"I am my own muse.
I am the subject I know best.
The subject I want to better."
-Frida Kahlo

The journey in search of inspiration is always a deeply personal one. From the face of a stranger, to the soothing sounds of nature, it can truly be uncovered anywhere. While keeping your eyes open to the endless possibilities surrounding you, it is also essential to look within. Have you ever considered that YOU are your greatest work of art? Do you view your life as your ultimate masterpiece? Contemplate the following questions and challenge yourself to unleash your inner muse.

:: What do you adore about yourself?

Perhaps you love your sense of style, your ability to make people laugh, or the way you can always liven up your own day by dancing! These traits aren’t anything to sweep aside and are exactly what muses are made of. Inspiration is found in the smallest details and it’s imperative not to exclude your own appeal from your attention. Focus often on your gifts and be mindful of everything you have to offer. Certainly there's a physical trait you prefer over the others as well. Do you have your mother's lips, hands that remind you of your best days, or an unbelievable booty!? Take a quick Polaroid and add it to your vision board as a quiet reminder to love yourself daily.

:: Are you living in alignment with your beliefs?

Whether it be eating for health, conserving energy, never saying "no" to a golden opportunity, creating artwork often, or not supporting other people's negativity-- you have beliefs you’re deeply passionate about. When you ignore these beliefs in your everyday activities you are thrown out of alignment with your true self. Not honoring the sincere callings of your heart discounts your convictions and in return weakens the bond with your inner muse. Be conscious of your daily decisions and ensure they aren't contrasting your core beliefs. You’d be surprised how much this can affect you unknowingly.

:: Are you being genuine in your interactions?

The quickest way to lose connection with your inner muse is to censor your existence to fit some sort of pre existing societal mold. There's no need to put on a mask for others and it doesn’t help anyone to pretend you are someone you aren't. Genuine connections are rich in truth as well as acceptance from both sides and simply cannot be duplicated by falsities. Relationships built with the background of fabrication will by no means enrich your life and honestly aren’t worth a minute of your time. Perhaps by showing your true colors you will lose a few untrue friends but you will gain so much more, and you will surely encounter your inner muse.

:: How can your personal story inspire growth and change?

Undoubtedly you've endured misfortune and come out stronger on the other side. You've fought some serious hardships and you've WON! It's so easy to overlook your own accomplishments while focusing on what you still want to achieve but take a second to step back and just admire the work of art you’ve already created. Your life is one-of-a-kind and no one else could have done it precisely like you. Consider every lesson you’ve learned and how you can share those lessons to help others overcome similar obstacles. Be willing to view yourself as the hero of your own story and open to allowing others to do the same.

:: How can you help the world today?!

So much of becoming your own muse is extending yourself into the universe and inspiring others even in the most basic of ways. Think about what the people you know may need and don’t be afraid to reach out if you think you can help. Often the effort alone is enough to brighten someone’s day. Smile at strangers. Pay it forward at the coffee shop. Text an old friend. Ensure no one you pass feels invisible today. In return you'll also feel seen, more alive, and more in touch with your inner muse.

5 WAYS TO REGAIN {some} CONTROL AFTER TRAUMA

Article by Michelle Bennington
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #29

You’re a survivor and you’ve lost control, but you are not alone. Something terrible has happened and left you uncertain about everything you once thought you knew. Or, maybe you never claimed to have it together to begin with. Either way, you’re here because you’re trying, you want to feel like yourself again, and you know there is hope. While there are no quick fixes and your journey is undoubtedly your own, there are a few things you can do to regain (some) control today.

Be okay with not being okay.
As tempting as it might become, you simply cannot force feed yourself happiness. You are a strong and magnificent human but let's be honest, even Wonder Woman requires recovery. Sometimes life throws you villains that will temporarily knock you down, and acknowledging that you have fallen does not mean you aren’t capable of getting up. Accept that you've taken a hit and attempt to allow yourself to be okay with that. This does not mean you have been defeated nor does it mean you can’t rise again stronger than before. You’re not okay today, but you will be soon.

Write it out.
All of the words you've been swallowing back and everything you think is going to make other people uncomfortable, release them. Send all of those emotions out through your fingertips even if they’re impossible to translate later. You're not looking to write a best selling novel, you are simply acknowledging that there's a hell of a lot happening inside of you and you want it out. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or a mathematician, allowing the words to escape will bring you some relief. Take the time to write everyday about everything and about nothing. Write until the paragraphs start becoming more clear, and then continue writing.

Don’t rely on answers, justification, or finding someone to blame (including yourself).
This one won’t be easy and while you may certainly deserve all of the above, focusing your energy here isn't going to help you regain any real control. Sometimes it’s best to take a step back from the unknown to refocus on what we do know. Perhaps everything doesn’t happen for a reason we can comprehend but something beautiful CAN always be born from tragedy, eventually. Maybe not today, maybe not for ten years but rest assured that shining light will appear and any energy you spent running from it will have been wasted. Something horrible happened, and you may not understand why, but you don't have to.

Throw a little party in your comfort zone.
Never underestimate the power of simplicity. Pup cuddles, nature walks, nachos, and Netflix still apply even on the darkest of days. Taking time to allow yourself your favorite things is undoubtedly always a good thing. Whatever brought you comfort before you lost control still can if you allow it. What's currently holding you down might feel stronger and more resilient than temporary fixes but it won't outlive your happiness if you commit to continue trying. While it may be annoyingly difficult to find comfort amongst the chaos, when you do, it will be worth it. Small steps are still steps in the right direction and you deserve relief.

Breathe.
Breathing, seemingly so effortless to some but sometimes the most challenging undertaking of all, plays a lead role in regaining control. Take a minute (or seven) and try to think about nothing beyond your breath. When thoughts arise, kindly excuse them and refocus. On the outside it may seem as though you're merely existing but you will know better... This moment, no matter how short, no matter how small, you will be in control.

There is no magic cure or immediate answer for regaining control. Nothing in life is one size fits all and you will always have to discover what works for you. However, there are countless ways to get closer. With daily effort and relentless hope, you will feel your small steps becoming massive strides. You will get there, and you are not alone.

It’s a Sign is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from this feature.

Michelle is an inspiration mentor and preliminary business planning coach. Her newest venture, Essential Muse, will help survivors of trauma transform themselves into badass lady-bosses so their stories, strength, and refreshed vibrancy can help an otherwise suppressed world come alive!

Unleashing Your Inner Muse: Questions to Enhance Self-Love and Inspiration