What inspires you? It’s really not a complicated question, but yet so few people are able to answer it in a clear and concise fashion. Instead, most will answer with the easy or obvious… the “sunset” or my “kids.” It’s no secret that for me personally, my kids do inspire me. After all, for most of us who are parents, they are the reason we get up in the morning and they are the last thing we think about when our head hits the pillow at night. However, occasionally I see something else that truly moves me and is a huge source of inspiration. It’s usually someone, or a group of people who have been faced with a hard set of circumstances, in which life has dealt them an incredible challenge. What inspires me is how these people maintain perspective, face the challenge, and hit it head on. They persevere because to them, failure is not an option… no matter their circumstance. Stories of cancer survivors, holocaust survivors, children born into drug addiction, and people who have had their entire communities swept away by natural disaster… these stories can devastate faith if you let it. When I hear the stories of remission, of people who are now an inspiration to millions by sharing their experiences and how they overcame death and devastation… it gives me chills… I am inspired.
Perhaps you are familiar with Kyle Maynard. He authored the book “No Excuses.” It is a wonderful book about his life story. Kyle is a congenital amputee who became a champion in wrestling and in life. He was born with his arms ending at his elbows and his legs at his knees. But that didn’t stop Kyle Maynard from becoming a champion, on the wrestling mat and in life. His book, “No Excuses” is the inspiring story of Kyle’s battle against the odds. In reading the book you’ll learn about the family who supported him, the coach who trained him, and the faith that strengthened him to face the toughest fights. Significant achievement occurs to those who have the courage to overcome disappointment and setbacks to pursue their dreams. I think ultimately, I am inspired by those who persevere in life, no matter what their circumstance.
What truly inspires you? Is it the courage and conviction of another human being? Is it the sound of your favorite song or the smell of fresh ink in a new book? Is it seeing a business providing jobs for those with special needs? What inspires you? If you can’t answer that question honestly, it is time for you to find the answer. Too many times we put our blinders on to the outside world and stay in our own little bubbles, selfishly concentrating on our own day today. I personally challenge you to pop that bubble, remove the blinders and check back into the world. Yes, there is a ton of crap out there and things that we would prefer not to see but I guarantee you if you take the time to look again, there is 100% beauty and inspiration everywhere you go. Get up off the couch, leave your phone at home, get out there and go find yours. With inspiration comes smiles and joy, with happiness comes love, and with love comes life. Start living today and find your inspiration. No excuses.
