People are always asked what inspires them to do what they do. Well, today I thought I’ll give my answer to that question.
Let’s go back a few years: December 2015. I remember seeing this story in the news. It was reported that the Turkish President’s motorcade happened to cross a bridge on its way to a particular destination. This bridge was is an infamous suicide spot. So, Erdogan, the President of Turkey, was driving by with his security forces and everything when he sees a man about to step off the bridge and end his life. What does the President do? Well, he orders his motorcade to stop, gets out, and talks the man out of making this rash decision. Can you believe that? The President of a country did this. He talked a man off the ledge, made the man realize that sure times may seem tough now with nothing to live for, but he possess the most precious thing in the world: his life. And that is something not only worth living for, but also worth fighting for.
I believe, by doing that, the President didn’t just save one life, but he helped save the whole of humanity.
That singular act by a President, putting his business of running an entire country on hold just to save a life he couldn’t see wasted–that inspires me.
When a man agrees to be a stay-at-home father so that his wife can chase her dream career and be the breadwinner: it inspires me.
When prisoners of war are pardoned and returned to their countries and their families: it inspires me.
When people don’t blame all Muslims for one extremist group, when people don’t blame all white people for the KKK, when people don’t blame all Germans for Hitler: it inspires me.
When I read about a life-affirming weight-loss story, when I hear about a teenage Cancer-patient now in remission, when I hear about a law or medical student dropping out to pursue his dream of playing professional sport: it inspires me.
When I see a sunrise, a pregnant woman, a Paralympian, a wheelchair-bound basketball player: it inspires me.
When I see a boy with purple hair or a nose-ring, a girl with a half-shaved head, a plane flying in the sky, a piece of technology talking back to me: it inspires me.
When during a heated argument I can bring myself to calm down and concede even though I still believe I am right, when I am tempted do wrong thing and I am able to say no, and when things don’t go the way I wished they would go: I let it all inspire me.
So, what inspires me?
People do. Life does. Humanity inspires me to write. There is so much good in people. And yes with everything going on in the world it becomes easy to get too focused on all the negativity and see the world as this place driven by hate and fear and intolerance. But that other side is just so much more beautiful and so much more magnificent and so much more powerful that for me it can blot out everything else. If I ever feel down or lost or broken I just look around, and I’m fixed again. So just look around you.
That stranger on the bus who gives you his seat because you need it more than he does.
That stranger who lets you cut into the checkout line because you are really pressed for time.
That stranger in front of you who stays to hold the door open a bit longer so that you can get inside, too.
That stranger who lets you use their cell-phone because yours died and you need to make that urgent call.
That stranger who rushes to help you up after you tripped and fell down.
Inspiration is literally everywhere, in every thing. I believe you don’t have to go looking. I let anything I see push me, drive me, fuel me. It helps me write. And I just love it.
So, yeah. That’s my deal. My inspiration comes from everywhere. It comes from the world, from people, from you guys.
Tell me what inspires you to do what you do. Sound off in the comments. I want to hear it. I really do!
———-
© Amaan Khan, February 15, 2016.
that’s really thoughtful, and so true
my emotions inspire me and not just mine, everybody’s. the wide range of human emotions is my muse
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Yes exactly! That’s part of what inspired me too! So glad to hear that! Human emotions are the most potent power source there is. 🙏🙏❤❤
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yes, they definitely are 🙂 they are the driving force of creativity in my opinion
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Couldn’t agree more 👌👌👌😀
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This is a real “Inspiration” talk Amaan! The little things that many take for granted or see as useless appeared numerous times on your list; “A boy with purple hair”, “A girl with half shaved head”! This is so amazingly inspirational! I will start finding inspiration in such little acts.
What inspires me;
I love communing with nature; Taking a walk in the forest; Mountain climbing and hiking; watching the sunrise and sunset; basking in the beauty of the moon; trees whispering; a blooming flower; A kid trying to walk or pronounce first words; a baby’s smile; A heartfelt hug; Roaring of a lion, mowing of a cow; Art inspires me; love songs inspire me…….
My list is endless Lol!
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Honestly all those things inspire me too and yes that’s so true the list is practically endless. Almost every good thing is inspiration. Thank you so very much for that kind praise 🙏🙏🙏 it means a lot and I’m glad you could find it inspirational for yourself. Thank you !!! 🙏🙌😊😀
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I’m inspired by people who stand up to fascist scum. Difference between you and me – I know when my leader is a totalitarian piece of garbage. You apparently don’t and instead glorify him,and are easily swayed by staged photo ops.
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❤❤❤❤❤❤
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I totally agree – there are some wonderful people to be found in the most unexpected places/situations. The trick here is to slow down, look around and you notice the best in people. If I’m honest, nature (particularly trees – they can live so long – it’s inspiring). The same thing applies, you have to try and slow down and appreciate the beautiful things around you. If you rush everywhere, you miss some of the best, most beautiful things.
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And I agree with you! That’s the whole point, to slow down stop and notice. Take notice. That’s all we have to do and should do. The world today is too fast and busy for it’s own good. We need to spend more time in the now instead of chasing the later. Thanks for reading!! I really appreciate it! 🙏🙏🙌🙌❤❤
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😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍💎💎💎💎💎💎💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎
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Oh my goodness. That’s an amazing response to receive. Thank you very very very much. I’m glad you appreciate the work. 🙏🙏❤❤🙌🙌😀😀
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That’s an initial response. Wait for my comment 😎
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Oh my god 🙈🙈🙈😅😅😅
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I am often asked (this time by my favorite blogger) what inspires me to do what I do. So today, I’ll give my answer.
I’ll cycle you back to 1400 years ago to the Arabian desert : the holiest place of Earth : Mecca.
I’ll talk about a man who entered orphanhood at the tender age of six. The age at which parents nurture their kids, shape them through upbringing which shields them from the upcoming gales of youth and life.
I’ll talk about how this man used to take the family’s sheep to graze and amidst the chore often sat pondering the mysteries of nature. With a countenance of gold and a character like honey, this man struggled for the society in which he lived. He used to niggle and fret over why people were always hungry for power and money. This made him desolate among his very own people.
When he reached his youth at the age of 25, he married a widow 15 years senior to him who loved her and spent almost 45 years with her before she died.
At the age of 40, he was bestowed with divine revelations which shook him to the core, attracted hostility and malice from his fellow people. He waa physically subjected to harassment and abuse. But he had weapons- weapons of patience, resilience, determination and faith. He prayed while others slept.
He fast when others ate.
He wept when others laughed.
Until he breathed his last.
He was an epitome of justice and kindness.
He urged to feed the poor and hungry, help the wayfarer and needy.
His speech and words were like snow flakes, gentle and tender yet Impactful.
His smile… its radiance surpassed the horizons.
He said that the strongest of men is not he who knows how to fight rather he who restrains his anger right at the moment of strife.
He ordered his people to treat women well and spoke high of those who are best to their wives.
He warned us against jealousy, for verily it destroys relationships the way fire destroys wood.
He would meet even the worst of people with a cheerful face.
And stated that smile is charity. So smile at the face of your Brother.
He never said “no” to the request of a person.
And treated his enemies in ways better than we treat our loved ones.
He was…..
You tell me…
HE inspires me… Yes… HE. HIS LIFE. ALL HIS MOVES. HIS SMILE. HIS WORDS. HIS GESTURE. HIS TEACHINGS.
His name…? You know him. You haven’t seen him. But you know him.. Tell me. I am waiting. 😊
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Our Prophet (s.a.w) ! 🙌🙌🙌🙌. If there was any role model in our world, it’s him without a doubt! Thank you for taking the time to write such a gorgeous reply. It’s soulful and so important. 💯💯💯. Thank you!!!!! 😀😀❤❤
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I’m glad. I’m elated after reading your response.
Your welcome. 😊
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And this time.. It was the real Amaan talking. This post showcases a reality, not any fantasy or fable. Not your mind work. But the flow of your thoughts. Straight out on the screen. This gave me the littlest glimpse of Amaan. And it was marvelous. Keep soaring high. Peace.
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Truly truly humbled and touched. Thank you. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
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Great and really inspiring post 🙂
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Thank you so very much! 🙏🙏🙏
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Awesome post! Totally just made my day 🙂 cheers!
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I so happy I could do that for you! It’s an amazing feeling, thank you!!! ✌😊😊😊😊🙈🙏
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Very beautifully written…. You have an amazing way with words 😍😍😍
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Im truly humbled. Thank you so very much! 🙏🙏❤❤
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Nature inspires me. It can relax you, soothe your soul. It is strong. No matter what humans do, nature holds on. And in nature there is majesty and beauty and stunning simplicity.
Thanks for your beautiful writing. I’m really enjoying it!
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I love that. “No matter what humans do nature holds on” that is pure gold. Gorgeous. 👌👌 So true. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for reading! 🙏🙏🙏❤❤
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I’m inspired by this post! I wish more of us would focus on and take inspiration from the positives our world has to offer, from small acts of kindness to the unique beauty in nature and people we often overlook. 👍
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This blogpost inspired me to think about … what really inspres me! (And I don’t have a ready answer, yet.)
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No problem, sometimes your heart knows it before your mind. It’s in you for sure. ❤❤🙏🙏😀😊
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Thanks for this message. I was inspired by it. What really inspires me in this world is selflessness. When people care about others and mother earth, it truly captivates my heart.
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Me too. Selflessness, courage, and kindness. It all inspires me too. Thank you so much for reading! Really appreciate it! 🙏❤🙏❤
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Excellent! Reblogging to sister site, Success Inspirers World
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Thank you so much. I am honoured!!! 🙏🙏🙌🙌
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yes. When we act as a member of the same human race. Care about people. Help one another. Live, Love life. A very inspiring message for today ‘s craziness.
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I am happy you feel that way. 🙌. Thank you so very much. 🙏🙏❤
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Thank you for your thought. I realized that everything in the world could be an inspiration. It’s depend on how we look, feel, and think with a good side. It’s depend on how we seek the wisdom around us.
Keep writing. It will be reminder and inspiration for others. May Allah always bless you 🙂
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Oh thank you for those words. 🙏🙏🙏 May Allah bless you as well. Peace! 🙌🙌❤❤
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People’s stories, events, intersections with others – it’s all inspiring! When something can trigger an emotion or a thought in me, this inspires me towards more understanding and contemplation about myself. I love this process of being immersed in my inner world and the one around me. Beautiful piece.
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Thank you so much! And yes, all those things and more! That’s inspiration! I’m glad you see it the same way too! 😁😁🙌❤
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You are pretty inspiring yourself!
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Oh my 🙈🙈🙈. I’m touched, thank you thank you so much! ❤❤❤🙏🙏
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It was uplifting to read about what inspires you. What inspires me? There is a series of posts about various writers who have inspired me tagged “Inspirers”. Best wishes.
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And I will be right over to read that beautiful post ! Thanks so much! Much appreciated!
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This is such a wonderful post. You are such a good writer – i love how the words come together and your ideas too! Inspiring! 🙂 Wish you more and more of it! 🙂
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Oh thank you very much! I’m glad you liked this post! So appreciate it! Thanks! 🙏🙏😁✌❤
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Reblogged this on Glory to the Lord! and commented:
honestly and beautifully told 🙂
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Hey there! Thank you so much for this! I’m so honoured! 🙌🙌🙌🙌❤❤
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Thanks for sharing your inspiration. Much of it is rose colored while my inspiration comes from darker, more cynical sources.
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You’re very welcome 🙏🙏 and thats totally great too. We all have our own outlooks and perspectives. I always felt Deriving inspiration isn’t about light or dark, it always about truth. And the darker side of life not only exists but is also just as big as the lighter side. ✌✌🙌
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