“The best that has happened to me in my life has come from handling the worst that’s happened to me in my life.” ~ Dick Hoyt

When I sit down to plan blog posts I brainstorm words that speak to me. Words that have meaning in my life. I have been waiting patiently (yea right) to write about inspiration because in the last two years I have been inspired by thousands of stories big and small. Undoubtedly my favorite comes from Dick Hoyt and his son Rick. If you are not familiar with the Hoyt’s, take a few minutes to watch…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-mM

Rick Hoyt came into this world in a traumatic way, and due to this was very physically challenged. He was not able to walk or talk and his parents were told to give him away. Instead they adapted, they used computers to communicate and put him in public school. When he told his father Dick that he wanted to run a benefit race, Dick agreed. He had never run, but the two of them TOGETHER went on not only to run marathons but to compete in several Ironman triathlon events as well. Over a thousand races in all in fact! Who wouldn’t be inspired?

Because my personal direct sales business is extremely inspiration driven, I was honored to see Dick Hoyt speak last year in front of a room of thousands at an annual training event. For over an hour we all sat silent and in awe of the challenges put before him and his son, and the “yes you can” attitude they maintained to change lives around the world simply by never accepting CAN’T as an answer. Every person in the largest, PACKED room I have ever been in, had tears streaming down their faces while Mr. Hoyt accepted a large donation from our company. He stood on stage and quietly cried his own tears undoubtedly because he was so grateful, but I suspect also in overwhelming astonishment at all he had accomplished with his son by his side.

I have always sought out these stories of inspiration. Some of my favorite reads include “Unbroken,” the story of Louis Zamperini who was a resilient survivor, “Half Broke Horses,” the biography written about the wily and resolute Lily Casey Smith by her own inspired granddaughter, and “Wild,” written by Cheryl Strayed about her self-proclaimed journey from lost to found. These are just a few instances of books that have influenced my own journey in the last couple of years. They represent an extreme story of survival, a kindred spirit who paved the way for adventurous women, and the introspective and literal pilgrimage of another who helped me see life is not a destination but an exploration.

It’s funny how perspectives change, and as I have personally grown, my view of inspiration has grown as well. There are undoubtedly thousands of stories, books, even movies based on the lives of inspirational human beings. I appreciate and love every one of them. What has transformed as my own story has, is what inspires me day to day. In the last month, I have been inspired by my daughter whose wisdom is at times beyond her 8 years. I have been inspired by a team member’s absolute faith in her ability and newfound confidence. I have been inspired by my love’s heart which is big enough to hold space for ALL my crazy. When you choose to live through eagerness, acceptance, and appreciation, everything around you becomes circumstance for revelation and inspiration. It’s simply wonderful, and after living for so many years in an arena of uncertainty, it has become a joy to live in a place where simply opening my eyes in the morning means I will come across moments of inspiration both big and small.

I challenge you to look for the inspiring moments in your life and acknowledge them. If you need a start, watch Amy Purdy’s Ted talk which will certainly leave an impression on your heart. I had an opportunity to see her live also, absolutely INSPIRING!

https://hls.ted.com/talks/1285.m3u8?preroll=Thousands&postroll=Spotlight_USA