Inspiring Others

Inspiring others is one of the most rewarding paths we can choose as we move through the journey called life. That doesn't necessarily mean we have to aspire to a lofty goal, such as being a doctor in a third world country or donating large sums of money to charity. We can often make a difference in people's lives just by being an honest and hard working person that others can look up to. Think about some of the people who inspire you - it's quite possible that they have certain traits in common that you may have never really thought about.

Some of the enduring traits of those who inspire us include the ability to overcome fear, the tenacity to keep moving forward even when the odds are stacked against them, and a positive attitude. Of course, no one is happy all of the time, and everyone stumbles once in a while. However, there's no doubting the power of a positive mood. A smile can be worth so much to a person - it can brighten the day of those around us, even if they are complete strangers. People who inspire others know the value of a ready smile as well as the healing power of laughter.

One of the best ways to inspire people is to lead by example. This is particularly true for people who are trying to lose weight or get back into shape. Don't just say you're an advocate of leading a healthy lifestyle. If you are encouraging your family and friends (especially your children) to make lifestyle changes such as to exercise more or eat healthy foods, you should be doing the same. Don't just preach the lifestyle, be a good role model and live it. Show people through your actions that good health is attainable by living clean. This means eating foods that are nutritious and making time for exercise on a regular basis. Numerous studies have shown that parents who make it a point to live a healthy lifestyle have children who will do the same. And keep in mind that anyone, regardless of whether or not they are a parent, has the ability to be a positive role model for those around them.