What is inspirational and stimulating is different for everyone. What we need may shift from moment to moment, but it helps us build up our toolbox of ideas to keep us going, and so we have the right thing to pull out when we need it.
Our interviewees have suggested many things that they find useful for them. See which of these resonate for you, and add your own ideas as well.
Maria Reinat-Pumarejo, nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize and co-director of ilé: Institute for Latino Empowerment, shared that for her, being in nature was something that gives her peace and recharges her batteries.
Many interviewees spoke of using music as a mood shifter. Listening, playing or singing music and even dancing to music are all stimulating and inspiring, from time to time.
Ines Cifuentes, a Ph.D. in Seismology, former Director of the Carnegie Academy for Science Education (CASE) and winner of the 2008 Hispanic Heritage Award for Math and Science said that working out is something that motivates her.
Another big motivator was simply talking to friends and being around other women. Juana Bordas, President of Mestiza Leadership International, and Dr. Ana Nogales, clinical psychologist, founder of Nogales Psychological Counseling, Inc., and Clinical Director of the nonprofit organization, Casa de la Familia, were two of the women who referred to this motivator.
A really interesting idea was shared by interviewee Rita Jaramillo, Senior Liaison, Community Outreach, Office of Governance and Policy, for the National Education Association (NEA). She compiled an "atta girl" book, where she saves certificates of achievement, notes from others that have commended her, and things that remind her of what she's accomplished.
This idea was echoed by one of our readers, Krista Contino Krahn, Intellectual Property Attorney, who wrote, "Whenever I receive a compliment from someone I trust or admire, I keep it in a draft email along with the others. am feeling bad about myself, I look at what is now a pretty hefty list of kind things people have said to me over the years. "
This idea of an "atta girl" book, folder, box or file is a great one, and one I think we could all cultivate.
Jeanette Cisneros, Family Practice Doctor and Medical Director of a Public Health Clinic, says she uses humor and laughter as a motivator. Do not we all love a good laugh?
Naomi Helena Quinonez, Chicana poet and educator, American studies scholar and a Latina cultural advocate, writers to inspire both herself and others!
Marcela Landres, one of the few Latina editors in book publishing, and an Editorial Consultant, spoke of reminding herself how far she's come and the blessing she has in her life to motivation and inspire herself.
Is not it amazing that the ideas and suggestions for stimulating ourselves are almost endless? What works for YOU? Consider carefully what makes you feel special, warm, cared for, inspired and moved.
And then … add more of that to your life! Is not this a great time to start doing great things for yourself? Do something just for * you * today!
Source by Aurelia Flores