Inspiration

Often times, when I'm looking for something to keep me engaged or thinking about the world in different ways, or just looking to get out of a funk, I try to find something inspiring. Sometimes that means reading a new book, or checking out Fast Company magazine, or getting into an argument with my friend Niki, who without question is the most innovative thinker I know, but that doesn't always mean she's right, if you know what I mean. And Niki, that is a compliment, if a slightly backhanded one. Love you!

Anyway, one of my sources for inspiration is the TED website, where famous and not so famous people come and give talks on a variety of subjects. One day, I hope to be so creative that they will invite me to come. Until then, however, I can generally find something really interesting, creative, or funny to get me thinking in different ways, and if I'm really lucky, I'll get all three.

Tonight I was browsing their collection of clips and came across this one, which is one of my favorites, on the subject of dictionaries of all things.




The part that gets me the most is the 'Ham Butt' part. How much of my life is what it is because someone else's pan was too small a long time ago? I often accept the easiest interpretation of things because I don't even know that I can otherwise ask the question. Or worse, I jump to a conclusion that creates a solution first without knowing what the question really is. I hate it when I do that. I don't even know where the gaps are in my thinking. Oh well. At least I know where the gaps are in Niki's thinking. It's a start.