HealthyBea

Who Is Inspiring You? 

The word “inspire” has crossed my path so many times this week that I am taking it as a sign to reflect on the concept in today’s post. I listed 3 of the major scenarios below, then provided an overview of what they taught me, and how you can use them as tools to advance your life. I hope it speaks to you in one way or another! 

FIRST

The first instance occurred while speaking to one of my boss women friends (you ~should know who you are). We were catching up on FaceTime and sharing our life updates, plus some. Each of us admitted that we are working on numerous side projects that we don’t openly discuss with others. “Why is that?,” we asked one another. Perhaps because not everyone would understand our innate need to do more. People might recommend that we slow down. But that’s not what we need to hear.

I was half expecting her to recommend that I drop something from my list until she explained what she was also up to outside of work. It was so cool. I left the call with the validation that yes, an overflowing plate is intimidating, but it’s what I need to fuel myself (literally and figuratively)! I was inspired to not only follow through with my projects, but crush them. Give them my all. I hope she felt the same way. 

Next, my mentee and I were talking about her social calendar. Given her last “free” summer with friends before beginning Uni, I am consistently encouraging her to take advantage of rest and spending time with friends and family. I then asked her what types of working roles her friends were interested in pursuing. As an incoming solicitor apprentice and overall overachiever, I was not surprised (and very happy) to know that her peers will be entering similarly professional (and impressive) programs. 

I then doubled down on this idea of what we already know, but I truly believe: you are who you surround yourself with. If I am correct, the average number of people is 5, but I am not too fussed with particulars here. You get the point. Would she have achieved this success in life had she not spent her time with others of similar values and aspirations? Would I have gotten to where I am today if my community wasn’t full of extremely hardworking individuals? 

Are you inspired by the people in your circle? 

THIRD

Finally, I was listening to one of my favourite podcasts, Hurdle, hosted by Emily Abbate. Outside of her weekly episodes during which she interviews health experts and famous athletes, she offers “5 Minute Friday” content. In her most recent launch, entitled “What Does Showing Up Really Look Like?,” Emily mentions that she hasn’t heard from her listeners in a while. She admits that she’s not sure how fans are feeling about her work recently. And I felt a pang of sadness. 

I get to enjoy her work without any cost and yet I have not only failed to rate her podcast (I promise I did just give her well-deserved 5 stars), but I haven’t even reached out to remind her that her work is inspiring. She launched her own business years ago and shows up every damn day to maintain and grow her brand. All on her own. That takes guts. That takes more courage than I will ever admit to have. Emily, you inspire me and I am grateful for a) the resources that you offer your listeners and b) proof that we can follow our scariest dreams and find success in them. Thank you!

Conclusion

I encourage everyone reading this post to first consider the people you’re inviting into your life and with whom you’re spending the most time. Are they inspiring you? Are they pushing you to reach your potential? Should you be dedicating as much time to those who are not? 

And then think about specific individuals you’ve encountered who have inspired you in any way. These people could vary from your former boss or current neighbour to your great uncle or best friend. Inspiration may stem from the smallest achievement of flossing twice a day (does anyone do that?) to the boldest of having kids, moving across the world (or even country!), or starting a business. But please please don’t stop there.

Allow these inspirational people and their inspirational decisions to actively impact your life. Use them to push yourself, drive yourself. Know that you too can be that inspiration for someone else if only you make the next bold, scary, or difficult step. And importantly, tell that person that they inspire you. Take 2-5 minutes to send a text, email, direct message, voice memo to someone whose decisions have positively influenced your decisions, behaviours, or thoughts. 

You got this ❤

Bea