In 2019 (which feels like once upon a time, oh, so long ago), if someone asked us who inspires us, the likely answers would have been chosen from a list of well-known people. The current leaders in government and politics are on the list, along with men and women who have made their mark in business, fashion, literature, entertainment and sports.
This year is different.
In a world that has been turned upside down by a pandemic, the most inspiring people are the ones who have just plain shown up and kept going and figured out things and taken care of us. The doctors and nurses and hospital administrators who have had to totally reconfigure hospitals – internally and how they work with each other – and navigate a crisis that they have never seen the likes of before. The first responders, and the staffs of government agencies who have continued to provide needed services. The staff and volunteers at non-profits and food banks who have been overwhelmed by need. Business owners who have pivoted to new ways of conducting business, both to keep their business afloat, their staffs employed, and to serve their customers’ needs. Teachers have had to retrain themselves on the fly and educate students — who are in vastly disparate circumstances — differently. Parents and grandparents have stepped up and taken on new and challenging roles without their usual support groups.
They all deserve the compliment paid to Ruth Bader Ginsberg – “She persisted.”
This week, write a letter to someone who inspires you.
This can be someone you know or don’t know, alive or not-living. Tell them why they inspire you. We’ve designed “You inspire me because…” notecards to help your letter writing (see below), and wrote a list of prompts to help you focus on why people have inspired you. Most important, remember to mail it – you will make someone’s day, or week!
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Need a letter starter? We’ve got you covered. Here are some possible starts…
You inspire me because….
You’ve set an example for how to meet a challenge
You challenge us to be the best versions of ourselves
You encourage me to live my best life
Having you in my life makes my world a better place
Because you have made an impact on my life
Because you always try to unselfishly do what’s right
Because of your passion to make a difference in the world
Because you put your heart and soul into helping others
Because you are not afraid to stand up for what you believe
You encourage us to believe in ourselves
You’ve shown me how to set goals and surpass them
You went above and beyond this year to make things better for us
We hope you’ll find the time to have meaningful conversations about how people can make a difference, and time to write to a few who have inspired you. Because if there’s one thing 2020 has taught us, nothing can be taken for granted.
Need ideas for inspiration? Check out Our Favorite Things: Who Inspires You? Edition!
