I used to operate under the assumption that inspiration was a random, capricious, and ultimately frustrating phenomenon beyond my control, revealing itself only when it chose to do so (often at the most inopportune times!)… and if I missed recognizing it or failed to act on it, anything creative that might have emerged from it was gone for good (or at least until the next time it decided to show its face).
I don’t believe that anymore.
Oh, certainly, it can (and does) happen in that oh-so-magical way – at times – and it’s important to keep one’s eyes, ears, and spirit open to see it and use it. But don’t wait for it! By taking a far more practical (but no less creative) approach, inspiration can be actively sought at any time, on any day, through a variety of methods and strategies.
If you’ve been following Alphabet Salad for awhile, you’ll know that one of the ways I seek inspiration is through participating in photography challenges. Instead of waiting around until I happen to notice the perfect shot, I’m learning to take creativity into my own hands by using daily challenge prompts to inspire a beautiful, or clever, or inventive photo in response. It may not work every time, and the process may sound rather forced and unromantic, but I’m grateful for the way such exercises stretch my thinking and motivate me to look a little deeper instead of passively waiting and hoping for that lightning strike of inspiration to hit.
So in that vein, and without further ado, here are my responses to the latest “Photo” theme prompts for NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month).
Hope you enjoy!
May 1 photo in this post
May 2-4 photos in this post
May 5-8 photos in this post
May 9 photo in this post
May 10-11 photos in this post
May 12-18 photos in this post
May 19-21 photos in this post
May 22 – Inside
NaBloPoMo May 22, 2015 – Inside
May 23 – Outside
NaBloPoMo May 23, 2015 – Outside
May 24 – Upside Down
NaBloPoMo May 24, 2015 – Upside Down
May 25 – Nature
NaBloPoMo May 25, 2015 – Nature
How do you seek inspiration?
Please share!
→ What is #MicroblogMondays?
→ #MicroblogMondays 39 linkup here!
