What inspires you?

‘All of these lines across my face, Tell you the story of who I am, So many stories of where I've been, And how I got to where I am. But these stories don't mean anything, When you've got no one to tell them to. It's true... I was made for you.’

Never thought you’d see Maya Angelou and Brandi Carlile quoted in the same FB post, did you? Well, if I’ve taught you anything, it’s to expect the unexpected, so here we are. Two of my favorite inspiration quotes splayed out before you to convey one simple message: I need to write and I need to share. These things are as essential as the air that I breathe and the other vices that consume me. Music, laughter, love, the ocean and writing. I am nothing without these things. And so, as I continue to put thoughts to paper on a framework for a novel I just can’t turn away from, I remind myself of these ideas. Of the notion that keeping my stories inside is damn near impossible when the words just want to speak for themselves, too. I may never share it, but putting it out there into the universe is a splendid release in and of itself...

What sustains you? What are your vices and your guilty pleasures? What makes you feel as free as the caged bird of which Maya speaks? Please share with me in the comments.