Feeling Inspired?
By Kimberly Smith, Associate Editor
ksmith@sunpiperpress.com

This is the time of year when our hearts grow wider and goodwill seeks its chance to fully shine. For a writer or poet, the perfect opportunity has just presented itself. There is a multitude of inspiration all around you. Take advantage and observe the similarities, as well as the differences, between people. You might be surprised at what you discover.

Our beautiful planet consists of great diversity. 

Unfortunately, it seems as though the plan to create us in alternating molds, has inadvertently encouraged the onset of wars and broken the gracious spirit of mankind. But it has also caused many of us to outstretch our arms to embrace and protect one another. 

There are several different holidays celebrated throughout this frosty season, each one unique and special to those who observe them. Why not involve yourself in all of them? As an outsider looking in, maybe you’ll be able to develop a tolerance for another’s faith and/or beliefs and help to seal one of the many misleading gaps through the precious gift of your words. Understanding is the key to knowledge and I’m convinced that we could all use a little more of that! 

It’s hard to accept what you don’t understand—isn’t it? 

I have yet to understand my teenager, but I’m an active participant in his life and what he deems as important--even though we may butt heads on what those particulars are. Nonetheless, I try to understand. That’s really all I have to offer him in the long run. And if I can’t do that, then I might as well not even bother. 

I could easily wrap myself up in the “my way or no way” blanket and comfort myself with that very notion; however, I’d expect that somewhere down the line, my reluctance to appreciate what he values will eventually cause my safe haven to fall apart at the very seams. 

That’s simply detrimental to us both.

Attempt to create a new awareness for yourself and then share that awareness with the rest of the world. If your aim is to make a change, that same change starts from within. And once that ball gets rolling…no one can stop you! How you feel inside, is controlled only by you, and no one else. 

Now, tell me—are you feeling inspired?