Who inspires you? Who can you inspire?

I'm a big believer that tapping into the inspiration of others is a huge piece of successfully creating a thriving life you love.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, last week I went to listen to a talk by Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. Maathai, a woman who by dint of hard work, sheer determination, and refusal to compromise her values has had a hugely positive effect on the world, is an inspiring figure.

As I sat in the balcony in Benaroya Hall, I found myself looking out over the nearly 2500 people that packed the auditorium and wondering, "Who is she inspiring? And how? And to do what?" Hers was such a compelling story, and such a compelling message, that I was sure I was witnessing the seeds of change being planted - I just didn't know where they were going to sprout.

While I found the content of her talk moving, what really got my blood pumping was that ripple effect idea. Somebody, somewhere in that audience (and probably a lot of somebodies) was going to be inspired enough by what she had to say that they were going to take action and be the source for some kind of positive change in the world. 

Maybe for one person her talk inspired them to take a step that had long been  percolating in the back of their mind.  For another it might have sparked an idea that they're going to take and run with. For yet another person, her story may have given them hope and confidence that they too can overcome any obstacles they come across and make the difference they feel moved to make in the world.

As I sat looking at all those people, I realized that each of them in turn had the potential to inspire someone else in their lives. Each of us is a walking, talking box o' inspiration just waiting to happen. Just like the stories of people like Wangari Maathai can fuel our own journeys, each of us can be a source of fuel to others.

It might come from the example we set. It might come from the message we spread. It might come from actively reaching out and telling someone we believe in them.

Take a look at your life. How can you feed that inspiration? Who inspires you? Who can you inspire?

How can you tap into that cycle of positive energy to spark that positive momentum, both in your own life and in the lives of others?

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Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst ^TM

 

Comments

[Mother Earth]

Curt - it's nice to meet you - Phil Gerbyshak shared you on his blog today. ( Hi Phil!)

I have to comment about wangari - I heard wangari speak in 2005 and again in 2006, she was at our convention of about 7500 people in Chicago and then via satelite the following year for 10,000 - The stories of her time with us at convention are many, some speakers fly in and go - she stayed and she immersed herself. I found that amazing. Her relationship with us is still ongoing and vibrant - that amazes me even more

I was taken with several things when she spoke but not distinctly by what she said - more so by who she was as she said them--- she's beautiful, absoulutely radiant. She exudes an amazing warmth about her.

She's brilliant!! Yet humble - wise but not overbearing. Her history is fascinating. If you haven't read her autobiography I highly recommend it

Most of all she hugs - she gives amazing hugs. She uses every part of her and she holds on. Man, I want one of those hugs!!

Our local paper was at our convention and did not represent her or us very well. I could hardly stand it and wrote to the reporter - never heard back of course, but my field also got a copy of what I wrote and they applauded. I defended that she was not some token speaker. She was a woman who came with all of her heart and soul and embraced our company, our philosophy and us --- if felt personal. It was personal. That reporter didn't have a clue

I think if you can take what it is that you do in business and in life and create connections you've done something to behold

Mother Earth
www.bestwellnessconsultant.com

[Curt Rosengren]

Wow! That sounds most excellent. Thanks for the behind the scenes peek at Maathai. She sounds even more amazing up close and personal than she was on stage.

I went out and bought Unbowed (her memoir) the day I went to hear her speak. It's my current book-o-inspiration.

[Ellen]

Hai Curt,

I really like your new blog here!
The questions you're asking are exactly the ones I'm trying to answer right now.
By writing about people and ideas that inspire me, I hope to inspire the readers of my own blog. But next to that, it also helps me to focus more and more on my own path, on the work I want to be doing. The difference I want and can make...
I'm not there yet, but enjoying every step of the way ;-))...
Thanks for sharing your sources of inspiration!

Ellen

[Herman Najoli]

I was born and brought up in Kenya. I witnessed first hand the exploits of Wangari and how the government of the day tried to shut her work down. It's really amazing to see all that she has accomplished. I'm proud to be a Kenyan because of people like her.