Finding inspiration

This weekend, I supported a friend who was running a full marathon.

We had been training together over the last four months, and while I finished my half-marathon a few weeks ago, we supported each other throughout the journey, so I wanted to be there for him.

I had reached early and was trying to figure out how to kill time before he was expected. I decided to visit the spectator area to find the ideal spot to see him finish.

I watched the runners finish and was quickly entranced by their facial expressions.

It is hard to describe — it is a mixed bag of joy, gratefulness, disbelief and pain.

It was an incredibly emotional experience for me, and it brought back memories of completing my first and only marathon six years ago.

It inspired me to build on my half marathon and focus on completing another full marathon.

While reflecting on those moments, I realised that the inspiration came from watching people complete incredible feats or be at the top of their game.

I’ve experienced something similar many times before:

• When I was 5, I saw my peers swimming in the deep end of the pool, and I decided I was no longer scared of it.

• Watching an ex-colleague balance his full-time job and family while executing a successful side hustle showed me it is possible to manage.

• Speaking with people who have taken up coding mid-career and made the switch to tech inspired me to learn coding in my free time.

Inspiration is all around us. We must seek it out, get inspired and do things we didn’t think possible.

Today’s Prompts

1 - Seeking inspiration

Inspiration is all around us if I choose to look. How can I seek it out instead of waiting for it to find us?

What does inspiration mean to me, and how has it shaped my journey so far?

Who has overcome challenges in a way you deeply admire, and what can you learn from them?

2 - Quote of the day

“Inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy.” – Pyotr Tchaikovsky

3 - The 'If you don’t have time’ Prompt

When did I last feel inspired?

Get the most out of your journalling:

• Choose one prompt: Focus on just one prompt each day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Be brutally honest: Reflect openly and honestly. This is your safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings.

• Take your time: Sometimes it takes a few days to clarify your thinking. Here’s permission for you to take your time to unravel a prompt and not take on any new ones during that time.

• Journal your way: Whether you prefer writing, audio recording, or video, choose the method that suits you best.

• Don't stress about streaks: If you miss a day, don't worry. You can always revisit a previous prompt.

I’d love your feedback

What was your favourite prompt of the day? Is there any specific challenge you want prompts for? How can I improve the content of the newsletter? Reply this mail and let me know!