What inspires you?
Recently, I traveled with two friends to Williamsburg, Virginia. We traveled there to spend three days together imagining and planning for the future of the nonprofit leadership work we crazily love. One of the restaurants we lunched in was named Food for Thought. We found the perfect place for women who share a combined 60+ years of training adults and students to communicate their ideas.
The décor featured pictures of inventors, scientists, and social leaders, while the walls displayed thought-provoking quotes to set the tone for a delightful experience. On our table, we found discussion cards, and of course, we dove into those cards with relish and asked each other questions to spark our conversation.
One of our prompts was, “What inspires you?” My friend, Teresa, responded immediately that Eunice and I inspired her. It was a beautiful moment to recognize the mutual love and respect our years together had nourished. Each of us realized that our flourishing was vitally tied to our friendship. We weren’t eating together in a state none of us lived in just because of work. We were together because of the shared life-giving belief that when we go together, we are better together.
What inspires me? Teresa and Eunice inspire me. These friends are women that have been in my life for close to two decades. That in and of itself is unique, wonderful, and rare.
I met Teresa in 2005 when I traveled out of state to attend a Communicators for Christ conference. I was looking for communication training for my oldest student. Teresa was leading and traveling with student interns she was coaching and mentoring. As a younger parent, I saw students and families inspired to live out a big idea at that event. That big idea captured my imagination and spurred a partner-friendship that has directed and influenced my life for the past seventeen years. Meeting Teresa changed the course of my life and set me on a path that was serious about growing myself so that I could be an authentic leader and communicator in other people’s lives. This growth occurred through a friendship that inspired me through trials of honesty, difficulty, and even more through lots of crazy fun and celebrations. Teresa keeps me inspired by inviting me to join her on the journey to empower the next generation in a life-giving global community.
I met Eunice in 2008. Together Eunice and I have done some fantastic things. We have written courses, hosted conferences, and coached each other to consider others. Eunice has helped me stay focused on what is essential and what needs my attention. Eunice is a friend who asks questions and challenges my rush to slow down and consider things I may be missing because of my speed. She always brings thoughts that I haven’t considered. Eunice’s significant influence in my life has been appreciating the process as much as a result. Eunice’s mission has taken her to live outside of the U.S., advocating for people groups in East Asia. When our peers consider retiring, Eunice inspires me to listen to God’s call on your life no matter your age.
What inspires you? Friends inspire. I would encourage you to understand your friends are inspiring you in ways you may not even realize.
I had no idea when I met these friends how they would inspire and influence my future. Along the way, we have changed, innovated, and grown together. You may only be one friend away from a daring and unexpected future.
What inspires you? I’d love to hear.
P.S. If you make it to Williamsburg, Virginia, you must dine at Food for Thought! It was so much fun and inspiring!
P.P.S. Both of my friends have influenced me by their writing too! Read Teresa’s work on her blog and Eunices’ here.
It is an honor, delight, and growing experience to continue to call you my friend. Thanks, Mary, for sharing these thoughts.
So grateful for our time together.
Aww. So inspiring! May I quote you?: “You may only be one friend away from a daring and unexpected future.” I would definitely love to use that line! Thank you for reminding me to pause and think of the friends that have changed the direction of my life!
We have been gifted with some amazing friends! Thanks, friend. Glad for you to share.
Mary, YOU inspire me to be a better person, to thoughtfully consider the choices and decisions I make!
Lorri, We are better together!
Mary,
This is truly inspiring and exactly the reason for creating Food For Thought! We love for people to get together and simply talk and inspire each other! Open their minds and hearts and learn from each other!
Thank you so much for visiting with us!
My heart is WARM! Thanks so much for taking the TIME to write your friendships with these two women ALL OUT. It’s just LOVELY.
I could write about so many wonderful friends – including my writing cheerleader.