Someone told me the other day that I was an inspiration for them. Of course, I don’t really believe I’m an inspiration, but I am definitely inspired by others. What inspiration looks like, differs for everyone, but I do know, I am inspired by others.
First and foremost, I am inspired by my remarkable parents. For all of my life, they have done some remarkable things. I grew up in a household where we just did things, and now, so do I. They brought food to the Travelers camp in my hometown. They marched for nuclear disarmament, housed travelers for the U.S. walking to Russia, while also lending beds to people who had nowhere else to go. And amazingly apart from all of those things, they took a leap of faith and moved to America in their forties.
I am inspired by all those who came before me, my aunts and grandmother who have all battled cancer, they were, and are warriors. They have taught me to be fearless, to never fear the unknown, to embrace every day as if it were a gift.
I am inspired by the children in my life, students, nieces/nephews, and godchildren. Remarkably, you are the explorers, navigating a difficult world that has many obstacles. Every time, I watch your eyes alight with some new knowledge, or witness the changes you are making in this world, I am humbled.
I am inspired by the places I’ve been. Walking the floors of the “annex,” where Anne and her family hoped to escape persecution. Viewing the ‘Mona Lisa’ at the Louvre or the works of Van Gogh in Amsterdam. Walking among the white headstones in Normandy, or the MLK memorial in D.C. The experiences that people have had, inspire me.
Whether or not I inspire others, at the end of the day we all have our own inspirations, who help us live a better life. I have had many, both in my family and from my life experiences. At the end of the day, it is important to acknowledge those things that are inspirations, especially when they encourage you to be a better person.
Life is about change and doing what’s right. Hopefully in this new year, we can accomplish some goals and make a difference in this world.
