The Inspirational Life

Mother Teresa

Inspirational – To offer something valuable, or uplifting, which in turn motivates others to bring out the best in themselves.

I have been thinking about this word a lot lately. What does mean to be inspirational? What must one do to become inspirational? What characteristics do inspirational people share? Why do individuals find different types of people inspirational?

Audrey Hepburn

One person may be deeply inspired by a favorite athlete. Another person may find a great person of faith to be inspirational. Some may find inspiration in the day to day struggles of a treasured friend. The same individual may find all of these people to be inspirational, though for very different reasons.

I took a look at my Pinterest Board “People Who Inspire Me.” What I found was a very eclectic group of people. Some were well known, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Helen Keller. Others, not so much. 

My Niece & Friends, Joplin, MO.

What are missing are the people who have inspired me the most. My maternal grandmother, my mother, my niece who has made volunteer work a lifestyle, dear friends who have battled illness or disability, friends on the mission field who rely wholly on God for their every need. Though you won’t find their pictures on my board, and perhaps I should remedy that, they are my rocks, the inspiration I need to get through some difficult days. To make more of myself as a person.

As I look for the common threads that run through this very special group of people, I find these things.

Derek Redmond

Perseverance – Simply stated…They Carry On. No matter what is thrown in their path, they continue on. Does this mean they never falter or stumble? Absolutely not! But when they do they pick themselves up, brush themselves off, and continue down the road in front of them.

Goal Oriented/Ambitious – They know where they are and where they want to be.

Carol @ Female in Motion

Hard Working – It takes effort to accomplish goals and ideals. They are willing to put in the time and effort needed.

Humility – With possibly the exception of a few of the athletes…they do not see their walk as being anything special, and they certainly do not see themselves as special.

Acceptance – They accept what has been placed before them, in fact, they often embrace it.

Alida @ An Expat Journal

Giving/Sharing – They give to others. Whether reaching out to help monetarily, supplying physical labor, or simply sharing their story, they open themselves to others.

Adversity/Courageous – While this does not apply to all, I believe it does to most inspirational people. Most are overcoming some sort of adversity. Even if it is as simple as the sacrifice of pleasant living conditions and exposure to disease to help out in a third world country. They show courage.

Joni Erickson Tada

Positive Attitude – Possibly what makes them truly exceptional. Through trials and tears, they maintain a positive outlook.

My challenge to you is to take a moment and think about the people who inspire you. What traits do you see? What changes can you make to become an inspiration to others?

~Marla