One of the things I've started doing lately is tracking my dreams. I feel like there's a lot of information there and you can really bring those emotions to the situations that may feel mundane or familiar. That gives them new life and gives you a new relationship with it - if that makes any sort of sense.
I think how pay gets determined is pretty broad - experience how people look what they bring to the job. But there's no question women are paid less. Women don't ask.