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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.

05.21.2008 Report
My 88 year old grandmother has been an insipiration to me. Through pixels of black and white photgraphs and engaging stories, her journey colors my world in the big screen of life. Living in hard times she captured life's pivatol moments by wrestling hunger and heartbreak, but somehow with faith she continued smiling the the process. Therefore, when obstecles come my way, I reflect and drum up her courage, strength and compassion to march into a new day. She taught me well!

Kristen White
G- G-
05.21.2008 Report
On a daily basis I am reminded of how much my Mom inspires me. She passed away years ago but her life lessons live on. I owe her everything

I'm inspired by my sons' young friend who is always upbeat despite facing overwhelming challenges. I have a post it note where only I can see it at my desk "Think your life is tough. Think about Pat and get over it." Nothing I face matches loosing a mother to cancer at 10, having a transvestite father, having a grandmother that was nearly burned alive, and living in near poverty.

Lastly I'm inspired by my dear friend who came to this country 7 months pregnant to escape an abusive marriage. She's become a citizen and has done far more for her the community than most people ever will The values she's taught her kids is amazing. Between her and her husband they own three businesses and she teaches special needs children. She's redefined the face of the "illegal immigrant" for me - if only we all would give so much back to our country.
05.21.2008 Report
Many people and experiences have inspired me in different ways. My parents, who have lived their lives for their children have taught me to be honest, hardworking, and to believe that life is beautiful. My grandparents taught me unconditional love. My sisters have always been very supportive and their friendship is invaluable! Many other unnamed ffriends and people have inspired me by showing me that despite hardships, life is a gift and we can all make a difference in each other's lives.
05.21.2008 Report
sorry for all th typos y'all
05.21.2008 Report
Susan Hansen is one of my greatest inspirations. She was my counselor and helped me heal from childhood incest. Her words and teachings encouraged me to move through my trauma and now I am a Victim advocate in the same field she was in before cancer took her away from us all. http://itsneveryour fault.com I now have an educational program for teen and have set the stage to have a nice career for myself. Susan helped people overcome fears so they could avoid being paralyed by it. I will never forget the day a woman in my group cam in and she was devastated because her husband was going to gain custody of their children. Susan said to this woman in a rubble, "you can never lose your children, they will always be yours no matter what" That was enough to settle my classmate down and then learn how to deal with the path she had to now create for herself. How amazing is it to be able to help people hurdle their highest obsticles and land on the other side healthy and positive contributors.
05.21.2008 Report
It impossible to pick just one source of inspiration in a life that is constantly experiencing fresh new moments. Here are but a few - my mother for her strength, love and endurance - my three little girls for their innocence, laughter and appreciation for all the sweet simple things - my husband for his courage, support and resilience - and the many strangers who share their smiles, their stories of challenge and triumph - I am a humble student learning from them ALL!
05.21.2008 Report
The founders of Spark (www.sparksf.org)--concerned collegiate women who started a successful nonprofit dedicated to supporting grassroots women's organizations around the world. From Bangladesh to the Bay Area, Spark has made the difference in women's and girls' lives.

Networking, educational and social events seek to create a local philanthropic community for young philanthropists and other first-time givers, empowering the granters as well as the grantees! I am proud to have been invited to serve on this board and thankful to have connected with such a powerful group of professional women.

YES, we can make a difference, one woman at a time!!!
05.21.2008 Report
I read Goran Kropp's "Ultimate High: My Everest Odyssey" and was completely inspired by his 1995 journey on bicycle from Sweden to Nepal, summited Everest without oxygen during one of it's deadliest seasons, hopped back onto his bike and rode it back home. Incredible story and equally, the man who sadly died in an accident in 2002.
So whenever I think that a task is too much for me or if I am tempted to take the easier road - I think of Goran and "pedal on"
05.21.2008 Report
My mom and Jesus are my greatest inspirations because of their compassion.
05.21.2008 Report
My greatest inspiration only came along 3 years ago. My daughter Emma was born with Down Syndrome and has endured more in her three years, than I have in my entire life.She shows me every day that many people have a tendency to put perfection before happiness.
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