3 Places I Go to Feel Inspired

Hello Gorgeous!

I’ve been thinking recently about the importance of spending time in places that inspire us when we’re doing any kind of reflection or personal growth. In the Bombshell Training, we’ve just covered how important our environment can be in connecting with God.

But even if you just need a breather during a hectic workday, where you take it can make all the difference.

So without further ado, here are my favorite 3 places to get inspired and renewed:

1. A cafe or coffee shop.

The more ‘Frenchie’ the better! My favorite? The French cafe chain ‘La Madeleine.’

I know, to die hards it might not seem sufficiently ‘authentic’! But I love it: the decor is beautiful, the menu has all of my favorites, the food is higher quality than what you get for the price elsewhere, the music is always soothing, there is great wifi and you can sit there and people-watch for hours. 

Plus it’s rarely freezing in there, unlike many other US indoor-Arctics!

My parents took me there almost weekly growing up, and I came to associate the place with peace, security, sophistication, and possibility (and a really, really good quiche!) In fact, on the first birthday I spent with my husband, I had him take me to dinner at La Madeleine! I think he felt it was a bit less formal than what he hoped to impress me with, but I loved it!

So, why does this work? What’s the allure of cafe culture that I find so inspiring?

A. The location. Cafes are generally in busy places. Which means if there’s not much action around you at the cafe, there’s probably something interesting outside the window. If you’ve felt isolated in the house or the office, a trip to a cafe can make you feel in very short order like you’ve reconnected with a world – a pretty chic world, too – even if you don’t end up speaking to anyone but the waiter.

B. The ambience. Cafe owners know they’re probably not going to be bringing in the big checks at the end of a snack. So they bank on creating an environment that people will never want to leave – hence some repeat coffees, a pastry when you weren’t really hungry for it an hour ago, then maybe a tea…and so the hours pass and the ‘addition’ grows.

While this may be good for their business, it is definitely to our delight! Details like furnishings, layout, lighting, views, and music are given more attention. And generally there is no waiter trying to rush you out as you take the last bite.

Being left alone in a beautiful place intentionally designed to illicit both calm and interest is about all I can ask for when I need to escape or be inspired!

C. The combination of isolation and interaction. Few things get my creativity and passion for my work going more than being around people without actually speaking to them! Odd, I know. But I have always loved watching and studying the world and piecing together my ideas with stimulation but without distraction.

D. The practicalities. Let’s just get them out there: Wifi. Food. Luscious beverages. Restrooms. (Hey, I did say practical!) Electrical outlets.

When our basic needs are met, we can move up Mavlov’s hierarchy and tap into more creative thought and deeper reflection.

2. A beautiful old church.

Every time I’m feeling out of touch with God or spiritually run-down, I know where to go: out into nature, or into an old church.

By ‘old’ I’m referring more to traditional in style than ancient. No offense to the modern cave-like worship settings designed to allow for powerpoints, spotlights, and the occasional fog machine, but I crave sunlight streaming through tall windows, old pews, and the thought-out symmetry of a simple chapel or the most ornate cathedral. 

One of my firm beliefs is that church sanctuaries should always be open during the week. I understand this opens up the possibility of vandalism, and someone would have to be on site to keep an eye out for bad intentions, but I cannot tell you how many times I have sought and savored the solace of an open and empty sanctuary on a Wednesday afternoon when I needed to rebalance my spirit.

(In fact, in an upcoming post, I’ll share how obeying the Holy Spirit and finding my way into a sanctuary allowed God to bless me immensely right when I needed it.)

So whatever is around you, whether it’s a simple prayer room or a Gothic stunner, and even if it’s a Tuesday afternoon break from work, get up the courage and tug on the door of a nearby church. Knock on the door of their offices and ask if you might go in to pray for a little while. I have never been turned down.

I’ve even snuck in the back of services in other languages I don’t understand, just for a few minutes, just to soak up the Spirit.

In my opinion, God’s home is our home. And just as we can go boldly before the throne of grace, we can enter bravely into a sanctuary we’ve never been in before.

You don’t need to pray. You don’t need a script. Just let God know you want Him to meet you there and let Him refresh you.

3. Nature.

I’m going to be a little more specific here. Any time outside, even on a not-so-perfect day, calms me down and recenters me.

But recently, I have realized that some places inspire me more than others!

Currently, I live in a swamp.

And while there is a fascinating culture that goes along with this swamp, it doesn’t really lend itself to the mountain hikes and paths along woodlands and waterfalls I grew up loving in Maryland. As much I love hiking and wandering through woodlands, I have no desire to sink into a puddle or come across an alligator or even a large bug haha! So currently, particularly with the summer heat, I dwell mostly indoors.

If you can, try to love whatever natural environment your current home provides. And if wherever you are just doesn’t appeal to your better nature (ha!), make a point of spending time outside whenever you travel or get a weekend away.

There’s a reason why ‘a weekend in the country’ was always considered so healing!

What about you? Where do you go to get inspired? Do you love any of the places on my little list as well? I’d love to hear!

Love and Freedom to you Beautiful,

Jackie