As I sit here wondering what to write, my mind keeps playing over images of the past month: the horrible tragedy in Japan, the air strikes in Libya, protesters in Wisconsin, Indiana and other states, and then most recently, the low voter turnout in many districts across America. In a video broadcast on the NW Herald website, a voting judge is quoted as saying, “We have a few people making decisions for many.” (Booth, April 6, 2011). 
What does all of this mean? None of this sounds all that inspiring for a blog that is supposed to be about inspiration, and yet, it is what is present for me right now. To pretend it is any other way would be inauthentic and false.
This past month has been a busy one for me; I have been out networking much more than normal and it’s been good! I enjoy meeting new people, sharing my business, and learning about the needs of other business owners. I am encouraged by the number of entrepreneurs I’ve met this month, and that is perhaps where I am getting my inspiration from.
The other place inspiration comes from is the famous quote by Ghandi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” In regards to Japan, I am heartened by the resiliency the Japanese people have shown. In fact, my fellow coach and friend, Eve Siegel has been writing in her blog about this very thing. Click Here to read more. While I watch the images in horror and sadness, I am reminded that hope lives on even in the darkest places and as other countries now review or suspend their nuclear programs, I am encouraged by the actions that so many are taking to prevent another tragedy like this from occurring. We cannot control Mother Nature, but we can help reduce the impact by building in accordance and alliance with nature, not against it.
The air strikes in Libya are harder to reframe for me. What I realize is that I am opposed to war- there is no dissonance in my heart when I say that. That said, I support the Libyans who are fighting for change in their country against a man who holds the power and is using violence to try to keep control. There is no negotiating with this man. If there must be action taken, then let it come from a collective voice and not a singular one, as it being done through the United Nations.
The protesters in other states are perhaps my most inspired story of the month. I love seeing people engaged in the process and making sure their voices get heard. We are governed by the people for the people and I think that as Americans we forget that we elect the people we then complain about. Debate is the foundation of our great Nation- we can agree to disagree and still respect one another and live side by side for the common good of all.
The final story of low voter turnout is perhaps the one source that touches the closest to home. I did vote. I voted for 1 person who was running uncontested in my district because sadly, I did not know who anyone else was running in any of the other categories and there seemed to be very little to contest. It is embarrassing for me to share this, and it is important that I do. I left the voting booth committed to changing and addressing my own ignorance about the people I am voting for, and want to expand that to helping educate others as well. I don’t know what that will look like yet, but as all ideas start out from some place- this one starts here. 
This month has been a good lesson in prioritizing life and choosing to stand in worry and anxiousness about certain events, or reaching even deeper into our collective consciousness for the resources and capacity to overcome all that we face throughout the course of our lives. Below is a a quote that I received earlier this month. May it help anchor you as it has anchored me. Become the change you want to see in the world and start with yourself first.
The Optimist Creed by Christian Larson
“Promise Yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk Health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side so long as as you are true to the best that is in you.”
Christain Larson.
References
Booth, Lance. (April 5, 2011) Low Voter Turnout. NW Herald. Retrieved April 6, 2011 from the World Wide Web: http://ssm.nwherald.com/northwest-herald/video/20110405-3634/low-voter-turnout/