Inspired

Inspired... that's my word of the day.

I'm hoping it lasts for more than just a day though.

I've been looking everywhere for it.  High and low.  In desk drawers.  In file folders.  Even in the cookie jar.

It couldn't be found anywhere.  At least not where I was looking.

Then a friend of mine said she was doing a speaking engagement today for a teacher's conference, so I decided to leave work early and go see her.

Truth be told, I would pretty much cross state lines to watch her read the phone book.  She's that good.

And it's not so much what she's saying all the time... it's how she says it and the meaning behind the words.  She is a children's book author, a teacher, wife and mother, daughter, and friend.  So many things to so many people.  In fact she has inspired me to write another top ten list :)

Top Ten things Allison has taught me:

1. Being real and honest about who you truly are is a beautiful thing.  So many people out there are trying to fit into a mold of who they think they should be (myself included), so its amazing to be around someone who is 100% completely owning who they are.  
2. Beauty can be found everywhere.
3. Public speaking doesn't have to be scary or boring.  She is brilliant.
4. Real people attract real friends who are really nice.
5. It's okay to have issues, and if you can share them in a way to make someone else feel like they're not alone... well, that's just brilliant.
6. She is funny, wise, and likes to curse as much as I do.
7. Be nice to everyone (even the people you might not like).
8. Home is where your heart is.
9. Taking chances in necessary to growing.  
10. It's the little things in life that truly make a difference.  How you treat people and live your life will come back to you every time.  Be kind.

So you can see why my inspiration jumping off the page now?  I hope you can all find something to be inspired about this weekend.

Happy Friday!