Things Inspiring Me Today

I love being inspired by people and things.  I think it is a great gift coming from folks who might not even know the impact they are having on those around them.

It is only noon but I have already been inspired by those around me and will make it a point to be on the look out for more as the day progresses!  As for now, I want to share what has come across my path today and left me feeling uplifted, motivated and inspired.

I began this morning early in a quiet house.  I picked up my grandmother’s bible to do a little reading, which of course made me think of her.  She was quite a woman with lots of great qualities.  I won’t go into all of them now as I could prattle on for quite a while.  But, two things have always stuck with me.  At one point in her life she was quite overweight.  Her weight brought on some health issues and kept her from doing most of the things she was so well known for.  However, when my grandfather died she up and decided she “just didn’t want to be so heavy anymore”.  The day after making that statement she joined Weight Watchers and became one of the most disciplined women I know.  As her weight began to fall away so did her inhibitions.  She became the active person in her church and community she had previously been.  She baked breads and meals for just about anyone in her radius.  She moved and hauled and planted and worked tirelessly in her garden. If she got a bee in her bonnet to get something done, look it.  I could go on but I hope you get my drift.  She made a decision, took the first step and made her life full, healthy and vibrant.  That strength inspires me to this day.

There is another story I love to share about my grandmother (who we all lovingly referred to as Bigmama – but don’t get me wrong, by this time she was a littly bitty thing!).   Whenever I was home for the weekend or when I lived back home between law school and my wedding,  I would go to our local track to run and get in a workout.  Who would I typically run into at the track?  You guessed it.  My grandmother.  She would be there in the late afternoon for her daily walk.  One day I watched her stoop down each time she made a loop.  When I asked what she was doing, she said she was picking up a stone each time she made the loop to keep track of how far she had walked.  Brilliant!  Who said you need a college degree?

My Bigmama inspires me today.

The second inspiration I had today was from my friend George.  I have known George for quite a while.  I cannot tell you how old he is, but let’s just say he’s a bit older than I am.  I have never gone to my local YMCA in the mornings and not seen George smiling while he does his workouts.  This man is crazy limber and can do more yoga poses in his blue jeans than you can even imagine.  He always has a twinkle in his eye and has managed to keep himself forever young with his movement and attitude.  I told him just this morning that he inspired me every time I saw him!

Early this morning I was driving the Third Son to an early morning workout before school hours. (that should be an inspiration in itself!)  It was dark outside but I could see by the streetlights some folks getting off of the bus at the bus stop.  These folks were getting off of the bus to get to their work or school while it was still dark outside.  I had to think about what time they had to actually roll out of bed to get on their bus to be at this stop by 6:30 am.  That would be early friends.  That is a work ethic and dedication that is inspiring.

Lastly, for the first part of the day, as I assume I’ll run into other fascinating and inspiring people, animals or events during the day, I have to give credit to my little pup, Lu.  That’s right.  My dog inspires me.  I left the house a few hours ago and she sat and watched me pull out of the driveway.  After what must have seemed like an eternity to her little self, I pulled back into the driveway to see her sitting right there wagging her tail and wiggling her bottom with anticipation.  When I get out of the car she starts what we call talking and cooing with excitement.  This girl just exudes joy and excitement.  It doesn’t matter how long I am gone, whether I have fed her or not, whether I petted her, said goodbye or even ignored her, she is sitting ready to offer love and kisses.  And she is tenacious.  She will not give up until you give her some love and kisses back. She also has no idea that she is only as big as a minute.  She will go nose to kneecap with any dog out there and wear that big dog out for a tennis ball.  She has heart and will.  Sometimes I’m inspired to be like my dog!

I hope you have found some inspiration of your own today!  If not, take a look around because I know it’s there – and also think of those folks you are inspiring!

Happy Weekend!