The Magic of Inspired Thought

Listen, listen, listen.

My mind is quiet and is now primed for that familiar voice: my writer’s voice.

When I’m not trying too hard or thinking too much, and I least expect it, she’s suddenly knocking on my psyche. (Sometimes, she whispers softly or cackles like a morning rooster!)

Here’s the inquiry:

Where does that crystal clear inspired voice emerge from?

“Inspiration” is defined as an outside creative source that ignites the spark of the creative genius within us. The book: A course in miracles describes living inspired as “living in spirit.”

I’m grateful that both of these definitions describe my own experience of living inspired and writing and speaking from divine inspiration.

I know that when my writer’s voice is present, I immediately recognize her introduction. I usually hear a title first and then an opening line or two. I stop what I’m doing to listen. I’ll pull over the car or jump out of the shower, and I’ll grab my cell phone and find my recorder or mark some notes on whatever paper is laying around—that is, if I can find a pen.

I used to see Richard look up (sometimes, even when I’d bounce into his office to interrupt his day) and he’d begin clicking away on his keyboard—and, I’d think to myself, “How does he do that?”

When I wrote Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Women fifteen years ago, I had never written more than an essay or proposal. I had no idea how to write a book solo.

It was easier than learning how to fly an airplane—or jumping out of one.

I would get the kids off to school, do my morning dishes, meditate, and then sit at the computer looking at the blank screen and wait for something to emerge. Thankfully, most days some idea would be inspired by a conversation with a girlfriend and it would just flow.

Years after writing that first solo book, I was so busy gathering and holding space for our family that I determined that Richard was the writer (and, there was only room for one in our household.). I didn’t understand how, like a tuning fork, he tapped in so effortlessly. Now, I get it.

Now, I understand how Richard was in the flow of creativity with less effort and more ease. It takes practice—like everything else. And, the other ingredient is trust. You must trust the process.

When Spirit shows up, I listen as if being guided by an internal dialogue with a familiar friend as she eloquently remarks on some aspect of life, sometimes with a bit of paradox and humor.

What comes to me is common-sense “kitchen table wisdom” that is spot on and effortless—like a rain shower that flows from nowhere and is over before you know it. That’s what tapping into creativity and writing is like for me. It’s like drinking from a water fountain. That’s what it feels like to be in the ebb and flow of inspired thought. And, I have a thirst to serve. That’s the other piece.

Thank you, Spirit, for showing up.

I am so very grateful for the everyday magic of being in the flow of creativity, of living my purpose to inspire your most vibrant life.