Do you still create things? Do you feel inspired? I was reading an old journal post I wrote back in 2014. It was a memory of my then-seven-year-old daughter, Anabelle, waiting for her carpool ride to school. She had her backpack on over her coat and a small notebook and pen in her hands. It was a notebook with an elastic band around it to hold it closed, one I had given her as a gift when she was just six.

She dropped it and bent over to pick it up, saying, “It’s my music book.” I asked for clarification because I knew it was blank paper inside. She said quite matter-of-fact, “It is my music book. I’m writing songs.”

“Oh, gotcha,” I replied. And she turned back towards the window to watch for her ride. I watched her standing there as if it were completely normal to write songs and carry your art around with you, so when inspiration hit, you were prepared. Ironically, she is still writing songs eight years later and is a tremendously gifted lyricist. Who knows what the future holds for her in that arena. But re-reading those old words made me pause and ponder.

At what age or stage in our lives do we stop creating? When did we stop thinking it is just everyday life to do something extraordinary and act as if we could accomplish most anything? When did reality take over dreams to the point they ceased to exist?

I know our interests change as we grow, but why do we have to cease to be inspired? I think we allow ourselves to become so bogged down with the daily tasks and demands of our careers and juggling family and personal lives that we allow inspiration to fade. And it happens so gradually we don’t notice.

I have several exceptionally talented friends in different roles and industries who have found themselves waking up to hate their jobs one day. Some even own the business they created but have grown to resent. And most of us are too tired to give it more mental energy beyond acknowledging we are uninspired and lack passion.

A goal of mine is always to be seeking inspiration because I want to inspire others. And we all know we can’t give what we don’t have. But honestly, how do we get past the battle of overflowing inboxes, endless meetings, and deadlines? Not to mention a sink full of dirty dishes at home and clothes that have been in the dryer for a week?

Staying inspired has to be an intentional act. In my former business, I attended many conferences teaching goals and leadership. One speaker challenged us to spend 30 minutes every day just dreaming. Spend it daydreaming about our goals and desires. He believed this would build back the creativity and inspiration we had when we were younger.

I can’t tell you if it actually works because I never did it. My initial thought was, “Thirty minutes? Are you kidding me? You don’t have children, do ya, buddy?” Agreed, that wasn’t really the best response. I shot it down without giving it fair consideration. Just because something sounds ridiculous to me doesn’t mean it doesn’t have merit.

Anytime I have given a training on sales, leadership, or even a message on spiritual growth, I always encourage my audience to simplify. Go back to the basics. As we go along, we tend to overcomplicate things. We try to dress up too many things that don’t need to be ‘added to.’

So my question is, what if we wrote a song today? A really bad one. But still a song with a few lyrics and a catchy chorus? No, I have zero musical abilities or knowledge. Anabelle’s gift came from God, not her mother. But we don’t have to have talent to exercise creativity. No rules, just fun.

Because if we did that, what would we create next? How inspired would we be to take it to the next step and find a renewed sense of passion for something we loved to do. Go back to the basics. What did you love to do as a child? What were you doing that inspired you when you started your company or stepped into this career?

Regaining your passion and excitement is worth the time. You never know how your inspiration will impact others. I look forward to hearing some amazing stories from your renewed sense of wonder.

Thank you for being a part of the UBN community. You matter to God, and you matter to us.