Finding inspiration and hope is something that I think is critical in life. There will always be times when we need a little encouragement or motivation.
I’m inspired by history, especially those persons who advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable. I’m inspired by quotes and by everyday people who do extraordinary things. It’s what gives me hope. But what really inspires me is reading or watching how people transform their lives through the art of storytelling.
Recently I began reading Barack Obama’s book, Promise Land, and in it, he details how he floundered around in high school and actually described himself as a “lackadaisical student.” But all that changed in the 10th grade when he stumbled upon a few books at a garage sale authored by notable social activist. He feverishly read those books from cover to cover and this began his political awakening. This political awakening gave him a better understanding of social issues as he entered college.
But even at Occidental College he still struggled with his own identity and still felt distant from most of his peers. So he took refuge in more books and transferred to Columbia University where he described himself as a monk. His inspiration came from his quest to find out his own identity.
Being a biracial child who spent a stint in Indonesia, he was curious about the race and class divide globally. All of this uncertainty and struggle shaped his beliefs and what he valued, and ultimately his career.
Those moments of uncertainty were a stepping stone towards something greater.
Similarly, I have had my own setbacks in life. I’ve been the person that wasn’t valued on a group project. Told that I talked ‘white’ all throughout grade school and I actually had a difficult time finding my voice, even as an adult.
Despite my outgoing personality, I have moments of shyness because I wonder if I’m good enough or whether I’m asking a good question. It’s funny how childhood experences spill over into adulthood. These are my moments of uncertainty. Finding inspiration through similar struggles others have endured, helps me tremendously.
What I have also learned over time is that these feelings are part of the human experience.
Recently I listened to former Georgia Governor candidate, Stacey Abrams talk about overcoming her own personal struggles. After losing that race, she said she found peace in reading and listening to how other people dealt with uncertainty. That peace and acceptance allowed her to dream bigger and ask herself three questions:
What is it I want?
Why do I want it?
How can I get it?
Her story and how she dealt with setbacks inspired me as did President Barack Obama’s. I realized that even when I’m not thinking about it, I am constantly finding inspiration and hope to incorporate in my life.
These examples solidified for me the need to constantly look to the stories of others to find my inspiration during difficult times. I have to always remember that my struggle is what makes me uniquely me, and that is my power.
If harnessed correctly, that power has the ability to inspire people to be catalyst for change locally, nationally, and even internationally.
Where do you go for inspiration and hope?
With Intention,
Sean and Simone
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