Daily Inspiration

Some days I get up and just don’t really want to face the day ahead of me. Whether it’s because I’m in the midst of a trial or just that I have a busy day ahead and don’t want to do anything on my to-do list, I know the day is coming whether I am interested in it or not. Life is meant to be joyful, but even a joyful life has trials and tedium and I can’t let that destroy my God-given right to joy. This means I need to rework my state of mind.

I work through my day best when I’m focused on what really matters. Even when the day just has errands and chores, if I do it with a focus on the eternal significance of the responsibilities, I face them with a more cheerful heart. This means I have to seek out a source of inspiration. Following are some ways to start your day with daily inspiration that will keep you going through the most challenging or tedious of days.

Scripture Study

The scriptures are the ultimate source of inspiration. Each time I read them, I find new gems that help me with my daily challenges. Because I’m in a different place in my life each time I read, different verses stand out with each reading and sometimes familiar verses give me a different message, depending on what is on my mind. Once you’ve read through the Bible, consider tackling the Book of Mormon. There are many sermons in the book that provide inspiration to people of any faith.

Before studying, pray for guidance and understanding. Keep a colored pencil handy so you can mark the verses that have particular meaning and record notes about what comes to mind.

A scripture notebook can help you remember the inspiration you receive as you read. Record the thoughts God places in your mind as you study and how specific verses change your life or mood.

Prayer

Many people say a fast prayer and then rush off to start their day. When we do this, we lose the opportunity to receive inspiration directly from God. Try this: After you pray, stay on your knees for another ten or fifteen minutes. Stay very quiet and try not to impose your own thoughts on the moment. Let God place in your mind what He’d like you to know. You will often find answers to the questions you have asked or solutions to your problems. Sometimes you will find unexpected guidance on a subject you weren’t even asking about. Just use the time to feel close to God and Jesus Christ. That brief pause to be loving and thankful opens your heart to daily inspiration.

Create your own Thought of the Day

I receive a number of emails with inspirational thoughts of the day. However, many of them have no particular connection to my own life or have no impact on me. If you make your own, you can be certain every thought will be meaningful to you. Put them into a file card box, marked with the date so you can pull out one each day, or write them on slips of paper and draw one out of a pretty jar each day for a more random bit of daily inspiration.

Inspirational People

The people around you can impact your mood. Surround yourself with people who have a great attitude towards life. Make a point of regularly visiting people who inspire you—and look outside your usual circle to people who have few visitors. An elderly or disabled person might be just what you need, and your visit will enrich that person’s life as well.