Let's face it.  Life can be difficult.  It just can be.  Work 
pressures mount, family demands become overwhelming, health 
suffers, stress builds. 

I have to admit, it happens to me and when it does, when life 
gets to be too much or too hard, I put up a "CLOSED for business" 
sign and seek out a little inspiration.

Inspiration looks good (a beautiful photograph), smells good (a 
bed of roses), sounds good (Vivaldi's Four Seasons) and feels 
good (family photographs, your favorite movie or book). 

Surrounding yourself with inspiration helps you get and keep your 
life on track because it returns you to YOUR spirit -- to your 
center.  When you feel inspired, it's a sign you're touching a 
place deep within yourself.  From this place, you can create, 
plan, and simply live a life that feels better.  And when you 
feel better, everything runs a bit more smoothly, creativity 
increases, things get done, you feel happier. 

1. Inspiration is Heart Opening

Think about the last time you read an inspiring story.  Did your 
heart feel 10 times bigger than normal?  Inspiration opens your 
heart and when your heart is open you become more accepting of 
yourself and others.  You feel more patient.  Your general 
outlook improves.  Connecting with your heart reduces stress.

2. Inspiration Inspires Greatness

Have you ever seen a beautiful painting and had the urge to stop 
by your nearest art supply store for a canvas and oil paints? 
Inspiring works of art touch within us our innate desire to 
create art that's unique to us.  (art = an outward expression of 
your deepest joy)  

3. Inspiration Calms and Restores

Nature.  Fresh air.  Wide open spaces.  Sunny, hot beaches. 
Don't you already feel more relaxed?  Exactly!  Mother Nature is 
ready and willing to share her inspired works of art with us. 
She's made it highly accessible and totally free!

4. Inspiration Energizes and Refreshes

How did you feel watching Lance Armstrong win the Tour de France 
for the 7th time?  Did it make you want to jump on your bike for 
a 2400 hundred mile bike ride on steep mountain roads?  Maybe! 
Did it make you want to do something greater with your life? 
Inspiration is powerful because it touches the part of us that 
knows, deep inside, we're made for so much more. 

5. Inspiration Spreads Joy

Inspiration makes you feel good.  Just think of the last 
inspiring chain-email you received and passed on with a note that 
said, "I never do this but I had to share this with you!"  When 
you feel good, when the joy in you comes alive, and you share 
your joy with others, you impact the world in a thousand positive 
ways. 

The next time life feels difficult, put up a "CLOSED for business 
sign" and get out for a little inspiration.  You'll love the 
results. 

(Or better yet, let INSPIRATION come to you!  Subscribe to 
InspireYourDay.com today!) 

Cari Vollmer is the creative founder of LifeOnTrack.com.  
LifeOnTrack.com's inspirational e-zine, LivingOnTrack, 
offers practical success tools, tips and strategies for 
getting and keeping your life on track.  Sign up at: 
http://www.LifeOnTrack.com