Jade Gold
As I was sitting poolside on my most recent vacation/business trip, I had the opportunity to answer so many wonderful emails, talk to people I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting in person and even share in some of their most difficult moments, just through the open doors of social media. The running theme in each message was something about my life; something about my journey; inspired someone to share; get in shape; stop making excuses; connect; transform or simply share their approval and sincere appreciation for my post that caused them to change.
It brought me to the question though, what does it mean to be an inspiration? Do people realize that in each of us there is a story waiting to be told? A testimony to be shared? A life story of amazing hardship or great blessings? If you’re blessed enough to live through something, almost anything, there should be a moment, person, song, sermon, place, speech, child or perhaps a teacher that inspired you through that moment. But the real power of being inspired is for you to BE an inspiration to someone else.
We often think of people who are well-known or successful in their own right as people that have the power to influence, inspire or create change. Perhaps it’s their brand, the money, or star power that causes us to listen, but within each of us, we carry a circle of influence that cannot be captured by anyone but you! I reflect on some of my favorite people I love to quote like Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Steve Jobs, Jesus, President Barack Obama, John C. Maxwell, T.D. Jakes, Shanel Cooper Sykes and Iyanla Vanzant. What makes us buy into their influence? Why do we feel what they have to say has so much power and what if we harnessed that power to be a positive influence right within our own community and circle of people we know now?
Have you ever wanted to write your own book? Have you ever been through something and if you could change just one person’s life with your story it would be worth telling? Do you have a magazine publication in your mind? Do you love to inspire children that you meet? Have you survived through a death, a divorce or accomplished a goal you set out to accomplish? Do you have a sermon inside of you just waiting to be preached? Are you a cancer survivor and have the gift of empowerment? This list could go on and on, but what will never change is your ability to be a positive influence if you find your POWER to allow that voice to be heard.
Our world on a day to day basis is simply an exchange of power. If we were able to see the power behind our own lives, rather than waiting for the moment we too become famous, or before the bank account says you have status, or before someone gives you permission; realize your life is an unlimited well spring of inspiration and it’s just waiting to be released.