Throughout my life I’ve been fortunate and blessed to connect with people who lift me up. The very special ones inspire me.
I’ve been told I’m a “motivational speaker.” A very nice compliment, but frankly, I’d rather be known as an “inspirational speaker.” As I think about it, I’d rather inspire someone. Seems to me like a loftier accomplishment and a feeling that would last longer. A coach can motivate for a game, but a leader can inspire for a lifetime.
You probably know the kind of people I’m writing about. People that provide a thought provoking perspective. A perspective that is positive, causes introspective thinking and makes you want to hear more. A person who is comfortable in their own skin, leads by example, and doesn’t try to be something they are not. They are authentic which makes their words even more inspirational.
As I said, I’ve been fortunate to connect with a number of these inspirational people in my life. They’ve certainly made a positive difference for me.
Recently, through a series of circumstances, I’ve connected with someone who never ceases to amaze me. Through weekly contact I’m able to be inspired each and every time. I don’t know a great deal of historical information about this person, but I do know they were in high level leadership positions in their career. That fact doesn’t surprise me.
I also know this person has faced health challenges. But despite those challenges and likely many others I’m unaware of, this person glides through life like a beautiful swan on a lake. Underneath the water that swan may be paddling like crazy, but above the water all you observe is this graceful swan providing natural beauty everywhere it glides.
And so it is with my friend. What lies beneath, in their heart and soul is deep. What comes out of their mouth are precious pearls of wisdom. Words that can make you smile, give one chill bumps, makes you think for days afterwards, and always inspires me.
Yes, I’ve been blessed to connect with inspirational people throughout my life. Their names and faces go in and out of my mind on a regular basis. Daily, their words and actions provide memories that sustain me.
I’d strongly recommend everyone take the time to recall those people who have touched your lives. If you haven’t seen or heard from them in a while reach out and reconnect. Or if you are lucky enough to be geographically close, make sure you spend as much time as possible with them.
It will make an enormous, positive difference in your life as it has in mine.
Until next time…