Every once in a while, I do these posts that I think of as “pure inspiration.”

They tend to happen when I’m so overloaded and in need of inspiration that I seek it in every little thing.

I become so present in my busy-ness that I notice things that just sort of float by me when I’m not so busy.
It makes absolutely no sense…you’d think I’d be more present when I’m NOT busy.
But when life feels a little out of control, noticing the little inspirations all around you can make a big difference in your stress level.

Ready for a pure inspiration break? Here are a few things that kept me inspired over the past week.

My friend Nathalie Lussier sent this Alicia Keys video out to her mentorship group (including me) a few weeks ago. Judge me if you want; but it’s become my anthem when I’m feeling overwhelmed and just need to keep going. (Thanks, Nathalie. 🙂

I call this the Pacific Northwest Sky. It’s the view out of my living room window, and it never gets old…if I only take a few moments to notice it each evening.

Seattle sky

Forgive me if this seems self-serving, but a recent article I wrote for MindBodyGreen.com – Why Radical Self-Care is the Best Cure for Heartbreak – elicited so many inspiring stories in the comments (and in my email box) from women all over the world that I think I was more inspired by them than they were by me. Take a look when you have a moment, and share your story in the comments if you like.

MindBodyGreen: Radical Self-Care

Sorry for the potty mouth in this one, but I seriously ADORE this graphic. I originally saw it on Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook page and still giggle every time I think of it.

Spread kindness

My nature-loving mother will love this one: Last weekend, during a run at Seattle’s Greenlake Park, I saw a Great Blue Heron glide across the water and felt so lucky and inspired to have caught a glimpse (they apparently come through Seattle during their annual migration). I don’t have a picture of that particular moment – I was running, after all – but here’s a video I found online that is almost as inspiring as seeing this magnificent bird live. (Fast forward to 1:04 to see the heron fly across Greenlake…that’s what I saw. Beautiful…if kind of funny given what prompted the bird to take off in the video. 😉

 So, yeah, a random assortment of things, but they did the trick for me this past week. Maybe they’ll give you a boost too. 🙂

Now I want to hear from you! Tell me in the comments what inspired you recently.

P.S. If you’re in need of some serious inspiration around eating better, having more energy, or finally taking “figure out how to get healthy” off your to-do list, add your name to the preview list for the spring session of The Effortless Eating Program. I have something really fun planned for you…something I’ve never done before. More details soon, but get on the list now!