Inspiration is oxygen for the creative soul. It’s what moves the heart and mind to action. It’s what gives us energy and emotion.

A person doesn’t have to be an artist to be creative—creatives are found in every field and industry, and they are often out-of-the-box thinkers and problem-solvers. They see things differently, work differently, and discover meaning where others see chaos.

But creatives also need inspiration. Creativity requires energy, even great personal effort, on the part of the individual or collective group. It’s not easy to think differently.

Creative individuals need inspiration to help them move beyond their comfort zone, to stay motivated. A person can’t exhale without first inhaling. Creatives need to “inhale”, take in their surroundings, circumstances, external factors and process them, analyze, and refocus.

Oxygen gets broken down, repurposed, converted. The creative soul needs the same from inspiration. It needs nourishment, cultivation, and blessing.

If you’re a creative individual, no matter what your field or industry, don’t forget to stay inspired. It’s easy to stay busy, be occupied, and try to knock out tasks as quickly as possible. That’s okay. Just remember that you’re at your best when you’re breathing—refresh your spirit and take in some inspiration. You’ll be glad you did.