Those of you who follow my uplifting moments, know that I’m a fan of the just do it philosophy. It inspires me to get up for the game of life day after day, and play fully, whether it’s in the arena of work, love, cooking, business, or kindness.

Thomas Edison said it best; genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. We tend to understand this idea when the gain is something tangible, and we remember that we need to be hard working and industrious to bring a creative spark into the world as a new business, movement, or breakthrough in science. You only have to think of Apple, An Inconvenient Truth, and … the light bulb, to know the validity of Edison’s statement!

But I think it’s also important to remember, when the gain is intangible.

Love, kindness, and peace of mind often come in bursts of inspiration, but the practice requires steady and persevering energy.

You may have these sudden bursts of creativity and inspiration daily. It may come as an undeniable thought to thank someone for being in your life, or to get up from your desk and take a walk in the middle of the day, or to make a phone call to say hello and find out what’s happening, or to tell the truth with love. And then more often than not, the inspiration along with the insight passes, and you’re back doing what’s on your to do list.

How do you open up to a flash of inspiration as soon as it comes, in order to impact intangible achievements like a presence of serenity, the capacity to feel good, and expanding your space and time for something new and fulfilling?

Just for a moment, sit with the question, “How do I respond to bursts of sudden inspiration?”

What if, just every once in awhile, you acted right away on your flash of inspiration? I had two opportunities just today; one was to send a thank you and the other a request for help. Both ideas came in a flash. One filled me with such peace and gratitude that I immediately sent the note. The response was heartwarming and a reminder of how important it is to acknowledge the difference people make in our lives. The other, I emailed with a message that simply said, help! The help was immediate and exactly what I needed.

Recently, I had a creative flash of inspiration to note if any of the words or phrases I verbalized, had violence at the core. I was surprised at how many phrases I used that had a hostile origin like: When are you going to pull the trigger on that? She didn’t take any prisoners with that speech. What’s your target? It’s better than a sharp stick in the eye… to name a few.

Some of these statements are obvious and I just stopped using them. I have to get more creative and make up another way of saying what is sometimes automatic and in common use. But often I’m surprised. Since I’ve been writing, I commonly look up the meaning of words. For instance, the word target (no slam on the retailer who I think is great!) means a person, object, or place selected as the aim of an attack.

My aim is … no, I’m not aiming a weapon. My point is … no, it’s not the sharp end of a stick. My purpose is … ok, that will work. My purpose is to bring more connection into the world. One way I do that is through my words. I don’t think the children’s verse, sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me, is true. Words can harm and separate. Words matter. I’m never sorry for what I didn’t say in anger, righteousness, or sarcasm. So I’m turning this flash of inspiration into a practice that is meaningful in my relationships, and will make a difference in my writing and speaking.

What are your flashes of inspiration, your bursts of sudden creativity?

My encouragement for you is to act on them. Here’s how:

1. Recognition: these are your hunches, creative imagination, and your still small voice. Recognize them as important and actionable.

2. Cooperation: Pay attention and cooperate with your flash of inspiration. Don’t over think it or talk yourself out of it.

3. Connection: Connect with and harness the energy of creativity. You are creative. Bring opportunity and original ideas into the world. Be confident in your creative ability.

4. Continuation: Follow through is the continuation of a movement to its natural conclusion. Follow through indicates that you’re paying close attention to what you started, and shows the 99% perspiration for both tangible and intangible results.

Albert Einstein reportedly said, “If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.”  Don’t discount your creative ideas. It could be the beginning of something new and wonderful.

Write and let me know what your flashes of inspiration are and how you're responding to them.