and center.

• Declutter… unless clutter is what drives you

  Our minds sure work differently, and while for some, unorganized messes keep them creative/productive, for others, well, not so much. If you find yourself suffocating or unable to think clearly, take a look around you and see if the clutter is standing in your way. Think of what your mind needs and give it that, and you’ll soon find yourself more inspired.

• Make a point of meeting with people that you find inspirational.

  The truth is that our lives and perspectives are very limited since they are based on our experiences, and there’s only so much one can learn on their own. Meeting new people can expand our horizons and introduce us to new things and ideas, so make a point of pursuing new and “old” people in your life that you find interesting.

• Hit the shops, showrooms, etc.

  No, not necessarily to buy things - but to get ideas. Find things and areas that you like, pay attention to how they are used/displayed/arranged, and incorporate that into your home as well.

• Magazines aren’t obsolete.

  Oh, yes, the internet is full of ideas, and information, and whatever one can imagine, but having a hard copy of a magazine in your hands can still be useful. To avoid clutter, only keep the ones that truly interest or inspire you; revisit them whenever you need a boost of ideas or inspiration.

Salt candle holder here and here; coral reef here and here; Secret Journeys of a Lifetime book here; Oxford Atlas of the World book here (2020 edition); silk flowers (build your own bouquet) here; marble coasters here and here; coffee mug tray here.

• Go to places that inspire you.

  Museums, botanical or other public gardens, places in nature, the beach, or whatever other spots “charge your batteries”. Allow yourself to relax, enjoy and observe while there.

• Use your pretty things as often as possible.

  Fancy glasses, nice china, and whatever other things you keep for special occasions? They will elevate your everyday life, so don’t shy away from using them more often.

• Dress up!

  Again, I’ve said it before so many times, but I truly feel better about myself when I dress nice and take care of the way I look - in my eyes, that’s not shallowness - that’s showing respect for myself and is an act of self-care.

  I’ll ask you this - what is the point of “saving” your clothes and only wearing them when going somewhere special? How do you feel when you put a little extra care into how you dress? With that in mind, change it up sometimes, surprise yourself and those around you.

• if all else fails, give yourself a break.

  Sometimes, our minds are just tired, and no matter how much we push through it, it just doesn’t happen. It’s not wrong to give yourself a timeout when you need it - it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. When I really need that break, I immerse myself in a book, meditate, go for a walk, or head to my happy place - the beach. This always helps. What helps you?
  

  I hope you find these tips useful.
  

  Until next time.

  xoxo,

  Em