Which brings me to "being inspired." The latin derivative of inspire, inspirare (wow I remember something from Latin in high school), literally means to breathe life into. Claiming that I'm not inspired is ridiculous because there are people being inspiring all around me, everyday. I've just been in the world of not being inspired or passionate, so everything has been showing up just as that, uninspiring. And so, right now I am taking the time to acknowledge those who inspire me.
My best friend and roommate and constant source of inspiration, Marisa Morrison. Yeah girl, I'm talking to you. For those of you who don't know, Marisa and our friend Allie started a lifestyle magazine at Boston University called the BUzz. I spend the majority of my time with Marisa and I am just blown away at how hard she is working on this magazine. She wants to be a fashion editor and to watch her create this magazine from scratch is truly inspiring. The number of nitty gritty details that go into making a magazine is crazy to me and I am so excited for both her and Allie to see the finished product. It's amazing being around someone who is taking action on what they're passionate about. And on top of that she still has time to be an out of control dork with me and keep me in check when I get crazy. So thanks mama for being you and for being an inspiration.
My mom. She came up to Boston this weekend and we had so much fun together, like so much fun. She inspires me for infinite reasons. Just her way of being is inspiring, and I think anyone she meets or talks to can always pick up on that. She has been a dental hygienist for almost 30 years and for the past few months has been exploring starting a new career. My mom is 57, yes mom I just announced your age to the world, but only because you're the most awesome 57-year-old I know. Your courage to start something new at this point in your life and do something you're really passionate about inspires me to only pursue something that makes me feel totally and completely alive. I could go on forever, but thank you mom for always letting me "be" who I am and being you.
I was privileged to intern for United Global Shift, a non-profit that creates and supports projects that shift the way people think and act in the world, over the summer and am so excited to continue working with the organization while I am at school. UGS's mission is to cause a united global shift in what is possible for humanity. I will be speaking with people who are organizing and putting into action incredible projects for the environment, education and healthcare on a monthly basis to measure the results they are producing. These people are open and willing to look at "who they are being" in the world using the UGS technology so that they can make the biggest difference possible. I am inspired by their courage and passion to make a difference.
People who follow their hearts, in the face of being scared shitless, inspire me. Not knowing how something will pan out is scary. The thought of failing at something you care so much about is scary. The fear of "looking bad" is the worst of all. Everyday people take action despite these fears and they inspire me. Now that I think about it, I have actually been inspiring myself!
Well, now that I got that all out, I am feeling alive and can focus on writing my paper. I leave you with this challenge: Do or tell someone something tomorrow you have been putting off because you are scared of failing, being rejected or looking bad. Take action in the face of fear! Be inspiring.
