5 People I look to for Joy Inspiration

Last updated on December 8th, 2013 at 11:51 pm

I promised myself that this summer would be “epic” as that is a theme word for 2013 for me.

And much of the year has been just that, especially when it comes to travel and dance: dancing at Lincoln Center in NYC, up-all-night dancing in Albany, NY, and some incredible West Coast and Florida travel adventures for my burlesque dancing gigs as my alter-ego Flame Marilyn.

This year has been all about the joys of dancing, traveling and more dancing!

Yet the latest adventures have been quietly joyful, rather than raucously epic. I am hanging out with my four-year-old niece and my two-year-old nephew before my sister and brother-in-law head back to San Sebastian, Spain in September.

The epic adventures lately include: trips to the playground, splash-happy bath-time adventures, baking banana muffins, playing “house” and reading bedtime stories.

So I am sharing some epic inspirations today from people who inspire me regularly because I could use the dose of inspiration right now, and thought maybe others could as well.

They say you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with…. and I believe that includes heroes who are in the spirit realm, those who have already passed on. I believe we can call on our heroes and gather inspiration from them, at any time, by reading their stories, and just asking for their presence or guidance in our lives.

5 People Who Inspire Me During This Epic Summer of Joy–

1. “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

~ Martin Luther King, Jr.:
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington on Wednesday, TV news is focused on the marches and tributes to MLK. He was a complex man and a true hero, whose “I Have A Dream” speech galvanized a nation. I salute him and honor his spirit today, and I hope that my life contributes to this dream of equal rights for all coming true.

2. “Whether it takes five minutes or 50 years, there is always a solution. Nothing is impossible.”

~ My sister, Carrie:
My younger sister Carrie is very much a health advocate who is passionate about eating in a way that is good for the body and the earth. She is all about sustainability and eating locally grown foods as much as possible. She focuses on creating meals with whole food ingredients, vs. buying or eating processed foods. She inspires me to step up my own efforts to eat in a way that honors my body and that is good for the planet. I’ve been eating gluten-free again, thanks to her inspiration, and am more mindful about how I eat when she is around.

3. “This is one high-voltage ride – and I’m thrilled that you’re here.”

~ Susan Hyatt: 
Sassy, fun, irreverent, feisty, authentic – all adjectives that capture just a part of the spark that is Master Certified Life Coach Susan Hyatt. I met Susan during my Martha Beck life coach training, and am inspired by her wacky, fun and upbeat Facebook posts every day. She makes you want to live with total gusto, and jump in with both feet when it comes to living all your dreams. “Whatever you want, you can have!” Susan reminds us.

4. “You ARE a writer.”

~ My grandfather, Pops:
I swear my mother’s father, who we called “Pops,” was a saint. And he believed in me and my career aspirations before I believed in myself. Born during the Depression era on a farm in Wisconsin, he scrimped and saved his whole life and had an unshakably solid work ethic. He has been in my thoughts a lot while spending time with family lately. He too had a dream like MLK’s, that we would all blend into one human family, and recognize that we are all one.

5. “I love you more than the ocean!”

~ My niece, Luna:
She is my light, and my joy. She reminds me to seize the day and to live every moment. Children remind us to live in the now, and remind us that life is about joy. I am so thankful for my little angel! I love you more than the ocean, Luna!

My heroes remind me that what is truly “epic” is living with joy and love, and making the most of every moment.

Who are your heroes? What will you do to make today epic?

What little action step can you take today, in total faith, towards living your dreams?

Life is what we make it! I am thankful to have the opportunity to shape my life and live my dreams.

Share your inspirations and action steps here!

Lisa