motivation and inspiration day: a spark for your new year's flame

Every year, on January 2nd, we celebrate National Motivation and Inspiration Day. It's a day to dust off the cobwebs from the holiday season, reignite the embers of our New Year's resolutions intentions, and fill our sails with the fresh winds of possibility.

This day wasn't always marked on calendars. It arose in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy, a testament to the human spirit's ability to find hope and purpose even in the darkest of times. Motivational speaker Kevin L. McCrudden spearheaded the effort, believing that America, and indeed the world, needed a day to remember the power of motivation and inspiration in overcoming adversity.

So, how can we make the most of Motivation and Inspiration Day? Here are a few ideas:

• Reconnect with your "why." What are your goals, your dreams, the things that make your heart sing? Take some time to reflect on what truly motivates you and why. Having a clear purpose can fuel your fire and keep you going when the road gets tough.
• Seek out inspiration. Immerse yourself in stories of people who have overcome challenges and achieved great things. Read biographies, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts – find the stories that resonate with you and let them fill you with the belief that you too can achieve your dreams.
• Take action. Don't let this day be just another passive observance. Choose one small step, one concrete action, that you can take today to move yourself closer to your goals. It might be writing down your goals in a vision board, signing up for a class, or simply making a commitment to yourself to stay focused and motivated.
• Share the spark. Inspiration is contagious. Spread the joy of Motivation and Inspiration Day by sharing your own goals and dreams with others. Encourage and support the people around you, and let your own enthusiasm be a beacon of hope for them.

Remember, motivation and inspiration are not fleeting feelings; they are muscles that need to be exercised regularly. By making Motivation and Inspiration Day a springboard for action, we can set the tone for a year filled with purpose, progress, and achievement.

Here are some additional ways to celebrate Motivation and Inspiration Day:

• Host a potluck or gathering with friends and family. Share stories, goals, and dreams, and inspire each other to reach for the stars.
• Volunteer your time or donate to a cause you care about. Giving back to others is a great way to find meaning and purpose in your own life.
• Start a gratitude journal. Taking time each day to appreciate the good things in your life can boost your mood and increase your motivation.
• Listen to uplifting music or watch inspiring movies. Art can be a powerful source of motivation and inspiration.

Let Motivation and Inspiration Day be a reminder that we all have the power to create the lives we want. With a little motivation and a lot of inspiration, anything is possible. So, light the fire within yourself, and let it illuminate the path to your dreams!

FUN FACT

The reason January is called January is actually kind of deep. It's been widely reported that the month was named for the Roman god Janus, but it's actually rooted in the Latin word "ianua," which means door. The name was chosen to symbolize the opening of a new door that happens when the new year begins.