I started working right after breakfast this morning around 7:15 a.m. so I could take a mid-morning break and head to the local gym for a fun exercise class.
Workout
Today’s workout made me feel like a goober. G-o-o-b-e-r. But it also had me smiling non-stop and shakin’ what my mama gave me like it was cool!
I took a Zumba class!
As the cheerleader who never was, my dace moves are seriously subpar, but I really love to dance. Thankfully the atmosphere in most Zumba classes is totally judgment free and full of people who could care less if you have no moves. Everyone in the class just wants to shake their groove thang, work up a sweat and have a good time.
I’m so glad our new gym in Ocala offers a lot of Zumba and Jazzercise classes. They make exercise fun (when you don’t get a teacher who freestyle dances, that is).
Lunch
Today’s lunch was one of my favorite workplace lunches, though my coworkers were never a fan of it due to its pungent odor.
Smelly and delicious.
Four Women Who Inspire Me
I derive inspiration from different sources everyday. Quotes, people, books, music. Inspiration is everywhere.
I find myself feeling the most inspired by people.
When I hear stories about people who have faced extreme obstacles and remained positive and those who have overcome adversity with a smile, I am inspired. People who love and give with all their hearts deeply move me and make me want to emulate their compassion and generosity. Those who don’t give up and refuse to take no for an answer have the kind of drive and determination I would love to mirror.
So who is inspiring me lately? Some pretty amazing women.
- Kathryn Stockett
Today I felt inspired by an article that a few readers told me to check out about about Kathryn Stockett, the author of The Help, the bestselling book that I absolutely adore. The article notes that The Help was turned down 60 times before a publisher bought it. Sixty times. And now Kathryn’s book is a bestseller that was made into a movie.
Just another example of why you should never give up on something you believe in.
A fellow blogger, Katy Widrick is a woman who inspires me daily. Katy was the very first person that I spoke to about possibly quitting my full-time job to pursue blogging and freelance writing. She believed in me and her honesty and no-nonsense words of wisdom gave me the courage to begin making plans to leave my job. (I allude to the inspirational nature of our talk in this post.)
Katy is also one of the most giving and generous bloggers out there. It seems like her mission in life is to help other bloggers become more savvy and educated. I can only hope to help those around me with the conviction and generosity that Katy shows every day.
- Jennie of In Jennie’s Kitchen
Jennie suddenly lost her beloved husband to a heart attack last week and reading her most recent blog post brought me to tears. The beautiful words in her post inspire me to love a little harder and her story is a constant reminder that we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
Be the person you dream of being today and love with abandon.
- Jeannette Walls
The author of The Glass Castle, Jeannette is a woman who lived in extreme poverty as a child. She went without food, regular showers and heat in frigid winters. And she didn’t pitty herself. She used her misfortune as fuel to propel her into a better life.
It’s hard for me to feel okay complaining about gravy meatballs and egg patties from the free food buffet at the hotel where we’re staying until our rental house is available after reading The Glass Castle and learning about Jeannette’s life and struggles. Her story is a constant reminder to feel grateful for what we have in life, especially the everyday comforts we so frequently take for granted.
Question of the Afternoon
- Who or what is inspiring you lately?
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I always feel like a goober when I take Zumba. It’s fun but I just don’t have that rhythm and coordination.
Add apple chunks to your tuna salad. It is delicious!
Really great post, Julie. My husband constantly inspires me with his positive attitude that he displays in all situations. And my mom inspires me with her persistence and courage to push through trials and difficult situations.
Thanks for sharing!
LOVE zumba!
I can’t believe it was turned down that many times!! That’s incredible. I went to see it on Wednesday and it SOLD OUT to the person literally right in front of me. I was so sad. I have to go see it ASAP!
I can’t wait to go see The Help movie this weekend. Enjoyed the book so much!
My dad inspires me pretty much every day (but don’t tell him that; he’ll get a big head!). He’s been through some really intense things in his life, but he’s never let it stop him from being fun-loving, excited, and generally loving life. It’s a great example for me to realize that, no matter what, life is worth living to the fullest.
What a great & thoughtful idea for a post. Everyone you mentioned certainly has an inspiring story. Always good to think about who inspires you!
I love this post! Thank you for sharing. I would add this woman, who is a widow of one of the Navy SEALs killed over the weekend: http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/08/08/natpkg.seals.wife.vaughn.cnn
I can’t even imagine…
Awesome post Julie! My brother inspires me every day…even though he also drives me crazy ;). He has one a very severe case of Crohns disease and he has overcome so much, he never complains, and he’s even able to play college soccer!
How in the world could ANYONE turn down The Help!??! I think those 60 different publishing companies are kicking themselves now!
That’s some serious perseverance on Kathryn Stockett’s part! Definitely inspirational for anyone following a dream!
Great post. 🙂 I love knowing who inspires people. My mom inspires me to be the best person I can be. You’ve inspired me to start my own blog and live a balanced life. My fitness instructor who became a friend from back home also inspires me to be happy and motivates me to do my best at everything, not just fitness. I want to do a post about them too! I’ve taken zumba a few times but I can’t ever take it seriously enough to get really into it..or I’m just really bad at dancing. 😉
Interesting post! I like reding too, booksI think it’s a mix between dancing and fitness, it seems entertaining!
This amazingly talented writer, cook, and of course friend…her name is Julie Bream.
My Aunt Maureen inspires me. She is a constant source of strength and a kindred spirit. I love that I have an actual family member who inspires, motivates, and is a role model for me. If I am lucky enough to have a life like hers one day, I will be the happiest person in the world. Truly a God-sent angel 🙂
REALLY loved this post, Julie! I am about to start reading “The Glass Castle” tomorrow! Your 4 picks of women who inspire you really inspired ME… thanks for sharing! You’re the one who is inspiring!
Reading this post was just what I needed! Thanks so much for this sentiment.
It’s amazing how much we all have in the form of love, kindness, resources, time and health. And today I’m thankful!