Aryn Henning Nichols

Finding inspiration is, obviously, one of the main missions of Inspire(d) Magazine. We want to tell inspiring, relatable stories of our neighbors doing good things out there, so readers might feel inspired to do the same. (Inspire > Be Inspired = Inspire(d)!)

But sometimes, finding inspiration to move forward feels impossible. 

For me, this Fall 2023 Inspire(d) was one of the hardest ones I’ve ever made. 

On August 1, I got the sad news that one of my favorite friends from college took his own life. Chris was a shining light to everyone who knew him – funny, smart, a good listener – but he struggled with mental health and finding a path forward. And ultimately, he didn’t see one.

It was hard to do anything for quite a while after that day. Just walking around the block felt heavy. But I knew I was at least taking some (literal) steps. I thought about being a shining light for others, just as Chris was with his friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.

That got me going. That idea of spreading light was the thing that inspired me to take the next step, and then the next. Because not only did I see the light in Chris, I see it in myself, I see it in the people I love… and I see it in all of you. You are inspired. We could not make this magazine without you, out there, living this life in a way that inspires others around you.

For the days when you’re not feeling quite so light-filled, there are some small (and bigger) things you can try in order to seek that spark of inspiration, and we dedicate the mental health section of this magazine to this goal. I put together 16 inspiration ideas in honor of Inspire(d)’s 16th birthday, and our mental health writer, Olivia Lynn Schnur, dives into some of the more psychological aspects of finding inspiration, and reminds us that sometimes we might need a little help as well, and that’s the time to seek out a mental health counselor. Or call 988. The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States. 

You are important. This life is worth living. You are inspired. I hope you take the first step to finding inspiration – today. When you do, you’ll bring light not only to yourself, but to those around you. That is the magic of inspiration.

Below, find 16 big and little ideas for finding inspiration, and thank you so much for reading, friends. I am grateful.

XOXO – Aryn

16 Tips for Finding Inspiration

In case you can’t read it all in the graphic above, here it is in text form. In honor of Inspire(d) Magazine’s 16th birthday, here are 16 tips for finding inspiration:

1. Build Momentum

Momentum is easier than motivation. Start with a small step, like texting a friend, and then take another small step.

2. Make an inspiring date

Ask an inspiring acquaintance to get coffee or lunch! Spending time with friends who make you want to do and be more is one of the best ways to find inspiration.

3. Take a mindful walk through nature

Carry with you the expectation that you’ll be inspired. With this beautiful world, it shouldn’t take long.

4. Write a mantra that works for you 

Heck, write several! Put them where you can see them frequently.

5. Make a dream or vision board

Seeing your goals and dreams laid out like this can really light a fire!

6. Pump up the jams

Listen to a playlist that makes you feel excited to move.

7. Seek out inspiring resources 

Grab an inspiring book. Watch a movie, video, or TedTalk, or listen to a podcast that has inspired you in the past. Don’t know where to start? Ask friends for recommendations.

8. Change the scene

It can be small or big – rearranging furniture in your house, a day trip, a big trip, or even just a coffee shop work day.

9. Get some cardio

Nothing like endorphins to make you feel like you can tackle your biggest dreams.

10. Nourish yourself

Cook a new healthy recipe. Pump your favorite cooking jams while you do so!

11. Identify things to outsource

Leaf raking? Window washing? Dog walking? Sometimes removing something from your plate gives you space to find inspiration (and gives your neighbor’s kid a new job).

12. Do something just for the fun of it

Maybe have a “yes” day with your kids. Or get your college paint and easel back out (or your 

trumpet!). Jump in the leaves. See if you can get some laughs going.

13. Take care of yourself

However that may look for you. Find a way to show yourself some love.

14. Be grateful

Write gratitude notes to the people you love, reminding them and you how much inspiration lives around you already.

15. Journal

Look up prompts if you’re stuck. Ask yourself what your biggest dreams are. Then ask yourself why. Keep asking until you strike upon something that makes you want to take action.

16. Plan one action step

Sign up for a class. Send a text to a friend to set up a date. Reserve that book at the library. Set up a therapy session. One step at a time.

Happy 16th birthday, Inspire(d)! (Read the Fall 2023 Inspire(d) anniversary issue online here.)

This magazine is officially old enough to drive. Which is funny, because it’s been driving our lives since its inception.

I was first inspired to start Inspire(d) my senior year of college at the University of Iowa. It was 2003, I was 22, and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, beyond writing. I was on track to graduate with a degree in English and journalism. But what next? That spring, I read a biography about a man named Dan Eldon (Dan Eldon: The Art of Life, by Jennifer New). 

Dan had Iowa ties (his mom is from Cedar Rapids), was interested in telling stories (he was a photojournalist), but he was killed on assignment when he was 22. In his short, bright life, he did some wonderful things for his various communities. He raised money for neighbors in need. He aided friends at the drop of a hat. He helped organize a rag-tag team of fundraisers, took them on a perspective-broadening safari in Africa, and donated the funds they raised – $20,000 – to a refugee camp in Malawi.

He documented his life through art-filled journals, focusing on photography and collage. The cover of this issue is inspired by his art, in fact, and is made up of a variety of past Inspire(d) Magazines (compiled by me)!

Dan’s story lit a fire inside of me. I was inspired. I wanted to tell more of these stories of people helping their communities. Stories that proved you could make a difference as a slightly responsible kid in their 20s or as an elderly grandma in her 80s. Relatable, “I could do that!” stories. Stories that inspired other people to want to make their world a better place as well.

After that spring, I spent one more semester finishing up college at a magazine program in Canada, one year teaching English in China, and finally, I came back to the US in 2005, thinking I had to get a “real job” before I could start the magazine that had been formulating in my head. I met Benji in 2006 and told him my idea, to which he said, “Let’s do it!” The first Inspire(d) Magazine rolled off the press October 2007.

I like to think we’ve made our world a little better with each issue, and this one is no exception. We have great Community Builders, inspiring people and businesses, and topics I think should always be at the forefront of our minds: conservation, mental health, and enjoying this one beautiful life we are given.

Every day is an opportunity to begin anew. Every day holds the potential of inspiration. Sometimes it’s hard to find it, though, and my hope is that this issue of Inspire(d), and every before and after, gives you a little spark of something you’re excited about.

Thank you for reading, friends. You ARE inspired.

Looking forward,

Aryn Henning Nichols

In this issue, you’ll find:

You are Inspired: Finding Inspiration in Life! Elena Rue • International Owl Center • Postville Therapy Dog Program • Community Builders: Laura Gentry • Julia Borgen • Caitlyn Konze • Wendy Lickteig • Sum of Your Biz: La Rana Bistro • Mental Health: Finding Inspiration • Conservation: Biophilia • Paper Project: DIY Birthday Hat + Paper Pom Poms • Probit: Vonnie Linnevold

What comes to mind when you think of the word fun? Tropical beaches, hiking trails, or days full of adventure? Or maybe, gardening or long days by the pool?

Fun is an important aspect of mental health. It is a powerful antidote to stress, can provide relief from mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety, and can enhance social connection and bonding.

The funny thing is, we often think fun is something we plan for in the future. But if you reflect back on the times you had the most fun, it usually happens spontaneously. 

So, let’s add a little play to your life and re-engage with fun this summer!  

Finding Your Fun

Write down (or think of) some recent times you remember having fun. Maybe it’s a time you belly-laughed so hard your stomach cramped (laughter releases happiness hormones in the brain, like serotonin and endorphins). Or when you smiled so much your face hurt.

Now reflect on the last time you felt free. What happened to make you forget your responsibilities? Perhaps you can feel a sense of joy arising within you, even now. 

Take a moment to revel in the most salient memory. See what happens when you check in with the five senses. Reflect on the who, what, where, when, and why that led you to encode that memory as fun. 

As you read this article, keep that moment in mind. You might find your personal recipe for fun in the details. 

The Psychology of Play 

Children are gifted in the art of play. In fact, if you’ve spent any time with kids, you’ll likely recognize (at least intuitively) the importance of laughter, fun, and play. But it’s not just for kids; play is important in all of our lives. From a nervous system perspective, it gives us the opportunity to safely come to the edge of our sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system without becoming overwhelmed or feeling under attack. 

Think of your nervous system in terms of riding a rollercoaster. As you reach the highest point, the suspense and fear build (perhaps, to the point of fight-or-flight). But as the coaster drops, the wind blows through your hair, and you delight in the freedom of screaming at the top of your lungs; you experience a release. You might even turn to see others laughing or making eye contact as a non-verbal sign you’re going to be okay. By the time the rollercoaster arrives back to its starting position, you can feel yourself returning to a sense of safety (the parasympathetic state of rest-and-digest). 

A Recipe for Fun  

The basic recipe for fun involves three main ingredients: mindfulness, freedom, and novelty.  As we break down each of these ingredients, keep your memories of fun in mind. Consider how these elements allowed you to revel in an experience of fun. Then feel free to experiment and make it your own. What additional spices add joy, pleasure, or delight to your life? What unique flavors bring meaning or purpose to the pursuit of fun? 

Mindfulness 

When we are present, we have the ability to engage. We notice the way a joke lands, erupting someone into laughter so infectious that soon we are laughing along. Mindfulness allows us to be present with joy as we fully connect with another human. 

Mirror neurons are at play here. Researchers have discovered a place in the brain that lights up in response to another human’s behavior. For example, mirror neurons are to blame for a contagious yawn. They’re also at work when we feel empathy in response to another’s grief or sadness. 

Mindfulness awakens us to the potential every moment has to offer. By staying present and engaged, we enhance our ability to connect. And when we are connected, fun – and laughter – become contagious. 

Freedom

It can be hard to prioritize fun while chasing meaning, passion, and purpose. You might even be wondering why fun really matters at all. Surely, fun cannot stack up against the weight of routine, money, success, or responsibility. 

But Travis Tae Oh, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in researching fun, says liberation from responsibility is an essential component of fun – and can rejuvenate you for when you do need to return to responsibility. 

We might think of liberation from responsibility as freedom. It’s that moment after the freefall of the rollercoaster, when you’re completely engaged with the present moment, unaware of anything other than the thump of your heart in your chest, and the feel of the wind at your face. 

Freedom is a break. Freedom is not, however, avoidance, denial, or procrastination, postponing the inevitable as the pressure mounts. When we try to pretend our responsibilities do not exist, they loom in our subconscious and take mental energy away from the present. 

True liberation requires a healthy balance of both freedom and responsibility. Learn to rise to the challenge of responsibility when it is necessary. And practice embracing freedom and relinquishing responsibility when a break is due. 

Novelty 

So, what happens when we are completely present, and also free from responsibility? For many, a feeling of relaxation arises. But how can we elevate this moment of relaxation to one of fun? By adding an element of novelty – the third and final ingredient in our recipe for fun. 

If it’s been awhile since you’ve experienced much fun, it might be time to step out of your comfort zone and add a little novelty to your life. 

Novelty does not have to be scary – it can be anything outside your routine. (Although an element of playful fear or surprise can certainly be fun…think of a haunted house or horror movie.)

Maybe you commit to a fun exercise class once per week (think dance, yoga, or sports). Or perhaps you audition for a play, attend a community event, or set aside a date night with a friend or partner each week. 

It’s also okay to let go of old hobbies that used to be fun, no matter how much time has been invested in them. A break from old hobbies might help you to rediscover the same passion and enjoyment they brought at the start. And in the meantime, what a great opportunity to try something new! 

A Mindful Moment 

Mental health concerns like trauma, depression, and anxiety can sometimes sabotage an experience of fun. Remember, if you’re feeling pressured to make a moment fun, that is not how fun works. Instead, focus on practicing mindfulness by allowing whatever feelings arise to be present. 

As with any mindfulness practice, happiness and joy are not usually the first emotions to arise. It’s important not to suppress or judge any emotions that surface. Fun will come, eventually! Consider working with a mental health professional if feelings of depression or anxiety consistently block feelings of joy or experiences of fun.