It's Monday morning and, with a jolt, I am awakened by the alarm clock. I really want to open my eyes and go out and tackle the week. Truthfully, I open my eyes after the 2nd snooze and slowly begin to accept the reality that a new work day has begun. As my day begins, I look up toward Heaven and I'm thankful to be alive and excited about my job. Truthfully, however, I'm not a morning person so I get up and pour myself a fresh cup of "liquid ambition" and begin to think about the week ahead.

As I look, enthusiastically, at the new week ahead I'm wondering about the challenges I will face and the obstacles I may have to overcome. I know that I am well equipped to handle anything that the universe throws my way, but I am always on the lookout for that next bit of inspiration. My job is not a static job and no two days are ever alike but I know that no matter what happens I am in control of the week.

Each day, as I leave the house and head into town, I am inspired by the countless other people who are also starting their work week. I look at those people and my mind starts to wonder: What is it that makes them want to go out and take on that next big challenge or climb that mountain on the horizon? What inspires them to jump out of bed and rush into work? What about you? What inspires you?

Inspiration comes to people in different ways and in many different forms. At different times in their lives people get inspired to do great things. Some people get inspired to make earth-shattering changes to the world while other people are inspired to make small changes that seem to affect only their own little part of the universe. Inspiration is a gift that can be shared with others. While inspiration can be subtle, the effect of inspiration can be monumental.

Are you prepared to receive the inspiration that reveals itself to you each day? Are your eyes open and ready to accept the inspiration that comes your way? If not, here are a few things that you need to do to get ready to be inspired.

1. Accept that everybody has struggles and difficulty in their lives. Some people have struggles, like illness or the loss of a loved one that seem to be impossible to overcome but they accept that those struggles are a part of life and they always look for something about which to be positive.
2. Connect with your spiritual inspiration and have faith in a higher power. My mom used to tell me to let go and give GOD a chance to work miracles in my life. Whatever the "higher power" is in your life the point is that our lives are all guided by some other power that keeps our stars in alignment. When you give up your power to the Universe you begin to realize that excessive worry only makes things worse. Bobby McFerrin had it right: "Don't Worry, Be Happy!'
3. Remember that you are not alone in your challenges. Other people are facing challenges in their jobs and in their personal lives. Find a support group that is dealing with the challenges that you are facing and let other, like minded, people help you stay inspired.
4. Meditate, Pray, Jog, Pump Iron or Scream! Give yourself a chance to relieve the stress that you are feeling. When you are living a life where you are able to relieve your stress, without chemical interdiction, then your brain is poised to accept inspiration. Positive thoughts create positive results and letting go of stress is a daily necessity.

Once you find a source for your inspiration be sure to return to that source as often as you can. Inspiration breeds creativity and peace in your life which can then allow you to live the life of your dreams. Inspiration is the catalyst to your dream life, your dream job or simply a life of peaceful sleep and pleasant dreams. Go out today and give yourself a chance to be inspired!

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