Inspiration Point

At this time each year, on the days surrounding the anniversary of 9/11, in addition to remembering those who have fallen and how so many are still personally affected by the events on that day, I take time to consider how unpredictable life is, how much I value those who defend our freedom, how important it is to appreciate what you have and to make the most out of every day.  As I embark on new journeys in my own life, taking this time to think of the things that matter (and that inspire me) is particularly relevant. 

A few days ago, someone asked me who or what most shaped who I am.  Without thinking, I responded that it has been my mom.  Ironically, 9/11 is her birthday, so I think of her on this day for many reasons.  I had the privilege of growing up fast, because she had the courage to leave a bad situation.  Her decision to get her three daughters into an environment where they had the chance to grow up to be the best women they could be was difficult - emotionally, physically, and financially.  Because of her choice, I had opportunities to play a bigger role in the family, making my life far from traditional, but making me the person I am.

My mom's name is Jo, and she is an amazing woman.  She worked her way up from Assistant to accomplished management positions in her company, one of the Southeasts' largest automotive importers, over 20 years.  When it was just us girls, on our own, she took side jobs to help pay the bills, and she inspired me to go to work as soon as I was of the age to do so.   Throughout difficult times, she always had a smile and brought that smile to the faces of others.  She was tolerant, yet firm.  She was always doing something - working, baking for someone, creating some crafts for the house, or helping out someone in her family.  Everyone becomes family to her, the people at local businesses or even those she works with.  There is just the right dose of tough love that she gives that makes people want to keep her in their lives.  She taught us to make a Sweet Potato Souflee that will bring you to your knees, and her Chicken & Dumplings are second to none. 

The youngest of seven, her father passed away when she was a child.  She grew up with a very strong single mother and a big family.  I have watched her grieve, but stand strong with her many siblings during the passing of her mother.  I've watched her be the strong force in the lives of those who are experiencing great loss - her sisters and brothers, her close friends, and even people she barely knows.  She is a pillar of strength for others...always able to bring perspective, kindness, and that tough love again when it's needed.  She is one of those special humans who roam this planet who intuitively sees every small opportunity to do something for others.  

What has been fulfilling for me is watching her move on in her life, to see her meet and fall in love with an amazing man, who she eventually married, and who I consider my dad.  He is funny, witty, handsome, and so very smart - and he is one of the few people on the planet deserving of her.  She has grown to love technology: computers (she installs memory herself), Facebook (that's how we all stay up to speed on each others' lives), and blogs (she just signed up for my friend Nate's online community www.itstartswith.us - a microgiving community, blog and website).  I love that she continues to evolve and grow. 

As I write this, I think about how I hope she does things for herself - takes care of herself, and stays healthy and happy.  Mostly, because I (selfishly) want her on this planet as long as possible - but also because she brings such joy and perspective to so many people.  My mom is a rock and an inspiration.
She created a culture of openness, kindness, giving, support and most of all, strength.   My "candle power" - the ability to stay strong amidst winds and seas of change - came from growing up in an ever-changing environment and seeing strength modeled time and time again.  I wouldn't be who I am without the complicated story that is my past, but mostly, I wouldn't be who I am without my mom's example.   She is "that person" to me, and I only hope I can be "that person" to others in my life.   At this time of reflection, I am so very thankful for her.

For those who read this, don't forget to take the time to acknowledge "that person" in your life, and please remember, you are that person to someone...or you're not.  The choice is yours.  Opportunities to set the example and inspire others, or just to let them know you care are in front of you each and every day.  Enjoy it!

I'm not sure where to start... or end

Watch this link before you read my post  http://www.cbsnews.com/video/ScottSmiley  

Occasionally, you see a story that is laden with so many lessons, it's difficult know where to start or end in describing what it means to you or articulating its inspiration.  This is one such story, Scotty Smiley: Serviceman, WestPoint grad, Iraq Veteran, Wounded, Blind, Father, Husband, Teacher, Runner, Climber, Inspiration. 

Thank you Scotty, for serving our country and protecting others, for following your purpose, for keeping the momentum, and for being willing to share your story so that others will be inspired and elevate themselves. Thank you for pushing forward and continuing to challenge yourself and others physically and mentally.  I am humbled and motivated.

Thank you US Military for valuing one of your own, for ensuring the knowledge and investment in one of our servicemen is put to its highest and best use, even after this life-altering injury.  Thank you for elevating a leader with one disability, so that he may enable so many others.

Thank you Walter Reed Hospital - and doctors, nurses, assistants and everyone in the chain of work that makes the care you give our wounded soldiers possible.

Thank you CBS Sunday Morning for sharing this great story.  I recently blogged about Dialogue in the Dark and learning the challenges of the visually impaired. http://www.katcole.com/2010/08/dialogue-in-dark.html  I learned so much from that experience.  This story, among its many other lessons, also highlights meaningful work being done by the visually impaired. That has become very important to me.

Outside of showing gratitude and humility, I'm not sure that I can share any brilliant insights that can make this story more meaningful to those who come to know it through this post.  I will, however, remember this story when I hit tough times in my life.  I will be sure to pay it forward by sharing this story to those I know who are dealing with great adversity.  Maybe it will provide meaningful perspective to someone in need  - you never know.

Change is in the air...

I don’t know if it’s just me, or just my friends and colleagues, but I sense a tremendous amount of change in the air.  It seems that so many people are coming into a new era of their own.  Maybe it’s the oncoming change of the season… from stagnant summer to evolutionary fall.  Maybe it’s the release of pent up energy from the world putting itself in a state of hibernation intended to brace for unknown fluctuations in the economy, weather, and life in general.   What ever it is….I like it.  I see people stepping out and starting their own businesses (especially in the food, beverage and service industries that have been so great to me over the years).  I notice corporations starting to hire more to support growth.   

I went to a farmer’s market this beautiful fall-ish morning and spoke with local farmers and bakers living their dream of growing or creating food and building community around their product.  I was delighted at how peaceful and happy they were and I was inspired as I saw them being able to grow their small businesses.  I went home and unpacked my local produce, farm-fresh cheeses and baked goods and got a call from my dear friend, Lisa. 

As I stood outside enjoying the fall air, she told me about the transition she is going through.  Lisa is a talented designer and contractor (she actually led the massive renovation on my home).   She told me about passing up a project early this year; she was going through so much transition in her personal life that it just seemed like something best left to someone else.   However, due to a series of events and highlighting that this was something she could do better herself, she decided to take it on. 

Sometimes opportunity does knock twice…if you’re paying attention.   She told me how this project has led to several bigger opportunities that are already changing her career and life, and I can’t think of a woman more deserving.  Lisa has worked for a decade, starting her own business and designing and leading renovations, but now she will be able to use her gifts on a different level – and as I describe it, she’s totally about to hit the “big time”.   As I listened to her, could not help but smell fall in the air and be overwhelmed with excitement for her and the positive transitions that so many are going through.   For those of you reading this, I hope you are open to the unique opportunities that come your way.   Honor all you have learned, built and done in the past, and leverage that to create your future filled with purpose.  One of my all time favorite quotes: “When you walk with purpose, you collide with destiny” ~ Dr. Bertice Berry.  Purposeful, positive change is in the air - enjoy!