Recently, I was asked a very simple question: “What inspires you?” Before I could answer, I realized that it was not such a simple question. It has many aspects. Naturally, being a journalist, my first reaction was to ask: “What inspires me in what way? To do something? To write something?” etc. Then I stopped for a moment and thought: “What does inspire me?”
When I travel, which I do often as those who know me can attest to, I get inspired. I get inspired to write more, to write better, to be a better person, to change my life if need be. Does travel inspire me? I don’t think so. I think it is the break from the stress of the everyday working world that frees my mind and lets the creative thoughts flow. Those who know me well know that I don’t like to 
bring my computer with me when I travel. I like to enjoy the moments, live the event that I am attending, take in the information and not be pressured by the need to report it right, then and there. This unencumbered time enables me to breathe and reinvigorate my passions. So, then, does being stress-free inspire me?
But when I travel, I take in nature. I enjoy the sights, the sounds, the smells, the people, and the event. When I travel, especially to new places, I am drawn to the local flavors of the land, to the people who surround me. I open 
my mind to newness and diversity and soak it up like a sea sponge. I marvel at the beauty of nature that God has provided, and feel miniscule in this world. So, then, does nature inspire me? Does passion for life inspire me?
Then, there is the travel that surrounds the watchmaking world I live in. When I travel to watch factories and brands, I am inspired by the beauty and craftsmanship of what these people do. I am inspired by the innovation, technology and passion that is all-consuming in this realm. So then, does time and a heritage craft with a visionary future inspire me?
When I travel, I also miss my home and my family. I miss the love and the warmth that comes from being close to my kids, husband, dogs, and more. I yearn to spend more time with them and to be more supportive of them and more sharing of my time with them. So then, does my family inspire me?
Thus, after much pondering of this question, I have decided that what drives me is a convergence of all aspects of my life. The desire to be full, complete, good. The desire to be one with nature, one with love, and one with time. What inspires me is life itself.
What inspires you?
