Someone asked the other day, “Who’s inspired you?” It was an easy question but hard to answer. Initially, my brain returned empty—it seemed my mind swam in a sea of bubbles. On my second lap, I recalled too many people to list. The question has stayed on my mind, and it uplifts me to think about all the people who, through words and examples, have influenced how I move through the rewards and challenges of living. Remembering people who have inspired me increases my gratitude list, for sure.
The word helps me identify the people and clarify how they inspired me. Ordinary conversations now have a broader and deeper enjoyment. For example, I called her after receiving a friend’s Christmas card and learning her husband had passed. During our visit, I realized how much her wisdom, strength, and compassion for my struggles and achievements had inspired me since we met thirty years ago. It only took the question, “Who’s inspired you?” and the sound of her voice to know she was part of the answer.
Answering, “Who’s inspired you?” is easier when a specific event is attached. For example, “Who inspired you to be a counselor?” “Who inspired you to write rural women’s stories?” “Who inspired you to love libraries?” “Who inspired you to enjoy jogging and walking?” The list of possible ending scenarios is long and varied.
Other words have similar meanings: influence, affect, inform, motivate, incite, emulate, encourage, excite, or energize, but to me,
inspire is more profound—its core message is heart-centered. I remember being in a meeting where a professional colleague said she was working on
her Ph.D. Until her, I never knew I could do that–she inspired me to apply to the graduate program. I remember the moment clearly–I. looked at her with wonder and admiration, and my thoughts started churning. The same is true with writing a book and drawing pictures—inspiring women showed me it was possible.
Giving credit to people who activated my courage, creativity, and tenacity has been beneficial—traits gifted by genetics and upbringing. What I aspire to is often ignited by the words and examples of others. Those are the people I get to label as inspiring.
Also, l can be inspired NOT to do something based on the behavior of some people. Watching them make poor choices inspires me to turn my feet in another direction–to choose higher ground.
How about you? Isn’t the beginning of a new year a good time to acknowledge and give credit to people who have nudged you to become the best version of yourself? I use absolutes sparingly, but I know people do not get to where they are alone. We each do the work, but our initial inspiration likely came from people with values and accomplishments worthy of duplicating.
Who has inspired you?
Until the next time: Live while you live.
Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.
Powered by WPeMatico