Who's your Muse?

We are all artists - though we may not realise it! Each one of us is made with a unique creative spark, ✨️ a gift, given for us to leave behind when we pass from this world. You may find this hard to believe - you may not feel you are artistic or even recognise your gifting at all. Whilst it may seem to us that others have many gifts to offer - we all have at least one!

Could it be that you are actually the inspiration for another's gift? Perhaps YOU are the Muse - the one who lights the flame of their passion - the one who inspires the art 🎨 or music or creation?Does that sound impossible to you? ‘Who me?’ I hear you say! ‘…But I've done nothing at all!’ Yet it is not what you DO but who you ARE that impacts the world.

It could be the tender way you allow someone space to become the fullest version of themselves. The patience you offer whilst they develop their unique gifting 🎁. Perhaps it is the kindness, encouragement and acceptance that gives someone back their confidence, or the hand you extend to help them back to their feet?

Do you recognise who has been your Muse? Many of us will not! It is common to pass through this life with little to no awareness of the impact our life has on others, or to consciously note those who have impacted us throughout our lifetime. Yet every person, and every circumstance we experience, will change us in some way. Every day, in every way, we are always learning from the world around us.

Who is your muse? You will likely have a few throughout the course of your life. Each will bring their own special flavour to enhance your existence. They may be a family member, a neighbour, a friend, a lover or merely an acquaintance - someone just passing through.

Looking back, I can remember one such person, who’s name I never knew! They inspired me to write a play which was performed a few years ago at an Easter Celebration. It was about four brothers and their life journey along a river.

I was walking my dogs 🐕 along the cliff path one morning in the middle of summer ☀️ when I came upon a man sitting on a bench seat overlooking the sea. He was drinking a cuppa and reading a book, but he looked up as I was walking by, and we said hello 👋 and exchanged a few pleasantries. I thought nothing of it at the time, and carried on walking down the path. I had almost reached the bottom, when he shouted after me, calling me back. I was confused as to why - but I retraced my steps to find him standing to his feet.

He said he felt a ‘nudge’ from within whilst talking with me! An inner urge to give me the book he was reading 📚. He had hesitated because he didn't want to give it away. He said it was special to him and that it had expanded his view of the world! However, as I walked away, he felt agitated and knew he was being guided to give the book to me - despite his wanting to hold onto it. Of course I thanked him and politely declined, but he insisted, saying he would have no peace if I refused to accept it! I promised to read it, as it was special to him. I don't even remember the title of it now, in fact I have also given it away - just a few short weeks ago - as directed by an inner knowing.

The culmination of this short meeting was I went away changed. I read the book, and it inspired me to write the play. The fact that I am unable to remember the details is immaterial - what matters is the exchange. A chance meeting brought inspiration that inspired art.

How often has another person inspired you in your life? Have you held onto that inspiration, or released it into the world. There are so many opportunities for us to create in a myriad of different ways. Will you capture and then release them? Who are you being led towards in this moment? Will you be the muse for them? Or they for you?

Food for thought today.

Much love and every blessing 🙌

Carole X