If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.– John Quincy Adams
The word inspiration can be defined as: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation, the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions, or the act of influencing or suggesting opinions.
InnerWill’s newest series, Inspired By, is dedicated to honoring the people and practices that have uplifted and influenced us into who we are and what we do every single day.
I admit, I am a Pinterest-aholic. I’ve heard the warnings about not looking at your phone when you get into bed and how the lights can be harmful to sleep. But after choosing a random category and scrolling through who-knows-how-many pins, I can begin to dream about the perfect wardrobe, a massive trillion-dollar home, a fairytale wedding, and becoming an expert chef cooking up the healthiest of all recipes, right?!
Cue the eyeroll – I’m far from a fashionista, far from a homeowner, far from married, and my Pinterest recipes turn into Pinterest fails more often than not. Even though those ideas are far-fetched – and wonderful – dreams, I still find myself inspired by some of the things I see.
What about the dreams that are not so far-fetched?
About a year ago, I came up with a plan of what I was going to do after graduating college. I was going to pursue a big dream, far from home. About a year ago, that plan was a no brainer. Fast forward to last week, when I decided to reconsider.
I came across a quote that really left me feeling a sense of relief:
“Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changes, and rearranged to relocate to the place we’re meant to be.”
Yes! My dream, my year-long plan, has been completely shaken up, changed, and rearranged. Part of me said, ‘Here we go!’ While, the other part of me didn’t feel like myself, the true me. I was feeling anxious, concerned, and undeniably sad.
To scrape the surface of my story, during one of my last normal meetings at my current job, my boss mentioned potentially connecting with some others in our organization for future opportunities. I remember feeling a mini lightbulb moment go off in my head.
A few days later, I carried out this idea of meeting and networking – because why not? After a casual and comfortable conversation, I left feeling really connected, positive, and content.
I decided I would defer my year-old plans, give myself permission to be unsure (stability is one of my top core values, so hello difficult!), and see where a change of plans could take me.
I like to consider myself a list writer, an organizer, a planner. Even though my plans were big, scary, and arguably courageous, it’s out of my comfort zone to change those plans and to feel complete uncertainty. Now it’s the potential change in plans that feels big, scary, and arguably courageous.
So here I am, spurred on by a little Pinterest quote – a woman who values stability and feels inspired by uncertainty.
What are you inspired by?
I am inspired by people like you who overflow with hope, confidence and honesty.
Thank you, Linda! I am inspired by you right back!
Many things in life have uncertainty. With that, you can grow and be the person you are suppose to be. Talent for writing is one of your gifts. Excellent blog, waiting to read your next one.
I agree – life is certainly uncertain! Thank you!
Your smile alone inspires me to be happy. Love this. You’re killing it!
To the happiest person I know – Thank you!