Who Inspires Me?

“Inspire verb : to make someone want to do something, to give an idea of what to do or create, to cause something to happen or be created, to cause someone to have a feeling or emotion. “ Merriam-Webster (2014) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspire (12-05-14)

A month ago I posted on my Facebook page this question: Who inspires you? While there were only a few responses, the answers ranged between family members and people of great influence. One of the responders also asked that I share my inspirations. While I intended to, in truth I found I couldn’t quite answer the question. Not because I didn’t know, but more because of the scope of the question itself.

There are so many people and things that have inspired and continue to inspire me that I can’t quite limit it to just a few. When I am writing I draw on my experiences and feelings as well as the experiences of others. My characters are a potpourri of characteristics and mannerisms from family, friends and strangers. When it comes to creativity, there are no limits on inspiration and it comes in many forms.

I am inspired by nature’s boundless beauty and wrath; by those who have overcome adversity and those who strive to make their dreams come true. There is inspiration in the selfless generosity of family and friends and the in the paying it forward of complete strangers. In everyday life the sleeping cat inspires me to nap. The playful puppy inspires me to take a walk, even when it’s cold. My family inspires me to dream, the world inspires me to be a better person.

To answer the question “who inspire me?” Quite simply – it is you.