I looked at the rain coming down in sheets earlier today and almost talked myself right out of taking my walk after work. Funny thing is that when we plan God laughs.... 

By the time I finished work for the day I made my way to the window to see if I could still call off my walk due to the pouring down rain. Low and behold the rain had stopped! Now the sky wasn't blue and it was still "misting" like it does here but no rain. At that point I no longer had my excuse so I drug myself to the closet, pulled out my shoes and headed out to pound the pavement.

At first I struggled with where I should begin with my thoughts and one word popped into my head that changed everything "Inspire". 

Let me just say the word inspire has been resonating with me for many years. Back when I was starting to enter into a part of my life when I would need to give presentations at work in front of large audiences and had started to speak to other military wives on the topic of facing deployment, a good friend gave me a rubbing stone. It's a small little rock basically, smooth on both sides. On this rock the word "Inspire" was inscribed. My spirit immediately responded to the significance of that word and I held that rubbing stone in my hands every time I spoke to large crowds of people. It was a constant reminder of my purpose for that day in that moment.

When I thought about what "inspire" would have to do with how I want to improve my self image I realized that it was a direct connection with both a goal I set for myself in the near future and one of those I would consider "way out there". I have a servants heart and although I loose sight of my own strengths sometimes, the time I feel most "alive" in my spirit is when I can inspire others. Once I allowed myself to journey down that path I started to apply it to what it could mean for me and the direction I would love to see my life take. 

I have a short term goal to improve my communication skills. I want to be the type of communicator that leaves her audience with a deep connection to the message and not a focus on me as the presenter. I have no aspirations to be hugely famous for being a great public speaker. I would much rather have audiences walk away from any speaking engagement more focused on the message itself. I would love to be the vehicle to bring that clarity to others without being some "figure head" that just stands up and talks at you. Kind of like that wizard behind the curtain....

So coming to terms with these thoughts led me down a path of starting to focus in on how I can develop my communication skills and really use them to make a difference by inspiring others. I feel we were all blessed with one gift or another in this life that allows us to follow the path intended for us. I'm no different. Some people have been blessed with melodic tones that inspire your spirit through song, others are blessed with the amazing ability to reach people through the written word and so forth... I feel I was blessed with the ability to see life a little differently than others. I feel my purpose is tied to this gift. The gift of being able to help people move beyond their own adversities, come to terms with them, learn by them and grow because of them. I have a deep passion to inspire others to recognize things about themselves that they could not see, realize they are never too old to pursuit their dreams and to know deep down that even when they fall, they can always get back up.

I'm not sure what will come next for me but it feels so good to finally see what was in front of me for many years. I want to be the vehicle to bring my message of inspiration to others. I'm not quite sure how yet. I have so much work to continue with when it comes to improving my communication skills and building up my self esteem but I finally feel like I have something to aim for!

My Lesson for Today: I learned that we should keep our eye on the prize and stop playing these silly games with ourselves that have potential to keep us from learning our life lessons (for me the rain today). I also learned that when I met my commitment to put on my walking shoes, I was blessed with answers I have been searching so long for and it paid HUGE dividends today!

Well I am off to pack for a surprise get away thanks to my wonderful husband!

Wishing you all passion in all that you do, happiness and light!

Until next time,

Laura D.