Thoroughly Inspired

Every now and then I get in these really good moods where I feel thoroughly inspired. I think that's the best word to explain the feeling. Through and through, head to toe, inspired. There are various things that can trigger these feelings of inspiration. An uplifting church meeting, quality time with my husband, a trip to the bookstore, a needed conversation with a friend or family, being impressed by a character in a book/movie/show, delicious food, Boden catalogues, reading a blog, beautiful scenery, the perfect weather . . . I mean, some of this may seem silly, and everyone's "list" will be different, but this is me. You know what I mean? I hope you do. It's all the little things that, together, leave you feeling hope, happiness, and contentment, so strongly that you just feel happy to be alive.

 Now don't get me wrong, my life isn't all sunshine and butterflies. Just a few days ago I was breaking down in tears over a bad day at work. In fact I had broken down at work, not during class, thank heavens, and things definitely didn't seem as bright and shiny as they usually do. I cried all the way home, even. But those moments always pass, and when they do it feels like a breath of fresh air to sit back and be inspired by something. To allow myself to "feel intensely" as my friend Elliot says in her recent blog post.

Here are a few of the things that have inspired me these past few weeks:

My faith. A hymn that is particularly meaningful to me, and the book containing the truths that lay the foundation for my faith and for my life.
"Reverently and Meekly Now"
The Book of Mormon

These blogs inspire me to enjoy every second of my life and to fill it with the things and the people that I love.
Enjoying the Small Things
Eat Live Run
Andrew and Carissa

This short video speaks for itself. Magic.
Ode to Summer by Kinfolk

Planning out my future flower garden

I know this one is weird, but Downton Abbey! Matt calls it my soap opera, and it sort of is, but I love how poised and graceful these women are. I want to carry myself like Lady Cora and Lady Mary do, have the strength and determination of Anna, and the innocence of Daisy . . . you Downton-ers know what I mean :)

Books that uplift and inspire
Fire of the Covenant: The Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies
Cooking for Mr. Latte

From the Ground Up

My Life in France

And, of course, this guy :)

Find something that inspires you. Have a wonderful week!