Dime Store Philosophy: Inspiration

I was thinking this morning about inspiration; where it comes from and how it affects us, or more specifically me.  There are some days where I think my sole purpose for the day is to simply survive and make it through until tomorrow.  Other days I am bursting at the seams.  I am consumed with creative energy and feel like Clark Griswold atop the Eiffel Tower who said, “My juices are…I wanna write, I wanna paint, I wanna sculpt something massive.  I want to…God, I just have a creative urge to…  I wonder if there’s a men’s room around here.”

Where does that inspiration come from and why do some things inspire while others do not?

I think it’s one part chemistry and one part dream.  Here’s what I mean: I think most of us want to be a painter or writer or astronaut or parent or whatever.  (or a combination like an astronaut painter who writes childrens books and plays the pan flute)  Below the surface there is a dream.  I am 37 years old and established in a career that I’ve always wanted.  Yet, I still wonder from time to time what I want to be when I grow up.  There is a dream.  I want to be a writer and a rock and roll guitar player.  Since I am closing in on 40 and barely a guitar player the rockstar vision seems a little far fetched.  But that doesn’t mean the dream is not there.  I’m still inspired by singers/songwriters/performers.  Inspiration comes from their talent, their ability to create, their look, their performance, etc.  When I hear or see it, I want that.

Here’s where the chemistry part comes in.  (It’s a two parter)  First of all, as I said previously, I want to be a writer.  I read a lot.  Yet, I am only inspired by certain things.  I can read Kerouac or Hemingway and want to take to the road or the ocean in search of what’s beyond my eyesight; the lure of the horizon.  These books are dangerous for me.  It is difficult for me to read Honeymoon With My Brother, The Sex Lives of Cannibals, or Following the Equator and not want to throw a few things into a backpack and go.  Yet when I read A Catcher in the Rye Salinger’s words did not inspire me to commit murder as others have claimed.  My personal chemistry is inspired by adventure and those who seek it out. 

Chemistry part II is found in relationships.  There are certain people in all of our lives who, like it or not, affect our day and our mood.  Admitting this fact to yourself will take you far.  This is why we need to surround ourselves by people who both care about us and are real.  I need those around me who are watching my back and want the best for me yet are “real” enough to let me know when my fly is down.  If you are lucky you have a few of those people around you.  People who, unbeknownst to you, inspire you. 

Regardless of where you find it, I hope inspiration makes it’s way to you.  I have a tumultuous relationship with inspiration.  It shows up when I’m not necessarily ready for it and sometimes, when I need it, can’t find it to save my life.  We are figuring each other out and have come to a mutual understanding.  We even have a cool handshake.  I’ll show you sometime.