Playlists & Photo Albums

I find that inspiration can come in waves for me. If I could figure out a way to bottle the excess for when I need it down the road, I would. I can’t bottle it up, but I can definitely pay attention to things that inspire me and save them for a rainy day or when my vibe is lower.

Snap Your Happy

A positive of our super powered cell phone cameras is that we can take photos of things all day long. I have a photo album in my phone that is titled “Inspiration”. Think Pinterest, but in my iPhone photo album. Saving my inspiration shots or inspired moments captured, I can look at the album when I am not on wifi. This also keeps me from going down the inevitable rabbit hole of logging onto Pinterest (i.e. Looking for birthday theme decorating ideas… learning grid layouts for Instagram… cat owner hacks… the million and one uses for Dawn dish soap!).

Back to my photo album: I take pictures of all kinds of things. Quotes, text messages I’ve received that make me feel good, photos of outfits I like, quotes, nature images, quotes, cool strength moves, quotes, meals I might enjoy, and some more quotes. I love quotes and mantras! 

My “Inspiration” album is basically a small file of things that I can cue up based on what kind of inspiration I might need at the moment. Be it getting through a hard work out, being kind to myself, or deciding what is appropriate to wear to some event I am attending, I’ve got some inspiration or at least a positive starting point.

Music for the Uplift

Music works the same way for me as my “Inspiration” photo album. I have playlists to mellow me out, some that help me find the energy within to finish a workout, and others that just keep thoughts flowing through my brain.

Here are a few artists from each to help you get your playlists started or add to what you already have. Please share some of your favorites with me, too! I’m always updating and revising.

Mellow: Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Khalid

Finish with Fire: Dua Lipa, Flo Rida, Foo Fighters, David Guetta, Avicii

Flowing Thoughts: Sol Rising

These simple sourcing ideas for inspiration don’t take a ton of planning or thinking, which is why they are so great. They are also simple acts of your “current self” helping out your “future self”. What’s not to love about that? They can also happen anytime, anywhere. So, when you are sitting in line waiting for a kid to finish a practice, or you are waiting for a Zoom call to start, add a new song to a playlist, or snap a quick photo for an “Inspiration” album. Both can definitely help navigate a funk a little quicker, or help you sink into particular emotions so that they’re processed and released on your own terms!

I’d love to see your snaps, quotes, and songs!