Finding Ourselves in What Inspires Us

Discovering How Curiosity, Community, and Openness Uncover Our Hidden Passions

Have you ever discovered something outside your usual taste and thought, “Wait, why is this clicking with me?” That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled onto the music of Stephen Wilson Jr. Normally, I’m not a fan of country-ish tunes, but something about his songwriting and guitar playing spoke to me. It wasn’t just the catchy melody—it was this unmistakable feeling that part of my own story was woven into his lyrics. Suddenly, I was picking up my guitar more than I had in years, and it felt fantastic.

Inspiration as a Reflection of Ourselves

I’ve heard it said that “Whatever inspires you is an aspect of yourself” Deborah Ford. In other words, when something truly resonates, it’s probably because it echoes a piece of who you already are. That could mean a style of music, a new pastime, or even an idea that lights a fire in you. We might think we’re just discovering something external—like a new band—but in reality, we’re recognizing ourselves in it.

Letting Sparks Grow

The tricky part is giving these “sparks” enough room to grow. Think of it like a relationship: you can be fully committed while still letting the other person be themselves. I’ve learned that if I grip an idea too tightly, I can snuff it out. If I stay open to possibilities and keep fueling that spark—even in small ways—it has the chance to become something bigger.

Community Boosts Motivation

Sometimes, we need a community that helps us see potential we didn’t know we had. Take my wife Kelsey, for example. Years ago, she had zero interest in running; now she’s training for a 50-mile ultra marathon. I don’t know admit what exactly flipped that switch, but I suspect her running groups played a huge part. Watching others push their limits and cheering each other on can be powerful. It’s like seeing a reflection of your own future self in someone who’s already out there running the path.

Seeing Ourselves in the Bigger Story

This same concept applies to more than just personal interests. At Corner Coffee, I want our staff to see themselves as part of something bigger—not just as baristas or managers, but as people who shape the environment for each other and our customers. Feeling like you belong to a greater vision can fuel genuine excitement and pride in what you do.

Enjoyment and Impact

If I look at the passions that have stuck with me—photography, disc golf, guitar—they’ve all given me two things: enjoyment in the moment and impact over time. Enjoyment is why I pick up my camera or guitar right now; impact is why I keep coming back. It’s the sense that I’m growing, connecting with others, or making a difference somehow.

Overcoming Preconceived Notions

Of course, none of this happens if we box people or activities into neat categories and stop there. I’ve been guilty of labeling people too quickly, and I nearly wrote off Stephen Wilson Jr. just because “country” isn’t my thing. When I do that with people—seeing one moment of failure as their entire identity—I rob myself of the chance to learn who they really are. It works the same way with new interests; if we label them “not for me” too soon, we miss the deeper connection that might be waiting underneath the surface.

Taking the Leap

So how do we actually put this into practice? We try. We decide to be open, even just a little. We give ourselves permission to be curious, to fail, and to discover. Nobody else can do that part for us. And you know what? Sometimes we’ll find something that isn’t a good fit—but other times, we’ll find a new passion that leaves a lasting imprint on who we are.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, inspiration often sneaks up on us through unexpected sources. Whether it’s a musician, a running group, or even a coffee shop, the key is recognizing ourselves in that spark. When we embrace these moments and stay open to what could be, we gain more than a new hobby or interest—we connect with a part of ourselves we might not have known was there. And that’s worth picking up a guitar, lacing up some running shoes, or saying “yes” to something new.