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

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.

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Sue Fry

04.23.2008 Report

My friend Martha is a living angel. She and her husband have been foster parents for the problem child. Martha has done with for years, opening her home to these children that no one else would touch. She is the most loving and caring person I have had the honor to know.

Jasmine Ceecee

04.23.2008 Report

My mom is my greatest inspiration. She volunteers at a soup kitchen in an inner-city and is a bright, shining example of how one person can be a light in the darkness. Many of the hundreds of people she serves know her by name, and her virtues of charity and kindness have resonated with me every day of my life. Because of her, I volunteer with the elderly and serve as a foster mom.

Kathy G

04.23.2008 Report

Definitely my dad. He had a tough childhood, but always managed to be successful with whatever he did. It was thinking about that strength and perseverance that helped me get through some tough times. Plus, he always knows just want to say to make me smile or laugh.

S q

04.23.2008 Report

My husband is my greatest inspiration. He is so positive and upbeat that he lifts my spirits.

Liza

04.23.2008 Report

When I look over my life, the people who stand out the most to me, are the people who have both dealt with hardship in a healthy way, and have been able to ask me the right questions to help me to figure things out for myself.
a few of these people
- Dwight Lundgren who's been nearly a father to me since my own was not emotionally available... he has shown me how to keep a level head and not to beat myself up with guilt when none is deserved... and even sometimes when it is.
- Amanda Hoffman who was my mentor when I moved away from home, and really helped to move me painlessly through some of my "growing up" after highschool.
She let me cry to her, complain, laugh, talk as much as I needed to... and was incredibly non-judgemental.

So between these two (who probably don't even know the extent of their influence on my life), I've learned enormous lessons, and come to be a person I'm proud of. And I still keep their words in mind, and rely on them almost every day.

Kathryn Hawkins

04.23.2008 Report

Funny enough it's a tough question. My father comes to mind instantly, he taught me tolerance and acceptance of others. I can look at almost everyone I meet and find something inspiring about them, each individual thought and motion towards kindness catches my attention. I am inspired to reach out and have an effect on others.

Ella

04.22.2008 Report

My mom is a history teacher and always has stories about the women that have changed our past. I'd have to say that my mom has been my greatest inspiration thoughout life because she is the one that has told me about the women who have motivated and inspried not only women but everyone around the world.

Ophelia Payne

04.22.2008 Report

Caitlin, I remember my mother telling me this exact story when I was a girl, when we were going to see the Lincoln Memorial together. I had no idea at the time why she was so driven to visit this memorial and walk up its steps, but the story helped me understand. What I remember was her tone of voice: one she very rarely used, and only when telling me things of great importance that I must remember.

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First published April 2008

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