Inspiration Lives In Unexpected Places...

Or so it seems for me today. It's a rainy, dreary, damp day here in my neighborhood. I got up really early this morning and was ready to go out and take a walk. Might have been a good idea to check what the weather was going to be like.

But even still, as I looked out my window and realized it was raining and pouring "cats and doggies," I decided, "what the heck" and went for a walk just the same. I removed my "fun" umbrella, that I splurged on a year ago at a trendy little shop near Yale University, from its place on the floor of the backseat of my car, and packed up my camera and a few other essentials into my favorite vest and off I went exploring the hills and valleys of my area.

While I strolled along the streets, I became aware of the houses, the cats in the front windows, the dogs in the yards, the decorations on the front steps of various homes -- sights I rarely notice when I am running by these same locations on my daily jogs. The 3.1 miles seemed much longer but somehow there was so much more to notice, to see, to explore. I listened to the sounds of the highway traffic, the splashes from tires of passing cars, the barking of dogs I could not see. My senses seemed to be heightened.

With each step I took, each place I passed, I felt more invigorated to keep on walking, trying out new streets that I'd never gone down before. What an adventure! My usual half hour jog turned into a two hour exploration! I started thinking about how much more I want out of my life and how easy it really can be to find new ways of thinking and motivating myself to try new methods to achieve those goals.

Needless to say, when I arrived back at my home, umbrella still firmly gripped in my hand, unexpected inspiration in my back pocket and a few new photos snapped for my collection, I felt a little melancholy about leaving the raindrops. I think I'll check the weather forecast and the next rainy day that is predicted, I'll get out my trusty umbrella and go for another stroll.

Until that moment, I'm off to find other activities that will jolt my energy. I hope you all can find some of those same types of joys in your day and weekend!