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Who’s Been Your Greatest Inspiration Throughout Your Life and Why?

By: Caitlin Goebel (View Profile)

Every night I come home and turn on the evening news. At times it seems the world is in devastation and destruction. But today, and in the past, there have been individuals that have inspired and motivated me about what tomorrow will bring.

The greatest inspiration in my life was one of the actions Eleanor Roosevelt took as the First Lady. When she heard that the Daughters of the American Revolution were not letting Marian Anderson, an African American, sing at Constitution Hall, the First Lady removed any affiliation with the organization and then arranged for Ms. Anderson to sing at Lincoln Memorial. She could have ignored what was happening but she chose to take a very public stand on the issue. 

We all can be inspired when hearing the stories of people who have done something out of the ordinary in this world. Is there someone who has inspired you and why?  Join the chit chat. 

The giveaway ended May 23rd, but you can still add your story to this chit chat. Look for more giveaways and stand by for an announcement about our winner.

05.19.2008 Report
Henry David Thoreau has been my greatest inspiration. His essays have helped me to lead life on my own terms and at my own pace.
05.19.2008 Report
My children inspire me. Although all three have minor heart defects, they manage to keep active and thrive. All three are honor students and I'm so grateful for their health and their love.
T H T H
05.19.2008 Report
I know many inspirational, stellar people, but the latest one who stands out in my mind is one of my 17 year old, "popular," female students. She turned down countless, handsome admirers and took one of our school's "best buddies" (severally mentally/physically handicapped) to the prom with her last weekend. I got all misty-eyed when I saw how beautiful they both were.
05.19.2008 Report
My husband. As a legal immigrant, he's overcome many problems. He's become proficient in English, he's broken through social barriers, and he's encountered racism with a grace that is beautiful. He is the true definition of integrity. He's never complained about anything, including having to undergo 19 surgeries on his leg after a car accident. Even when it was unclear if he would walk again, he took the news in stride and persevered - today, he walks without the use of crutches. He inspires me to be more, to have faith, and to not sweat the small stuff. I can just look at him and know everything will be okay.
Ts Ts
05.19.2008 Report
My mom has always been my inspiration. She is such a strong woman, and an excellent single mom. I try hard to pattern my actions after her.
05.18.2008 Report
My grandmother.
My husband is my inspiration - he has truly overcome so much with so little for such a very long time.
05.18.2008 Report
My children have been my greatest inspiration. They have inspired me to be a better person from the moment I first realized I was pregnant. To be a mother and worthy of being a role model was an intimidating but joyful inspiration from the start. To see the results now - the absolutely wonderful young adults they have become - is amazing.
05.17.2008 Report
My mother is by far my greatest inspiration. By watching her, I learned how to treat everyone with decency and respect - no matter what station, color, religion, age or sex. I learned how to understand that helping someone isn't necessarily giving them money and forgetting them, but could just be being there when they need a friend. Sometimes people just need to know that they are worth something, that they deserve a smile and a kind word. She taught me that. She and all of her friends and surprise Christmas guests...
my father...why is it that we dont see how wonderful our parents are when we're growing up? i missed alot. now in my 30's i see how wonderful he is.
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