Paradise is . . . being inspired.
What inspires you? What gives you an energy boost (naturally, in this case), puts a smile across your face, and fills your soul with the feeling that you are strong and the world is full of opportunity? If you've read the book or perused this website, you know I'm a believer in focusing on these things. It's not always easy, but life in El Paraíso taught me that inspiring stories are all around us. They are everywhere, but you have to be willing to seek them out. There must be a determination to filter out everything around you that is wearing you down and zoom in on that which inspires.
When we arrived in El Paraíso, I saw garbage-strewn streets, dilapidated housing, and a population that appeared, upon first glance, disinterested in improving their plight. I saw little reason to be hopeful that Cristina and I could have any impact. So, I moped around the house, complained about our seemingly impossible situation, and made myself miserable. I was, in a word, uninspired. Then, something happened.
What inspires you? What gives you an energy boost (naturally, in this case), puts a smile across your face, and fills your soul with the feeling that you are strong and the world is full of opportunity? If you've read the book or perused this website, you know I'm a believer in focusing on these things. It's not always easy, but life in El Paraíso taught me that inspiring stories are all around us. They are everywhere, but you have to be willing to seek them out. There must be a determination to filter out everything around you that is wearing you down and zoom in on that which inspires.
When we arrived in El Paraíso, I saw garbage-strewn streets, dilapidated housing, and a population that appeared, upon first glance, disinterested in improving their plight. I saw little reason to be hopeful that Cristina and I could have any impact. So, I moped around the house, complained about our seemingly impossible situation, and made myself miserable. I was, in a word, uninspired. Then, something happened.
Erica, a nurse in the El Paraíso health center, took me with her into the surrounding villages where the poorest of Honduras call home. What I witnessed was nothing short of amazing. Amidst heartbreaking poverty and challenges, I witnessed people who were surviving on a life of love and gratitude. They faced their daily struggles with a resiliency and sense of peace that moved me. The people of El Paraíso had a story to tell, a lesson to teach; it was time for me to start listening. All of the inspiration I needed to attack my job as a Peace Corps Volunteer was right in front of me. How had I missed it?
Nothing has changed since that day. Inspiring people and events are all around me. There are people doing amazing and beautiful things in our neighborhoods and communities and throughout the world. Everyone has a story to tell and, if you take the time to listen, you might just be inspired to do something great.
That leads us to the picture. This photo inspires me. Maybe it's the color, the innocence of youth, or the fact that it's my daughter, in my neighborhood, carrying tulips given to her by a gracious neighbor on a beautiful spring afternoon in my town. Paradise is right in front of me . . . and it's right in front of you as well.
Happy Friday!
Nothing has changed since that day. Inspiring people and events are all around me. There are people doing amazing and beautiful things in our neighborhoods and communities and throughout the world. Everyone has a story to tell and, if you take the time to listen, you might just be inspired to do something great.
That leads us to the picture. This photo inspires me. Maybe it's the color, the innocence of youth, or the fact that it's my daughter, in my neighborhood, carrying tulips given to her by a gracious neighbor on a beautiful spring afternoon in my town. Paradise is right in front of me . . . and it's right in front of you as well.
Happy Friday!
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