I often hear the question, “What inspires you?”

I gave this question a lot of thought and after much deliberation I can honestly say that everything inspires me. These things go beyond pretty pictures, DIY’s, blogs and outfit posts. I am one of those people who picks up inspiration from very random things throughout my day.

When I first started working in a hospital I did so because above everything else, I am inspired by people.

People who do good deeds, and don’t expect any kind of recognition. People who work hard for their families and make a name for themselves out of nothing at all. People who donate their time and money to help those in need. People who wake up everyday choosing to share their happiness with the world. Children who face terminal illnesses but can still teach adults lessons on life, and being happy. People who struggle, but never complain. People from all walks of life making a difference in one way or another. I just think that as human beings there are so many choices that determine who we are, and how we turn out. When I meet a genuinely nice person, my heart opens up and I feel like I can learn so much. I think knowing that there are selfless people out there, is inspiring in itself. I think it also needs to be said that there is something beautiful about the people who take what they are given and make something of that to benefit the greater good. It’s a different kind of inspiration, but inspiration nonetheless.

I am also very inspired by travel. Growing up I had two great loves. One of those loves was the love for the American spirit and way of life, and another was the love for my Cypriot and Greek culture. Growing up with such a unique and beautiful culture I find myself so open to different kinds of people and places. Seeing different types of architecture & culture is something that has always left such an imprint in my mind. I am inspired by colors, buildings, street signs, architecture, food and of course, different cultures in different cities. I love observing all of these things and soaking them in, letting them fill me up as I digest it all. I am inspired by the new and unseen. I am inspired by fancy cups of coffee and little boutiques no one has ever heard of. I find inspiration in every facet of traveling, and I think it’s a huge part of who I am.

This one may come off as a bit weird to you, but I am inspired by the weather. Do you ever wake up and it’s raining outside, and immediately you’re in a bad mood? Well when I wake up and it’s beautiful out, or even raining, I find that incredibly inspiring. I am inspired by the way the earth looks after a heavy rainfall, the way the sun shines on everything during a summer day. I am inspired by blue and grey skies, and by the soft breeze on a spring night. I am inspired by the way it makes me feel, and the things I do during these times. I guess what I mean to say is that the weather inspires my actions, and aids in my creative process.

photos courtesy of weheartit.com

I guess the reason I wrote this post was to highlight that inspiration can come from anywhere, and it can mean different things to different people. Of course I am inspired by blogs, pretty things, and beautiful photographs, but there is so much more to life than that. A great deal of inspiration comes from living, and that is not something one can explain merely through pictures and words. Experiences are the key to inspiration, and without those life wouldn’t be worth living.