Current Issue -

Radical Inspiration

By Aryn Henning Nichols | Spring 2026 Inspire(d)

Inspire(d) editor Aryn Henning Nichols share ideas for lighting a spark in the darkness.

Beautiful things and terrible things exist simultaneously. Generosity and selfishness. Happiness and despair. Kindness and rage. Light and dark. One side does not negate the other. Unfortunately, though, the dark can weigh a lot heavier than the light, like a backpack of rocks as we climb our mountains each day. Occasionally, we need to be reminded to take in the bright spots, the lightness, the good… at least for a little while.

To me, radical inspiration is both the audacity of looking for light in a world that feels so dark, and also radically noticing all the things around us that could be providing inspiration already, if we just stop to notice. There is so much beauty in this world. In people, in communities, in nature. Finding moments of wonder can help to counterbalance those of dread, anger, or fear. 

One of my favorite things about being a journalist is that I get to meet and sometimes become friends with the smart people I interview for stories. Dr. Jodi Enos-Berlage, whom I worked with on my Saving Our Soil story in the Fall 2025 Inspire(d), is one of those people. We had coffee this winter and she told me about the (totally freaking awesome) Hawaiian bobtail squid. This thumb-sized, nocturnal squid has long been studied for its symbiotic relationship with the bioluminescent bacteria, Vibrio fischeri, that live in its light organ (hello, cool! I’d like a light organ!). Vibrio fischeri bacteria create light, so the squid blends in with the moonlight, helping it go into stealth mode to avoid predators and more easily hunt prey. But the bacteria are so smart, they know not to activate until the right number of bacteria are present to create enough light. This is called quorum-sensing (squee!)!

Jodi and I both exclaimed that we, the people, need to come together in order for our lights to be effective (“Unite like Vibrio fischeri” tees, anyone?). 

Emily Dickinson said, “Hope is the thing with feathers.” Well, I think inspiration is the thing with fire. It lights you up from within. I want readers to latch on to what ignites a spark within them, and then I want them to let it flame. With ferocity. Or with gentle warmth. Or even just as tiny embers. Whatever you need (or can hang on to) on that day. Start now. Don’t wait for a new week, a new month, a new year. Make your own new beginnings.

We all know how self-fulfilling prophecies work. When you expect something to happen, it often does. This is generally applied to expecting bad things to happen, but what if we put it toward manifesting the good? I believe in the power of the people. I believe we are smart enough, kind enough, and innovative enough to change the world for the better. We just have to find our light and shine it bright.

XOXO – Aryn

Find awe around you
The perfect design of a slowly unfurling fern
The fact that two people can make an entirely different human being
The deliciousness of a perfectly ripe strawberry

Notice 
Moments when you feel alive 
Things that bring you joy
Activities that make you feel like your absolute best
Scenes that bring a smile

Practice gratitude for these things

Inspiration can spark action and action can spark inspiration.

Be part of the cycle. Inspiration, hope, and optimism are contagious.

Hang on to Hope
Hope helps us: 
See possibilities in current circumstances
Avoid overwhelm
Problem-solve
Stay resilient & persistent
Be more creative

Feed the Fire
Engage in activities that ignite your passion, energy, and creativity. 
Learn about people who inspire you (or read/watch/listen to their books, movies, podcasts, etc.)

Seek Support
Connecting with people you trust can help you feel calmer. Venting can help you release anger. Sharing your feelings with someone who understands is a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey. 

Vent, then…

Make a Plan
How will you be a light? Try making a dream board based off your ideas.

Schedule a “Nothing Day”
Do activities that require very little of you for one day so you can rest and replenish. The earth will continue to turn. Disconnect from technology. Just for a bit, at least. Find something offline that inspires you.

Make a physical goal
Burn up some rage with exercise – good for your mind and your body

Fall back on discipline
Set routines that support your goals and values, so that when it all feels like too much, your routines can handle the decisions. 

Pin