Find What Inspires You

It's not something you probably think about too often, not that you really need to.  But, it's pretty important to be inspired.  Without inspiration, would we have reason?  I don't believe so.  Now, I'm not necessarily saying to throw out the normal go to subjects of inspiration like family or friends.  Those, for me at least, are pretty much a given.  I'm talking about more so inspiration to better myself.  I'll tell you, for me, it came from some pretty crazy places.

First and foremost, The Biggest Loser.  This show has been on my mind since the first time I saw it on television, probably around the 3rd season.  There was something really special about showing up each week and seeing folks just like me lose weight and be healthier and happier.  It's funny though, I'd watch this show about exercise, losing weight and bettering your diet as I sat on a couch, gaining weight and eating junk food.  Until recently, I wasn't motivated but, as I continue to watch the show, I do gain inspiration from it.  Talking of that, I'll be trying out for the show in July so, here's hoping!  

Beyond that, a show that's been off the air for a few years but, I recently started watching on Netflix: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.  It's crazy but, these guys really do inspire me to better my outlooks and my health and look.  I've completely changed up my daily routines and have begun to take better care of my skin, teeth and hair.  As well, I've gained some great knowledge on cooking and drinking, as well as interactions with others.  It's really worth it to put your own personal feelings aside and take a moment and hear what these guys are saying, you'd be surprised what you will learn.

Finally, there's a person who really inspires me aside from those I'm close to.  His name is Kevin Clash.  Let me provide some background.  Now, growing up, I was a big fan of Sesame Street.  I loved pretty much anything Jim Henson touched, as I believe most people in the 80s did.  As I grew up, I still loved those muppets and would sometimes catch Sesame Street just to revisit my childhood a bit and smile.  But man, I hated Elmo.  I mean it.  That little red bastard, I just couldn't stand him.  Fast forward a decade and watch a documentary called "Being Elmo".  I was a bit hesitant but figured, "what the hell"?

This guy's story really touched me.  Kevin Clash is his name.  He started making puppets as a child and, by the age of 19, was in television working for Captain Kangaroo and shortly after, Jim Henson productions on Sesame Street.  He was later given the chance to be Elmo and really took hold of that character and made it his own.  Now, the most inspirational thing is that he takes time for children, sick children, whose dying wish is to meet Elmo.  In the documentary, they show an interaction between him and a child and I just broke down.  I thought what an amazing person to do this for kids.  He really is someone I aspire to be, not necessarily a puppeteer but, just a good man who puts others before himself.  It's hard for someone like me whose heart has become stone over the years but, I'm working to be a better person.

So, that's just a small sample of what inspires me.  What inspires you?  Think about it sometime and really aspire to be better.  You're already great so, why not be better?  Take care.