The Finer Side - Live a Life of Inspiration
Jennifer Souers | Staff Writer
Last Updated:2/2/10 Section: The Finer Side
I fly a lot. Most people complain about layovers in uncomfortable airports, but I appreciate my hours spent in New York City's JFK airport. I enjoy watching the multitudes that walk the terminal. I find myself wondering where they are going, where they're coming from, what their stories are, what inspires them. As I sit in my mesh chair, waiting at my gate for my flight back to Virginia, I find myself reflecting on my own life. After all, I too am one of those nameless travelers. Sitting here pondering about the histories of my fellow passengers, I reflect on my own history: what is my story? What inspires me?
I find that inspiration comes in many forms. New Year's was only a few short weeks ago, and for many, that specific date on the calendar inspires them to set new goals, to make their lives better. For others, inspiration comes from other sources, such as movies. Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side inspires us to be compassionate. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in Invictus inspire us to greatness. Robert Downey, Jr. reminds us that with hard work and perseverance, we can overcome difficult personal battles to be successful and produce great work.
For others, inspiration comes from tragedy. A good friend of mine spent several days in Haiti, just before the earthquake, volunteering for the organization Hope for Haiti. When I saw him just after he returned, he was completely motivated to return to the country, inspired by all that he witnessed. My friend's immediate response was to the earthquake was "I hope everyone's okay. I'm definitely going back now."
Inspiration can come from change. For those of us in the class of 2010, this is our last semester. In about four months, we will graduate and become real adults. We must savor every day, every moment, because no matter how great our case of senioritis, or how strong our desire to be gone, these are days we will never have again. The friends, the classes, the grand traditions of William and Mary… these are fleeting moments. Be inspired by our ephemeral last semester and make every day count.
Inspiration can come in the most unlikely forms. The stranger in an airport who shows a random act of kindness inspires us to do likewise. A fictional character that uses his work to do great things inspires us to hard work. A beautiful piece of music inspires us to live more deeply.
This semester, I encourage you to be inspired. Open your mind to the world and the people around you. Look at things differently. Dare to live more passionately. Love to your fullest. Care without qualification. Live a life of inspiration.
I find that inspiration comes in many forms. New Year's was only a few short weeks ago, and for many, that specific date on the calendar inspires them to set new goals, to make their lives better. For others, inspiration comes from other sources, such as movies. Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side inspires us to be compassionate. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in Invictus inspire us to greatness. Robert Downey, Jr. reminds us that with hard work and perseverance, we can overcome difficult personal battles to be successful and produce great work.
For others, inspiration comes from tragedy. A good friend of mine spent several days in Haiti, just before the earthquake, volunteering for the organization Hope for Haiti. When I saw him just after he returned, he was completely motivated to return to the country, inspired by all that he witnessed. My friend's immediate response was to the earthquake was "I hope everyone's okay. I'm definitely going back now."
Inspiration can come from change. For those of us in the class of 2010, this is our last semester. In about four months, we will graduate and become real adults. We must savor every day, every moment, because no matter how great our case of senioritis, or how strong our desire to be gone, these are days we will never have again. The friends, the classes, the grand traditions of William and Mary… these are fleeting moments. Be inspired by our ephemeral last semester and make every day count.
Inspiration can come in the most unlikely forms. The stranger in an airport who shows a random act of kindness inspires us to do likewise. A fictional character that uses his work to do great things inspires us to hard work. A beautiful piece of music inspires us to live more deeply.
This semester, I encourage you to be inspired. Open your mind to the world and the people around you. Look at things differently. Dare to live more passionately. Love to your fullest. Care without qualification. Live a life of inspiration.
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