An Inspired Life

I told my best friend that I was going to give my blog another go this year. She's super supportive of me and all my crazy ideas. So naturally, for Christmas, she gifted me a box of writing prompts to help me improve my craft.

Thus begins a new series - featuring Rupi Kaur's Writing Prompts for Balance.

The first prompt I pulled from the deck was this:

"Write about a time you felt inspired by someone else's lifestyle."

So, here goes.

What is Inspiration If Not the Manifestation of Envy?

The people who inspire us usually have something we feel we lack. And I’m not just talking about money, cars, and clothes. I mean success, a strong family, respect, and an altogether good life. I’ve had the pleasure of being inspired by folks in my real life, not just the ones we see on our screens. Honestly, the impact regular people have had on my life far outweighs that of celebrities. Regular people keep going. They live lives worthy of inspiration without anyone there to tell their story. They don’t need an audience holding on to every word or action. They live inspirational lives without affirmation from the world.

There have been so many people in my life who have inspired me that it’s hard to accurately represent them all, but I’ll try my very best.

Inspired by Family

Anyone who grew up in a broken home is initially inspired by parents who are still married. That’s a feat in and of itself! The experience of children of divorce is unique. It makes you acutely aware of families who appear better than yours. While an intact marriage is a good indicator of family strength, it’s not the end-all-be-all. Lots of people stay married when they shouldn’t. You never know what happens behind closed doors.

The indicator I’ve tended to gravitate to is not the marriage itself, but the children. Specifically, their desire to return to the nest once they’ve already flown the coop.

I’ve been fortunate enough to know some truly amazing parents. I’ve picked their brains for ways to get better, ways to ensure that our kids want to come back to us. I’ve seen how they interact with their children. I’ve heard how they speak to and about them. I’ve witnessed the results firsthand. The children grow up and view their parents as friends and trusted advisors. People they want to do life with side by side. It’s beautiful.

Those families inspire me. They show me what’s possible when you lead your house from a place of love instead of blind compliance. I’m inspired by their love, the intentionality behind every parental action on every day, week, month, and year. That’s not to say the people I know are perfect parents. No one is. However, they are the parents that did such a good job that it’s what they’re known for far and wide.

I’m inspired to have that kind of family. The kind where you know what happened behind the closed doors. They loved each other.

Inspired by Success

I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside a plethora of successful people. People who were the originators of their generational wealth. People who never gave up, regardless of how hard things became. They kept following their dreams. They didn’t let anyone, especially themselves, get in their way.

Don’t get me wrong; I was envious of each of them and the lifestyle they could afford. But as I got to know them and spent time working beside them, one thing became abundantly clear: their lifestyle was earned, not freely given. They all had one thing in common:

Everything they did was in favor of their future, not their present.

People who only live in the present never fulfill their potential. If you aren’t willing to make sacrifices today for a better future, then your success inspires no one. You either never reach it, or you have it handed to you. Those are the only two options.

The successful people I’ve been lucky enough to surround myself with have taught me so much. They’ve modeled what things are acceptable sacrifices and what things aren’t. Your health is not an acceptable sacrifice. Neither is your spouse or your family. Or your faith. Success comes from sacrificing your pride, your ego, and your need to be liked or appreciated. Success comes from growth. It comes from accepting failure and radical self-belief.

I’m inspired to have that level of success. The legacy-building kind.

Inspired by Strength

And finally, I’ve been inspired by the people in my life who possess insurmountable strength. I have friends and family with chronic illness and pain. I know people who’ve lost children and some who’ve tried and never been fortunate enough to have any at all. I know people who’ve been hurt, humiliated, assaulted, berated, abandoned, and abused. And they are all still here.

These are the people that truly inspire me. They have the strength and audacity to look their pain in the face and laugh at it. They carry on. They don’t give it power. Each day, they find new ways to squash it, to push it back, and keep moving forward.

On the days when I struggle with disappointment and fear, with heartache and loneliness, I’m reminded of all the people I know. Everyone who’s been brave enough to share their pain with me in hopes that it’ll make it a bit easier to carry. It makes me feel so much better because I know I’m not alone.

The most inspiring part? They do all of this with no guarantee that there won’t be more pain. In fact, they’re almost certain to face more. But that doesn’t stop them, and it never will.

I’m inspired to have that kind of strength. The kind that you only get from perseverance.

How to Live Inspired

The next time you feel envious of someone, I want you to look at things differently. Instead of being jealous of someone’s family, ask them what they did to keep it. Instead of coveting someone’s success, ask them what it took to get there. Instead of envying someone’s strength, ask them how they got it.

You’re one conversation away from an inspired life. And an inspired life will take you further than an envious one. I can promise you that.

The Importance of Connection

Inspiration often comes from connection. When we share our stories, we open doors to understanding and growth. Have you ever noticed how a simple conversation can change your perspective? It’s true! Each person we meet has a unique journey. Their experiences can illuminate our paths.

Think about it: when was the last time you had a heart-to-heart with someone? Those moments are golden. They remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles. They show us that strength can be found in vulnerability.

Embracing Your Journey

As you navigate your own journey, remember that inspiration is everywhere. It’s in the stories of those around you, in the lessons learned from failures, and in the quiet moments of reflection. Embrace your journey. Celebrate your growth.

And don’t forget to share your story. You never know who might need to hear it. Your experiences could be the light that guides someone else through their darkness.

Conclusion: Live on Purpose

In closing, I encourage you to live on purpose. Seek out inspiration, connect with others, and share your journey. Remember, every story has the potential to inspire. So, let’s lift each other up and create a community of growth and fulfillment.

After all, we’re all in this together, aren’t we? Let’s make it count!