May. 19, 2013 - (Will Turner of Refuse Ordinary)



Are you living an “inspired” life? As I see it, an inspired life is one that first, and foremost, resonates with you. It’s living to your potential, living the life of your calling or purpose and living a life of passion. The bonus is that living your “inspired” life is likely to inspire others who will learn and benefit from your example. Here are 21 ways you can be that inspiration and live an “inspired” life:

1.Be Kind – Kindness is perhaps the greatest gift you can give yourself and others. It can be shared freely and will never diminish in supply by use. In fact, sharing kindness only magnifies its abundance. Whether it’s a smile to a stranger or reaching out with a helping hand to someone in need, kindness connects our souls and makes us richer for the experience. Just today, a bicyclist rode by me as I was standing by my car. He smiled a genuine smile and waved. Something about him was so intriguing that I watched as he rode past. On the back of his seat post was a make-shift cardboard sign that read, “You’re Perfect.”

2.Be Courageous – Live outside your comfort zone. That’s where the growth comes; that’s where the magic happens. Don’t let your fears hold you back from pushing limits and taking risks. The things in life that are worthwhile require you to get off the sidelines and take a leap. Just as important, let your voice speak out to your convictions. In other words, speak your truth, even if your voice shakes.

3.Have a Vision – It’s hard to live an inspired life if you’re winging it without a clear purpose and vision of what you want to create for yourself. Your personal vision should inspire you to the possibilities and the role you will play in your own destiny.

4.Be Authentic – You can’t be inspiring to yourself or others if you are not being true to yourself. Find your path and own it. You are uniquely you so embrace your YOU-NESS or as Dr. Seuss says, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

5.Do What Is Right, Not What Is Popular – At the end of the day, you must be able to look at yourself in the mirror and feel good about who you are. Live out your convictions with your words and actions. Follow your heart and be true to what you believe. Take a stand.

6.Be Adventurous – There is a huge world out there. Where will you go? What will you see? Whatwill you do? The answers will shape who you become. The more you engage in the world around you, the more you will broaden your perspective, stimulate your curiosity and connect to opportunities, people and possibilities. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

7.Give Back – We are at our best, when we are helping others. How can you serve, how can you contribute, and how can you make a difference. It can be in little ways every day or through a worthy obsession…or both. It can be as simple and profound as being a good parent or as bold as saving the rain forest. Whatever it is, do it with enthusiasm and reap the benefits of good karma.

8.Be Grateful – Gratitude changes everything. Embracing gratitude will change your focus to the positive. No matter how bad things can get, there are always things to appreciate. Being in a gratitude mindset unlocks the fullness of life and allows us to have enough, and more, than what you need.

9.Think Collectively (Globally/Socially) – Recognize that your actions have implications and consequences, not just for you but for others. So think of the greater good and the impact of what you do (or don’t do). Whether that’s being a good steward of the planet or a contributing team member on a project, make decisions that make a positive ripple.

10.Have Less – Do More – With time, you learn that “having stuff” is not the pathway to happiness. Find happiness in doing more, not having more. As Cheryl Crow sang “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.”   More »