Thinking this morning about inspiration. I came across this Maya Angelou quote (thank you Nona who posted it to Facebook):

"My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart."

And in this I found the inspiration to write this post. In these words, I found the love needed to open my heart and record words on the page. It is funny how great an impact a few words can have. As I now find myself in a leadership position I am often searching for words that will have this great an impact. Always looking to inspire, forgetting sometimes that I need this inspiration as well. And yet, just when I need it the most, the world places right in front of me the words that encourage me to continue, to find my own words, to remain open and proceed with love. The remembrance that this is what we need, inspiration, love, humor, joy. These are the things that make the struggle worthwhile. For there will always be struggle, regardless of who we are or where we come from, life is a challenge, is challenging and to succeed in facing this challenge, one needs inspiration, humor, a lightening of the load, kindness, love.

What are the words you need to hear to continue? Not in misery, but with joy and openness, with a light that will inspire others. What do we need to shine? Inspiration. To be surrounded by those who have struggled and not lost their joy. To be reminded that so long as we continue, as long as we continue to be who and how we are and proceed with kindness we will inspire others and continue to be inspired ourselves.