Today’s Bloganuary writing prompt is “Who is someone that inspires you and why?”

These prompts are getting harder each day, haha. My initial reaction to this blogging prompt was to talk about some great world leader or prominent figure whose dedication to saving our world from one thing or another would be appropriate. But none of the people that came to mind really resonated with what I’d want to say here.

I realized that while I might admire a lot of those people, none of them really inspire me. The people who inspire me are much closer to home. And I can’t just choose one, because it is a multitude of humans who’ve inspired me to be who I am right now. I’ll attempt to mention a few of them, but there have been many over the years. Anyone not listed here may also have inspired me, but I can’t cover everyone.

Mom

Most of my inner being comes from her. She taught me true love, and that is what has inspired my sense of love and family. Mom was loud and some might even say, annoying. She was unforgettable for sure. She was funny. She was picky. She worried about everything and had more than her share of phobias. But that woman loved her children and grandchildren with all her being. That 100% dedication to family – that’s what inspires me the most.

Dad

The one thing I always say when I mention my dad is that he was the kindest man on the planet. He was also funny and goofy and a joy to be around. He inspired me to look for the goofiness in people, because that’s where I would find a piece of him.

My Sister

My big sister’s ability to light up a room with her smile and her easy, social grace was the inspiration I needed to pull myself out of my inner shell. I watched her and absorbed how to engage with strangers in social situations without wanting to hide in a corner somewhere. I’ll never have her natural ability to socialize, but she inspired me to make it work my way.

My Brother

My big brother can tell one helluva story! I have a gift for story-telling as well, but his charisma and charm really hooks people as they hang on his every word. I’ve often soaked that up and used his natural talent to help me hone my own.

My Wife

My wife’s ability to remain kind-hearted and pleasant in spite of her constant pain and disability is a huge inspiration for me. I will never be as kind and patient while in pain as she is, but she inspires me to try to do better. In addition, she’s always inspired me to believe in myself, to the point where I can almost believe in myself as much as she believes in me. (She’s also super-goofy and immensely funny, so I win big with that one).

So Many Others

I find inspiration in so many other people.

• Old grade-school friends, like Brigitte and Lisa, who have made so much of their lives with goodness and grace.
• My stepkids and grandkids who are navigating this world in their own ways, on their own terms, while being amazing human beings.
• My sister-in-law who has dedicated herself to caring for family no matter how difficult it has been.
• My many other family members, in-laws, and friends who each show me how to live a life that matters.

My soul is a gumbo pot of inspiration from so many people who have graced my life over the years. Without them, there is no me.

This post is part of the WordPress Bloganuary Challenge for 2022, where everyone participating is provided a writing prompt each day. Today’s prompt was to write about someone who inspires me.