Written by Michael Weaver | Follow me on Twitter | Free updates via Email.

Today I woke up, threw on some sweats that were lying beside my bed, and walked outside to snag the mail from yesterday. Mind you, I live in Ohio and in early March it’s still supposed to be cold outside, but not today! As I walked outside, immediately I was hit by the warmth of the sun and felt the crisp, clean air enter my lungs. I couldn’t ask for a more inspiring, wonderful feeling – knowing that I had the entire day and the freedom to make the absolute most of the day at hand.

Why don’t we have more feelings like this? I didn’t have to try – I just felt it. I was inspired.

Here is a method that I use to open my life to more inspirational moments like the one I experienced this morning.

1. Recognize You

Unfortunately, for many of us, we have days where our thoughts are dominated by the hot work issue of the day, or some other pressing thing that probably means very little in the greater scope of life. Those days are simply unavoidable and they happen to all people – but don’t let them get the best of you.

What would happen if you willingly and knowingly disconnected yourself from the pain or problem of the day? From personal experience and practice, and perhaps common sense, I’ve learned that this disconnect brings me back to the present moment and allows me to think clearly.

You can do this too – but you have to do it and be deliberate about it.

2. Open ‘Em Up and Observe

To be inspired means many things and it can be different for everyone. Appreciating your surroundings is a great practice to get in to. For me, I started being a bit more observational – and I recommend you to try it. In times mentioned above, problems, unpleasantries, etc. – I spend a little time really gathering and processing all aspects of my surroundings. I have found that in doing so, in return I get a clarity and a mental power to change my outlook and perspective. Make it practice to take in a moment, situation, etc. – realize your settings.

3. Gratitude is Key

Not long ago I began to get into a practice of giving gratitude. I don’t do it everyday, but the point is that I do it. Giving gratitude is one of the best, most rewarding ways to start off your day. It particularly works well when we are faced with adversity, when we need something, anything to get us past this present hurdle. After you disconnect yourself from your pains and problems, after you’ve taken in your surroundings, you can now begin thinking through things you are grateful for. I like to start with my health and some of the things I know I personally take for granted. So I start with being thankful for my health, and then it snowballs from there. It’s not always the same routine either, the things I am grateful for are different from day to day. Doing this on a regular basis shows you how dynamic your life is.

4. Treat Yourself

It’d be nice if taking a simple little approach like this totally eradicated your pains and problems – but I’m happy to break it to you, that ain’t gonna happen! This process changes your perspective and inspires you. It’s free, and you can do it whenever you want. You control what happens upstairs. Our brain is amazing – use these methods to squash common self-limiting thoughts. With the right frame of mind, right attitude, no pain or problem should be getting you down for long.

Heck, you can get good at this, that all of a sudden you’re going to find all kinds of opportunity and the bright side of these pains and problems that once hindered you.

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Image by Pinksherbet.

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