Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.”

– quote by Scottish mountaineer William Hutchinson Murray

Note: While this quote is often said to be by Goethe, after checking various references, it appears that is not true.

I love this quote.

When you aren’t fully committed to something, it is much easier to just give up.

When you make a decision and a commitment, however, you begin to take action.

And when you begin to take action and your thoughts and actions are in line, you often see opportunities open up in new and surprising ways.

Is there something you want? Are you ready to make a decision and a commitment?

"Dream Conversations" by Sally Evans

Making your dreams come true and living your desired and inspired life is an ongoing journey of discovery.  And a process.

Don’t you sometimes wish you could just push a magic button and everything would be perfect – now?

But it really isn’t about achieving one goal or one moment that defines your happiness or your life.  It is about the journey of discovery and the adventures and opportunities along the way.

I have spent a lot of time resisting the fears,  risks and even some of the joy and excitement along the way.  I have spent a lot of time getting in my own way.

Realizing that all the stages, including  failing, trying again, re-evaluating, re-inventing and refining goals are part of the process of living my dreams allows me to see it differently.

Just like the creative process which has it’s moments of excitement and momentum along with lulls and incubation.  It helps to know there are a myriad of stages and the feelings that go with it that allow you to continue to grow.

Your journey is usually a series of spirals and rarely ever a straight line.

Even though it might be frustrating – isn’t it comforting to know it’s not black and white? There isn’t a check point at the end of the line where someone stamps your Dream Card- granted or denied.

And if you are discovering and appreciating the journey along the path of your dreams, you’ll expect twists and turns along the way.  You won’t give up so easily when you encounter them, and you may even come to regard them as opportunities to grow.

I have recently starting using Springpad and I love it!  Since I have online businesses and do a lot of computer work, I am constantly finding resources, websites, and items I would like to save.

Well, my old method was to print things out.  And depending on what it is, I still do.  But I was getting buried in paperwork and then I had to file it!  More work, more time, and more paper!

With Springpad, I can bookmark a site, or a page, or clip something, and save it online.  I especially like that I can easily add tags so I can search or find it later.

Let me give you a couple of examples of how I use it.  I might be working on a project, and come across a site I would like to explore later…because I’m trying to focus on the project at hand!….I can “spring it” and add appropriate tags and a description if I need it.

I have used it for creativity and time management sites, cool artists, craft or home projects, recipes, website designs I like to help me re-design my jewelry site, virtual assistants or affiliate partners, research for articles, and lots more.

If you are planning a trip, you may want to save several hotel sites, or siteseeing activity sites, restaurants, etc. that you can reference later without writing down all the information or printing it out.

SpringPad also has specific folders for books, recipes, wine, music, movies, businesses, contacts, etc. if you want to use those.

They have a button that you can drag to your toolbar that makes it really easy to just click and add the page or site you want to save.

Keep Track of Your Lists

I haven’t used this feature yet but you can also create lists such as shopping lists, task lists, or checklists.

Add Events, Coordinate with Google Calendar, and Set Alarms

You can add appointments, events, or set an alarm.

You can access your information from anywhere online.  You can send other people your finds by email.  You have an option on each entry to make it public or private.

You can access your bookmarks and lists from your mobile phone.  And there is an IPhone app for it.

I may have to move into the 21st century and get an IPhone or Blackberry.

I haven’t even begun to explore all it’s uses but what I’m using so far is great.

If you have other ideas for how to use Springpad or use other services that you really like, please add a comment and share your experience.