Last year at Christmas time we had a Secret Santa exchange at school. The person who picked my name did a rather brilliant job of spoiling me with little notes and treats that I found both beautiful and thoughtful. One, however was one that I remember thinking, “Will I really  wear this?” You see, the bracelet had letter blocks that spelled out INSPIRE. It was cute, but not my typical style. Yet on my wrist it went. 

Immediately I knew that it would stay on my wrist. It has since December been a reminder of the role that women, myself included, should play in each other’s lives. We should always aspire to inspire others, while also ‘allowing’ ourselves to be inspired by others. Often, as women when another succeeds we use their success as a point of envy or an opportunity to doubt our ability to do equally great things. I am guilty of being envious and envy is ugly. This bracelet has reminded me to be happy for others successes and to use their victories to inspire me. 

A few months back I got a friend started on running. She went from being unable to run a mile to training for a half marathon, 13.1 miles! It’s funny because even though I am the ‘runner’ I was the one that was inspired by her to stay on track with my training this summer. I say this because we often are moved to do things when we allow ourselves to be moved by a gentle nudge that we get from others. We can take ideas and brush them under the rug, or allow them to flourish. I know that seeing this bracelet I am often reminded to stay on track because my good choices may influence others. But I also make sure to let others know when they inspire me. This cycle of inspiration can only be a good thing.