Inspiration without action doesn't spark change

It's the school holidays here, and as we are not out of town during the vacation this year, I like to use these weeks throughout the year to have a good old sort. Embark on some organisational projects and cleaning tasks that are too time and energy-consuming during the regular school and working weeks. I heard something the other day that made me chuckle to my self while out walking- an expert speaking to advice on cutting out sugar and other indulgesnces we know dont serve us said somehting along the lines of - we dont need another cook book on our shelves that tells us how to eleminate sugar from our diets, we already know this, we just need to put it into action. Another book won't change that. A day or two prior to this, I had been through my large collection of cookery books and reorganised them in a different area of the kitchen and edited out probably a good 20 or so that I no longer reach for or are a little outdated.

This is so true! While I love to peruse a glossy cookbook at leisure, usually to draw inspiration from rather than follow to the T, No meal will be prepared from inspiration alone- I need to also begin the cooking process. 

While inspiration is indeed a wonderful thing and a huge motivator, its value is fairly worthless without backing it up with action, at least eventually.

Many of us are bombarded with advice, recommendations, and others' opinions daily- through colleagues, friends, television, printed media, and social media. There is so much noise out there, much of which either doesn't apply to us or doesn't align with us. It is up to us to create and honor a habit of asking ourselves,

 " Does this align with the life I am trying to create?"

Even if this is a topic or subject, or action that we have observed to be perfect for someone else - doesn't mean it is right, relevant or applicable for us. 

We need to put all this advice and information through our own filter, applying only what is relevant to us and our values and beliefs, and then creating a web of inspiration and knowledge from which to draw from, be inspired by, and thus act upon accordingly. 

Two areas of life I focus on daily and pay particular attention to in conjunction with endeavoring to lead a simple life of true contentment are health and fitness, wellbeing, and personal style. (This does not translate to diet and exercise, and fashion per se ) Its more of a personal overall approach that I am continually fine-tuning and honing to be relevant and current for me, in this particular chapter of my life right now. 

I try not to get too bogged down with the finer details of someone else's vision- be it style, food or workout related.  As is inevitable, these things evolve, change, and become outdated or surpassed. So find what works for you. Don't get too bogged down or attached to other people's advice, or ideas -

 The only thing that will serve you forever are the principles, values and skills of creating your own personal map and guide for how you wish to show up in your everyday. Be that a signature look, a way of eating, your work ethic and integrity, and how you choose to share and distribute your abundant gratitude and love, and appreciation of all that you have. 

I saw a quote pop up the other day that spoke to me-

So personally, today, after the indulgence of Easter yesterday with chocolate, hotcross buns and roast lamb, I am going to consciously put into action another snippet of advice I came across recently-

On my lifetime path to health, wellness, and longevity, I will endeavor to try to avoid foods with barcodes or long ingredients lists, sticking to whole foods in their simplest form. Of course there will be treats and exceptions, but if I can prioritize this way of eating- putting that inspiration into action, I know it will serve me well.