Inspiration

What inspires you? I find inspiration in the stories people share with me about their lives. One area I have been thinking about a lot lately is how can you make a change for the better when you feel stuck. This is broad, I know. It can range from very simple change, such as a much needed updating of a blog, to a very serious change, for example changing your lifestyle to incorporate exercise or stop using substances or to combat unhealthy eating habits. People always talk about making changes, whether small or big, but what motivates and inspires real change?

One inspiring story involves a young man who I worked with in a detox program. On numerous occasions, he was brought to us by his parents or by the police, with the same ultimate result. He would stay a few days only to make his way back out onto the streets. Often in substance abuse treatment programs, people talk about how they needed to hit rock bottom before they were able to seek help for themselves. That is exactly what happened with this young man. He woke up one day after a heavy night of using and not only didn’t know where he was or who he was with, but he had the realization that this was not what he wanted for himself anymore. To clarify, it was not overnight that he realized how desperate his situation was. It was this night after so many other similar nights and near death experiences, and deaths of friends that he realized he had hit his rock bottom. Real change started with his first step back into detox, not escorted by his parents or the police, but on his own. He had to want this change for himself before any progress could happen. He did not stay clean the first time through, it took a few times, but each time he came back, he came back on his own because he wanted this for himself. He did become sober. I was happy to end my time with him knowing that he was happy for the first time in a long time because he achieved something that the majority of people told him he could never do.

It is truly a privilege to hear people’s stories, to gain insight, understanding, and inspiration from the message these stories tell. I believe that everyone has an inspiring story about achieving a dream, making a change, helping someone in need… the list could go on forever. I invite you to consider your own inspiring story and an inspiring story someone has shared with you. If you are feeling courageous, please share it in the comment section below. Otherwise, allow people’s stories, including your own, to inspire you to be who you wish to be in the world.