What is your source of daily inspiration?

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl

Each day I try to stay present enough to experience magic, even if just for a moment at a time. 

Often these moments catch me by surprise, and this is always better – I’ll be sitting on the train, look up from my book, and catch sight of an unlikely patch of bright flowers on the side of the tracks. The sun will hit my cat’s fur and glitter, for just an instant. A breeze moves through still air and my whole body is refreshed, almost instantly.

Every day magic: the unassuming, thoughtful, quiet moments that come to life because we know how to appreciate them. 

Listen: a reminder that when we stay present, magic is everywhere. Original painting, fine art print, and note cards available in my shop.

As an artist, especially as an artist who believes so deeply that we all need sources of daily inspiration, I am always thrilled when I experience something lovely and unexpected.

One such moment came this weekend when I was working on a new painting.

I’m currently frustrated with this painting, as it’s in the stage where nothing is quite working out yet. When my paintings are in this stage I do a lot of experimenting, playing, and fixing as I try to figure out the direction I want to go.

Sunday felt like an extreme case, however, as I painted something new and then immediately covered it up. Painted, then covered it up. Repeat, repeat.

I started to get really frustrated at myself that I couldn’t create something beautiful right away, and before long my frustration was affecting my productivity and overall mood.

I pulled back from the painting, turned off the music I was listening to, and closed my eyes.

What I noticed then was the sound of crickets, which I’d been completely missing as I concentrated on the painting and the music.

Crickets create a messy, soothing sound that always reminds me of the end of summer. The sound brings me back to lying in bed as a child, the window open, feeling comforted that the world would continue to live and hum throughout the night as I slept. The sound brings me back to feelings of warmth, and stillness, of settling down.

And so, what did I need in that moment of intense frustration?

Exactly what I received: a soothing, meditative hum that reminded me of times when I felt calm and at peace.

Hello, magic!

I know how hard it is for all of us when stress and busy schedules rule our days. I can always find 30 seconds, however, to honor the power of a beautiful moment when it seeks me out.

As for the painting, I’m letting it sit for a few days. I always find that new breakthroughs come when you step away and come back with fresh eyes.

Have you ever experienced a little bit of unexpected magic in your day? I’d love to know what inspires you! Let me know one example in the comments below.

xo,