Inspiring Others
Inspire:
- to influence, move, or guide;
- to breathe or blow into or upon;
- to be in spirit.
During my lifetime, the statement "You’re such an inspiration" has been uttered in my direction too many times to count. Feeling the weight and responsibility of such an honour, I have never known how to respond and often brushed it off with "I’m just me" or "No big deal" because I didn’t want others minimizing their struggles against mine; or, what are assumed to be my struggles.
Recently, and with the wisdom of a good friend, I have come to realize that "You’re an inspiration" isn’t about me, but rather about the giver. By dismissing their compliments, I am discounting something they valued; something they may have needed in that moment to them going, to keep them breathing.
My wise friend has helped me to see that when someone says, "You’re inspiring," he is saying, "You’ve motivated me not feel sorry for myself."
To all of you, I would like to say, "Thank you. I hear you and I appreciate your kind words."
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