Inspiring People
So many people come and go in life that we rarely take time to consider the impact one person can leave on you. Everyone can probably name a teacher that lit their academic path -- maybe even a family member that provided motivation. But, I think it is all of the small encounters that make us who we are. It is the tiny things we take away from brief meetings that truly inspire us.
Whenever I think about people that have played significant roles in my lie, I find it hard to pinpoint what those folks have told me about life that I try to live by. A lot has to do with my poor memory (despite no drug use or repeated blows to the head, well maybe a few blows to the head). Most of it; however, can be traced back to emulating people’s actions more than thinking about those actions.
My grandfather, for instance, was a wonderful man -- kind and generous, soft spoken yet intimidating when needed and well respected. Did he ever give me words of wisdom, not that I can recall. I do, though, look at how he lived his life, wanting to follow similar characteristics. And of course, I had an encouraging seventh-grade English teacher who fostered my writing. Though I do not do it as a profession (at least not the way I had intended), it will always be one of my greatest passions.
What started me on this thought process of inspiring people was a simple gesture of gratitude by a former co-worker. As a wonderful surprise today, I received a gift at work. The random items, which gave me both a big laugh and feeling of warmth, reminded me of what a talented and dynamic woman our firm was loosing. She was smart and knew what was important in life. She kept a level and humorous head despite hairy and mind-boggling situations. She regularly demonstrated her appreciation of others through her words and gestures. Above all else, she balanced doing a great job at work with being a great mother and wife at home. These traits did not go unnoticed either. Several partners, including the department chair, begged for her to reconsider.
Granted, I only saw the sides of her that can be relayed via e-mail, phone and rare in-person meetings (she worked on the other side of the country). There may have been times where she ran around screaming her head off (which I do not doubt, because my current place of employment will illicit that behavior). But what I did see, I admired.
I hope that by taking the time to reflect on her commendable character, it will help me remember her. However, I know it will only prolong it a little at best. But what will stick with me is how my behavior and attitude changes because of knowing her. Maybe I will come home on time or a little early to see my family rather than get snippy with them when they are upset that I am still at work. If anything, I will smile whenever I use one of her great farewell gifts and hope that one day I leave as positive an impression on someone as she did.
Whenever I think about people that have played significant roles in my lie, I find it hard to pinpoint what those folks have told me about life that I try to live by. A lot has to do with my poor memory (despite no drug use or repeated blows to the head, well maybe a few blows to the head). Most of it; however, can be traced back to emulating people’s actions more than thinking about those actions.
My grandfather, for instance, was a wonderful man -- kind and generous, soft spoken yet intimidating when needed and well respected. Did he ever give me words of wisdom, not that I can recall. I do, though, look at how he lived his life, wanting to follow similar characteristics. And of course, I had an encouraging seventh-grade English teacher who fostered my writing. Though I do not do it as a profession (at least not the way I had intended), it will always be one of my greatest passions.
What started me on this thought process of inspiring people was a simple gesture of gratitude by a former co-worker. As a wonderful surprise today, I received a gift at work. The random items, which gave me both a big laugh and feeling of warmth, reminded me of what a talented and dynamic woman our firm was loosing. She was smart and knew what was important in life. She kept a level and humorous head despite hairy and mind-boggling situations. She regularly demonstrated her appreciation of others through her words and gestures. Above all else, she balanced doing a great job at work with being a great mother and wife at home. These traits did not go unnoticed either. Several partners, including the department chair, begged for her to reconsider.
Granted, I only saw the sides of her that can be relayed via e-mail, phone and rare in-person meetings (she worked on the other side of the country). There may have been times where she ran around screaming her head off (which I do not doubt, because my current place of employment will illicit that behavior). But what I did see, I admired.
I hope that by taking the time to reflect on her commendable character, it will help me remember her. However, I know it will only prolong it a little at best. But what will stick with me is how my behavior and attitude changes because of knowing her. Maybe I will come home on time or a little early to see my family rather than get snippy with them when they are upset that I am still at work. If anything, I will smile whenever I use one of her great farewell gifts and hope that one day I leave as positive an impression on someone as she did.
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