The weather in Seattle this spring and early summer has tested even the sunniest of people. Yet, even as I mention the gloomy weather, I’ve noticed that I haven’t been feeling gloomy. This is a big change for me. Usually, the equation is simple: clouds make me blue and the sun makes me happy. So what’s changed in me, that I can take a cloudy day and make it shine?

Here are seven steps to feeling inspired despite a gloomy outlook and regardless of outside circumstances that are less than ideal.

1. Find a creative focus — I’ve been working on a large creative project that has me immersed in the possibilities generated by my creative mind and intuition. That creative focus is a fun universe to play in. What project could you be concentrating on that would feel equally as full of creative potential.

2. Experience the satisfaction of completion — So often we are just living life in “to-do stages.” We check off tasks a lot. What we really need periodically is a finished result! Find a project with a short start-to-finish cycle. This might be a new hobby project, house repair, a book to read, or a simple business service creation. Just enjoy your power to manifest completion in short order!

3. Do it regardless of outer circumstances — Given the cool weather here in Seattle, I could stay indoors and put off the hikes and summer activities that I’d like to do in warm weather. But by doing these things regardless of the outside circumstances I empower myself to move through limiting thoughts and habits. Ask yourself how you let outer circumstances limit your ideal daily reality.

4. Play tourist — I realized that if I was visiting Seattle, I couldn’t control the weather and I certainly wouldn’t stay in my hotel room. So my husband and I have been playing tourist. Going to museums, taking our camera with us on downtown jaunts to take photos, eating at the fun tourist-attracting cafes. This allows us to step out of our “been-there, done-that” mentality and to see our city anew. That’s always a game changer.

5. Appreciate the small graces — Each moment of sunshine, gust of salt air, fresh bloom and bird song is a seed of perfection. By seeing and appreciating a small wondrous gift, I have found myself truly in the moment, which is the most uplifting gift you can experience. It’s where magic is revealed.

6. Nurture your inner view — By developing the sunshine that you hold in your heart at all times, you ARE the perfect environment you desire. Little can ruffle your composure when you’ve transformed your dream life into your inner reality. That’s the true meaning of walking your talk — taking your peace and joy with you wherever you are!!

7. Lead with your intuition — By asking yourself “what’s next?” and listening for an intuitive response you act in flow with your spirit’s creative nature. That always creates an ideal reality that’s in harmony with your strengths and personal gifts. Very simple happy-making stuff.

Melissa Wadsworth is an self-help author, inspirational speaker and creative personal growth guide specializing in intuitive dream boards and life purpose awareness. Get 21 steps to personal transformation at http://www.melissawadsworth.com