Inspired to Tears
I remember my mother tearing up during commercials. I never understood why–until now. She could look beyond the package and feel the heart of a person—even if they would never meet.
I lost my mother when I was 12, and have very few memories. Perhaps it is selective, or long-term loss. But for whatever reason, my mother’s eyes have taught me to look into yourself for the gifts and talents God gave you.
Other inspirational people in my life, who have instilled a drive in me to do better include my father, siblings and husband, just to name a few. Yet, in the past year, I have had three unlikely sources that have inspired me to tears.
The first time I watched The Biggest Loser I was expecting to see obese people being exploited for the mighty dollar. But I found unlikely heroes–participants pushing beyond their expected limitations. They were succeeding not only in losing weight, but gaining confidence and self-esteem. When they didn’t believe, the trainers inspired, encouraged and yelled. It would be hard. It would take time. It would change their lives.
Another underdog, whose voice still makes me smile and cry, is Susan Boyle. A woman, expected to fail, surprised the world with a voice beyond description. She overcame the whispers of doubt and succeeded.
I was also inspired by the movie Julie and Julia. I felt just as Julie – starting projects with self-doubt on my heels. It wasn’t until I was 43 years old did I realize I was a good at what I did. I wasn’t perfect. I wasn’t a prodigy. But I was good. When I stopped comparing myself to others (and there is ALWAYS someone better), I found that my gifts and talents were enough.
But that is work. I am constantly starting hobby projects, but never finishing. I have over 10 stories started, but never completed. I have an illustration ¾ done, which I started 6 years ago. I get bored. Restless. I need a challenge I can stick to and complete – to prove to myself I can.
Then a wise man told me, “Eat Your Elephants One at a Time.” I was so busy I was running around nibbling at their heels, and never completing a meal. I decided to take his advice and choose an Elephant and devour him, no matter how long it took or how enticing the “other elephants” became. Gluttony is a sin, and trying to too eat too many elephants it one, too — in it’s own way. No matter how many elephants you gather in your herd, you will never be able to eat them all. Better to choose one elephant to focus your attention on, then when done, move onto the next.
So to the man who uttered those prophetic and inspired words, thank you for helping me slow down and enjoy the elephants in my life. And, I love you, Ken.