I have inspiration and feelings of being alive most every day I

In the grand journey of life, there are moments when the heart swells with the pure joy of existence, when the spirit feels fully alive, pulsing with the rhythm of creation itself. In the words of Judy Collins, "I have inspiration and feelings of being alive most every day I live," we find a deep, almost sacred truth about the nature of life. These words speak not only to the fleeting nature of inspiration but to the continuous, ever-present awareness of being alive, of feeling the pulse of the world in every moment. Inspiration, as Collins suggests, is not a rare gift reserved for the fortunate few, but a constant presence, available to all who open themselves to the vast beauty and mystery of existence.

To live with inspiration is to recognize that life itself, in all its complexities, is a wellspring of creativity and possibility. The ancient Greek philosophers spoke of Eudaimonia, the flourishing of the soul, a state of being that comes when we are fully engaged with life. To live in this state is to feel deeply connected to the world around us, to the people we encounter, and to the tasks we set before us. Inspiration is the spark that ignites the fire of action, but it is also the light that shines in our hearts when we stand in awe of the simple miracles of everyday life. Whether it be the sound of the wind rustling through the trees, the sight of a child’s smile, or the quiet stillness of the morning—inspiration is the thread that binds us to the world, drawing us closer to the divine mystery of being.

Consider the life of Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius in art, science, and engineering was not just the result of natural talent, but of an ever-present inspiration that fueled his curiosity and creativity. Da Vinci’s inspiration was not a fleeting thing, but a constant force that drove him to explore the world around him with unending curiosity. His notebooks are filled with sketches and musings, each page an expression of his deep connection to the world, an embodiment of his belief that life itself was a source of creativity. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding, his desire to capture the very essence of life, was driven by this constant feeling of being alive, of being inspired by the world he inhabited.

The ancients also understood this deep connection between inspiration and life. Aristotle taught that to live a full and meaningful life, one must engage in activities that foster the flourishing of the soul. For Aristotle, inspiration was not a passive experience, but an active pursuit that required engagement with the world. It is through our actions, our creativity, and our connections with others that we experience the fullness of life. To be alive is to be in constant motion, to be ever receptive to the wonders and challenges that life presents, and to respond with our unique gifts.

In our modern age, where distractions abound and stress often clouds our view, it can be easy to forget the simple joy of being alive. Yet, as Judy Collins reminds us, we have the power to cultivate inspiration in our lives every single day. It is not a distant dream, nor a rare event, but something that can be accessed by those who seek it. In the quiet moments, when we stop to listen, to breathe, and to truly experience life, we can feel this inspiration awakening within us. It is a gift that is available to all who open their hearts to the present moment, who allow themselves to be moved by the world around them.

The lesson of Collins’ words is that we should not wait for grand moments or rare experiences to feel alive. Life, in its simplest form, is filled with inspiration—it is in the connections we make, the tasks we undertake, and the moments of stillness that we find within. Inspiration is not a thing to be chased, but a feeling to be embraced in every aspect of our existence. Whether through art, work, or the act of simply being present with those we love, we can choose to engage with life in a way that fuels our spirit and awakens our senses.

Therefore, let us take action to bring inspiration into our daily lives. Let us seek the moments that fill us with wonder and joy, and let us make time for the things that bring us closer to our true selves. Just as Judy Collins finds inspiration in her daily life, we too can cultivate a deep connection to the world, one that keeps our hearts alive with the beauty of every day. Let us recognize that we are not simply living—we are alive, and every moment offers a chance to feel that vibrancy, to embrace the magic of being present in this fleeting, miraculous existence.