Blog It Forward 01: What Inspires Me

Have you heard? sfgirlbybay‘s Blog It Forward event has reached VictoriaKlein.net! It’s a connected stream of blogger posts – like a chain letter, only not obnoxious. For the first round (will there be another?), 300 bloggers have been asked one simple question:

“What inspires you personally?”

I could easily write a series of blog posts on this subject, but for now, one entry will have to do. I’ll try to keep it short and sweet (but no guarantees):

My Mum, Bev: (lots of love for today, your surgery day!)

[Image taken by Minyan Zhu on my wedding day]

My Dad, Harold (R.I.P.):

My Husband, Logan:

[Image taken by Minyan Zhu on our wedding day]

My Cat, Monster:

Yoga: What’s there to say? I’ve written my first non-fiction book about yoga. I’ve practiced for over 5 years, helping to overcome my clinical depression and social anxiety. I am a different person because of my yoga experience. I’m happier, I’m healthier, I’m sane.

Food: A big plate of pasta. A warm chocolate cupcake. A succulent apple. Food is life. It can inspire us all. (I also have a thing for carbs … but who doesn’t!?)

Moving Water: The sound is enough to pacify me. The feel is enough to soothe me. Like food, water is life & while simple, it has a powerful effect on our species, our planet, and me personally. Even as snow, water can enchant me for hours.

San Francisco, Chicago, Sweden, Austria: I have a “thing” for visiting and/or living in new places. These four particular places have always brought out happiness in me (though I haven’t even visited Sweden yet).

The Ability to Express Myself: It’s a freedom not everyone has. It’s a feeling not everyone can share. Whether I’m a model, photographer, writer, editor, blogger, knitter, cook – I’m infinitely thankful to be able to share the emotions and experiences of my life with others, in an effort to improve their lives.

There are more – oh yes! Just a few: magazines, non-fiction books, tea, sunlight, long walks, smiles, paper goods, countless blogs, Apolo Ohno, psychology, living spaces, Europe in general, nature in general … I should stop now … but the overall point is that inspiration can come from anywhere or anyone. Embrace every experience and opportunity.

Hearty thanks go to Vexhext for introducing me yesterday & good vibes to Vintage Girlfriend, tomorrow’s “forward blogger” in group #10. Visit the full Blog it Forward mashup schedule for all the folks who’ve posted thus far & those yet to come.

Last but certainly not least, thanks again to (a fellow) Victoria for developing the Blog it Forward idea & taking on the challenge of organizing it. Can’t wait for the next one!

[All images taken by Victoria Klein, unless noted]