I was thinking about this thread in the middle of the night awhile back. And I thought I'd asked what inspires you? Victorious stories, like from rags to riches; or, heroic efforts; or, tales of long-suffering; or nonfictional books? What motivates you to try to improve yourself or makes you want to be a better person? Just curious.

Great question, Jabber. What inspires me the most are stories of people who have lived through devastation but persevere to survive and grow, then turn their suffering and pain around to help others. Those stories always inspire courage and hope in me to do whatever it takes to make it through, and to learn all that I can along the way so that someday it might help someone else.

Hey there Jabber!

Great, thought provoking question. Got me thinking...which, I assume, was the reason for the post (grin). I'm inspired by people who are willing to take themselves on...their foibles, their fears, their "stories", if you will and create what it is that is most important to them. I'm motivated by knowing others have lived through something similar to what I've lived through or have seen and are willing to share how they used a given situation or life circumstance to move upward and forward in their lives...guess it is the "make lemonade with lemons" thing if you will.

I love reading, listening and telling stories that tell what someone learned, at a spiritual level, about being a more positive and powerful human being.

I think I would have to say being able to bring a true smile to someones face due to a kindness they aren't aware I had anything to do with. That makes me just feel fantastic.

All the things you mentioned above jabber inspire me, but what inspires me the most is the word of God, the words of the bible are alive to me, and by meditating on a scripture that really inspires me,I have gotten through some difficult times, and it has helped me overcome a lot.

Wow, ladies. These are such excellent answers! Personally, meditating on Bible verses has helped me stay afloat in some
turbulent times. Like Chatty I love to make others smile.
It lifts my heart when I see a stranger look me in the eyes
and let loose with a warm, loving smile. And other folks' accomplishments and uphill battles are inspiring to me.
We all learn from each other. What a blessing this site is!
Thank you!

love what youv all written so far and id agree with them all. I was thinking that i bet i change my answere to this on diffrent days so don't hold me to this one onlie

i very impresed when someone showes an uncomon emotional response to a situasion they are in. i thinking about that type of stuff today, like when someone is unkind but the hurted person dose't get cross they reacte as if they know that person is being unkind becouse thers something bugging them, thats having them act that way at that moment. Or someones been muggged or violated in soome way but they don't hate the person thats mugged them, lol and not becouse they are in shock and need hospital treatment but becouse they know about the pain or drive that can be created by addiction and the need for cash etc. either becouse they have evolved and know what the storie is so go to understanding quicklie or that it comes as a result of a journey or at the end of the procsess.

that type of stuff reallie moves me but certinlie impresses me, i get how hard it is to do a lot of the time so I strive to genuinlie get to that type of place myself.

oh can i add also generositie of spirite, and genuinlie loving people. The real lovers of this world.

I am inspired by a story of perserverance and happiness. For example, the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, brought an unending smile to my face. The same for Pay It Forward.

Those who can love life, and everyone around them, push me forward everytime.

hay anno good to see ya hear you must be all home and settled again.

not seen either of thos movies but by sounds of it it may be worth a watch

Hi Anno...great to see you back in the fold...missed ya!

I've seen "Pay it Forward" and positively love it. Typical me, I cry every time I see it, even tho' I know what is coming. 'Course you're hearing from the woman whose friend says "ah, yes, there must be paint drying somewhere, Jer is crying". Grin!

I haven't seen either of the movies mentioned. I'm going to
Blockbusters today and will look for them. Unselfishness I think
is a wonderful attribute. Putting other peoples' happiness ahead
ones own enjoyment is something to behold.

I got both videos, "Pay It Forward" and "Pursuit of Happiness".
Can't wait to see them. Invited company to dinner tonight; hope to watch movies this evening. Wednesday night my brother and
his wife were here for supper. We watched "No Country For Old
Men"; man, there was nothing but killing and more killing. And
the critics' reviews, which I heard for that, were good. Many times I disagree ratings. Same for "The Savages": Didn't like that, either. "Walk The Line" was entertaining, however.

WOW, I started to write this three times, and nothing sounded like what I wanted to say, verious things inspire me, People who do not quit when they go down. Those who dont know when to quit.
I like reading/collecting inspirational quotes, tape the ones that really touch me to my notebook or pc so I see it every day.
(not sounding conseded sp) but the person in my mirror inspires me because no matter what she has faced or been put through she is still here fighting for a better life for her and those around her.

Rachel, how inspiring to me to hear that looking in the mirror inspires you. That's the first I've ever heard someone say that. Very cool.

Lately, I'm inspired by youth involved in community. There is one gal in particular. We serve on a contemporary worship service committee together. Seeing her energy really lifts me up. She attends every meeting and intelligently shares her voice as well as becoming invovled with ahnds on activities. She does very well in school, loves her family and friends and is a pleasure to be around. Youth rock!

Oh yeah, one night after everyone left a meeting held at my home, I was cleaning up and found a little thank you note for hosting the meeting scratched on a piece of paper intentionally left for me in the living room. How thougthful is that? It was left by this gal who is a freshman in high school. Same gal as above.

What inspires me is when, what is called, a coincidence occurs, as I don't know I really believe in coincidence, I believe it's Divine Activity.

I have to truthfully say that this site inspires me. I rarely ever drop in to read and post that some womans words to the group don't lift me up or teach me humility or anther lesson of one kind or another. That may be why I do come here so often,
TO BE INSPIRED and hopefully to be an inspiration to others.

People like the late Randy Pausch inspire me:

"It’s not about how to achieve your dreams. It’s about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you."