Who Inspires You?

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Famous Inspirations...

Mr. Rogers, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa are the famous people who inspire me - each for the same reason: they changed their worlds for the better through varying degrees of perseverance in the face of obstacles and, only, through serving others. 

Ubuntu, the expression of the African model of leadership, is the idea that people are empowered by others, that we become our best selves through unselfish service to others. It's Mandela's philosophy which best explains why I admire these three people:

"In Africa there is a concept known as ubuntu - the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others."

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Most Important Inspirations!

But there are others who are my most important inspiration - people who are far more precious to me than any famous person: you, my family. You are each amazing in your own way and inspire me to become a better person everyday.

Matt is the best man I know - husband, father, grandfather -- you are kind, thoughtful, funny, faithful, talented and uber-smart. I am humbled by knowing I have become who I am because of your love.

Marguerite and Madeleine are the most amazing young women I know - you are both loving and kind, steadfast in your search for truth and justice, and while your senses of humor are expressed differently, you never intentionally wound anyone with your sharp understandings of the world. From the moments you were born I have been in awe of you and am so very grateful to be your Mom. And watching you tackle adult life makes me want to become an even better human being! It is a privilege to observe your love for your husbands and my grandchildren, to share your life in all its ups and downs.

I am also inspired by your husbands! Their steadfastness and love of you and Arlo and Ezrynn imbues everything they do -- they really are enamored and want the best for you.

Finally, Arlo and Ezrynn are inspirations simply because I want to never disappoint them with being less than loving, kind and generous.