Usually as I am getting ready to start my day in the morning, I like to have some classical music playing in the background because it has no lyrics to distract me from my thoughts. For me, classical music has an enriching quality that allows me to think and prepare for my day more effectively.

At any rate, as sometimes happens with random things, one day last week I was struck by a song that had begun to play. I was in the middle of my morning routine, but this song made me stop and listen, just for a few minutes. It happened to be Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” I was hooked. It is my absolute favorite of musical pieces. It is a brilliant and majestic piece of music that, even though it is very popular, never (at least to me) loses it’s vitality.

If you’re not familiar with the tune by its name, if you heard it, you would instantly recognize it. It is typically played as a solo piano piece; slow, methodical, it unfolds quietly in geometric rhythm and beauty. It stopped me, and forced me to put my busy routine on hold. I had to pause and listen; I had no choice. I was inspired.

What is it that inspires you? Is it a piece of music, or maybe a favorite story? Maybe it’s a quote or inspirational video or movie that grabs your heart and causes you become energized, or revitalized, or to remind you of who you are. Inspirational things have that effect on your life. They allow you to close out everything that can cause you to be distracted; distracted from what you need to be doing, what you are really all about. And they bring you face to face with the fact that there are bigger purposes that make all of the stress and the struggle worth it.

Don’t lose sight (or hearing!) of what inspires you. If you live life uninspired, you will never be doing your best in life or bringing the best you have to offer to work. Living life in an inspired way is what gives your life value and makes you who you are. Be inspired to do your best, and you will inspire others around you.

“Keep your fears to yourself, but share your inspiration with others.” -- Robert Louis  Stevenson