Inspired by the snail step
Tuesday was the start of something new for me and the fulfilment of a dream. Since I was teeny tiny I've wanted to help people and to make a difference and that has shaped & influenced every career and life decision (well most of them) since then.
Tuesday I hosted the Ingenuity Conference my aim was to challenge and inspire people to flip the script and move from survive to thrive. Instead, I was the one inspired. By the mum who came because she had lost who she was and was determined to dig up buried dreams. The lady who was battling mental illness and knew she needed inspiration on how to use her skills. The entrepreneur who had taken a risk and needed encouragement. I got to speak to them and they inspired me. Then yesterday I sit opposite our Graeme, to encourage and inspire him and he inspires me.
On 28th March our Graeme went to work as usual and ended up in an ambulance being blue lighted to Pilgrim hospital after suffering a major stroke. I only made it to see him once a week but each week I saw improvement (bar one week). It wasn't major advances but it was improvement and we celebrated. He went from being unresponsive and unable to move at all to being able to blink and nod. From being spoon fed liquid only to feeding himself. From not being able to move at all to walking (with assistance but nevertheless it was walking). From being unable to utter a sound to putting four words together. I sit chatting to him and I don't feel sad, I feel glad. I feel glad for how far he has come and the patience he has developed as he battles to speak a word that won't come but doesn't get frustrated. How often do I get frustrated when it doesn't matter? Our Graeme hasn't changed. He is still one of the most generous, kind and loving men I know. His blue eyes still sparkle with mischief. He just can't voice it yet or runaway from me anymore when I take his picture. What an inspiration this man is and I'm so proud of his courage, determination and persistence. He realigns my perspective and challenges me to celebrate and cherish every single step.
Amazing mountain top achievements are indeed inspirational, but when you are feeling low and uninspired you need something you can grab hold of, relate to and apply. So instead of looking at the mountain top look at the base-camp, where people are trying their best and going for it regardless of what strength, ability or capability they have. It is right for us to celebrate those who have made it to the summit but they only made it there one step at a time. So focus on the step and the start and you will find yourself moving forward.