by Emily Murray DTM District Director
Are you inspiring? Who do you know that is?
I certainly don’t think that I am. To me, I’m just over here living my life. I know so many people who have done cooler, harder, more impressive, scarier, more unusual things than I have. We all tend to feel like we’re just regular people, and that others are more amazing than we are. Have you ever felt that way?
I hate to be the one to break it to you, but you’re wrong. And so am I.
Share to Inspire Blog lists 30 common qualities of inspirational people. Here are just some of the commonalities among inspiring people: they are driven and committed; are courageous even in times of fear; have integrity; seek self-growth and development; are sympathetic; believe in teamwork; are good communicators; uplift others; see the good in people; seek advice; build their network; evaluate themselves; stay curious; are flexible; put others first; don’t settle for less. Do you recognize anything? I bet you recognize yourself in more than a few of these.
The thing to remember is that the list Share to Inspire Blog compiled is only SOME of the common traits of an inspiring person. Something I notice when reading over these traits is that these qualities are what I think of when I think of Toastmasters. I don’t mean the organization, I mean you. YOU embody these qualities.
Here’s the thing, you don’t have to have climbed Mount Everest, survived a plane crash in the jungle, or rescued a baby from a burning building to be inspiring. Sure, those are big, flashy, and absolutely inspiring acts. But honestly, how many of us will really ever have the opportunity to perform a spectacular event of this magnitude or overcome a significant hardship?
Far more likely is that we will show up when we say we will, when help is needed, when a friendly face is just the thing to brighten a day, when it’s time to do the work – and do it without complaining and maybe even turn it into fun. We encourage and support others. We are here to grow ourselves, but our best successes come when we help others achieve and grow. We pitch in to help others succeed, we join teams when we don’t have to, and we do work no one is paying us to do. We show others how to face the fear of giving their first speech, giving an evaluation, or performing an officer role by intentionally pushing out of our comfort zones. We give because honestly it just feels good to do so – to help our friends and Toastmasters family (if you haven’t figured it out by now D25 is a family – I’ve been saying that for a loooooong time!).
I am 100% certain you do this. How can I be so certain? I’m a Toastmaster, and so are you. I see what you are doing, and I’m inspired by it. You are growing and trying and helping and supporting and doing amazing things. Because of YOU, I am inspired to be the best I can be, to give you the best I can, and to help you in any way I can. Because you are inspiring. I don’t mean all of D25 Toastmasters – I mean YOU specifically.
Now…reflect a moment and answer the questions I asked in the beginning: Are you inspiring? I’ll help you with the answers: ABSO-INCREDIBLY-LUTELY! Who do you know that is? YOU!
Now go Share your Sunshine and inspire those around, following and watching you!
