Inspiration

What do you let inspire you?

I find that most people are only willing to be inspired when sitting in a lecture hall having paid to be inspired. There are so many other places that can be amazing if you’re willing to notice them. I’m fully aware of how cheesy this all sounds but just hold on a moment.

The other day I saw a young man and woman who were total strangers help a man in a wheelchair in to the subway car. The doors closed several times on both the helpers but the persisted anyway. The volunteer man then missed his stop to escort the person in a wheelchair to his destination (which happened to be where I was going too) and didn’t leave him until he was safely with his family. 

This was a somewhat extravagant version of a “random act of kindness” but certainly inspired me. I wasn’t impressed that the people helped this man who was struggling, because that’s what I believe any one should do but because one of them went the extra mile to help out a total stranger. Being decent shouldn’t be a big deal; much the same as talking about who you are (regardless of mental illness, scars or anything else).

Humans are all part of the same race and should be looking out for each other. All that should be breathtaking is when someone goes beyond the decent. There is something so wonderful about seeing humanity extend past them to easy another’s pain; more so when they are willing to sacrifice something of their own to make that happen. I discourage people from praising the mediocre (unless it’s a real personal improvement) because it’s nothing special, only a human duty.

Going back to what I was saying about allowing yourself to be inspired everywhere; the high from an hour-long seminar will where off in a few days (maximum). Look around because personally, I find people who aren’t being paid to be inspiring much more so.