Inspiration's Returning

I'm starting to get my groove back and I'm not gonna question it.

Here's some things that are inspiring me lately:

• It's March.  Which means it's getting closer to spring and my favorite time of year.  The tulips and daffodils I planted last fall are starting to escape their winter slumber.  The kids are spending more time outside.  As soon as Miles gets off the bus he goes and look for worms.  And then brings them inside.  The other day in his room I found an old covered margarine tub that had some dirt inside.  There was something fuzzy growing in there.  I-don't-want-to-know-what.
• These two posts by Alisa Burke (I may have mentioned her before).  They show her playful, colorful, cheery art along with TOYS, like sand play therapy miniatures.  I really must get out the watercolors and start experimenting.  I'm grateful for her quick-to-view blogposts that I know are not quick to create.
• Artist Lori Portka is making 100 paintings for 100 different people and giving them all away.  I don't think I could give my art away--no one would accept it; well, okay, maybe family--but what inspires me most is her generosity.  Haven't I read somewhere that the happiest people are those that live lives of gratitude?
• My graduate students who are nearing the end, the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.  They are tired and stressed but they are hanging in there.  I am honored to share with them in their journey.
• Lately, on my 40-minute drive to work I've been listening to the Creative Living with Jamie podcasts.  Lots of inspiration there.  The only problem is when I get to the place I'm going, either home or work, there's usually something or someone waiting for me.  Stuff to do when I'd rather take a moment and journal about what I just listened to.  Oh well.  I'll figure it out.

Here's to March, worms, art, gratitude, podcasts, and the journey.

May you continue to inspire me!

In a Funk

I've been in a bit of a funk lately.  Have felt a little blah and unmotivated and haven't felt like blogging--at all.  I'm sure there are several possible reasons for this, one of which is that it has been raining a lot off and on and we've even been under a few tornado warnings.  (In fact, one morning I was awoken at 6 a.m. to the sirens going off after I had been up late the night before finishing a novel.) 

Last Saturday, it was actually sunny so I bribed Miles to go for a walk with me despite the chilly temperature and wind outside.  I thought that being out in the sunshine might help with my funk.  Yes, I admit I bribed him with, "we can even go walk up to the gas station and get some candy," because he was enveloped with his computer and cars play at the time.  As we were walking along, holding hands, talking and enjoying our time together, out of the blue Miles said, "Mommy, I love you!"  Oh, my heart swooned.  Note to self: Must do this more often.

Here's what I know about being in a funk:

Sometimes you will be in a funk.
Even if you are a professor or a counselor or even a play therapist.
Even if you are a creative type.
It just means you gotta be extra kind to yourself.
It means you gotta make sure you get enough sleep.
It means you gotta do some of the little things that make you happy.
It means you gotta be patient with yourself.
It means you gotta work extra hard to do the stuff that must be done and forget the rest for awhile.
It means you are imperfect.

It doesn't mean you're crazy.
It doesn't mean you still can't be helpful to others.
It doesn't mean it's gonna last a very long time.

It just means you are normal.