Who Inspires You?
My late Grandma used to say, show me your friends and the people you hang around with and i will show you who you are. At the time it didn’t make a lot of sense to me as a 14 year old lad but these days that saying is clear as a bell.
The people you associate with is a massive factor in all that you do. Thats why its so important to be with like minded people that inspire, challenge and motivate you.
If you are not striving to succeed at a higher level than you are now then that is where you will stay… and that’s ok if that is where you want to be. For most people though, deep down, we all want to be better at what we do, we want to advance and grow otherwise life can get stagnant and boring.
Someone that i have always looked up to is my late Grandfather, affectionately known in our family as Pupaye. Pupaye died many years ago when i was in my teens but i still remember the things he said to me and the older i get the more meaning those things have to me.
Pupaye was a wise, experienced, selfless family man with an unwavering self belief. He was an engineer, a toolmaker and would always be building things with his hands or creating better systems to simplify a task. His hands were strong yet delicate, he had wrinkles near his eyes from smiling and would whistle while he worked, with a permanent grin on his face.
If i ever struggle with something i know i can always think of him and ask for a bit of guidance and sure enough the thoughts come into my head and the words put in my mouth. Its very comforting to know he is there.
We all look up to someone in life; whether its a big brother, our parents, a sportsperson, an ex-president… anyone!
Who inspires you?
Here is an old picture of my Pupaye in his engineering days. You can see the permanent grin on his face even then!
I agree completely! We must have someone to look up to! There are many people in my life that I look up to, for different purposes. My mom has always been there for me, she loves me and has taught me by example to be a happy contributing member of society, she has truly inspired me! Jodie Thompson, Kimberly Castleberry and others have been the example of online marketers, they are teaching me how to succeed online. The list goes on! I’m grateful for all the people who’ve inspired me!
.-= Linda G Cox´s last blog ..Walking Update: June 1, 2010 =-.
Hi Matt
Spot on as usual. The people we hang with definitely have an impact on the person we are or become. I’ve observed this in my life as well as the lives of others.
Your ‘Pupaye’ sounds like he was living his passion and always in the moment. I’m sure this would account for the permanent grin he wore
It’s awesome that you had such stealth role models in young impressionable years.
In my case I’d have to say it’s my Mum that has been my silent mentor in her gentle unassuming way. She’s always been there for me and she has a heart or gold.
Thanks for sharing Matt.
Stay Well
Toni
.-= Toni King´s last blog ..Our Fellow Sea Beings =-.
Matt,
There’s a long list of people who have inspired me beyond measure. My mom was my best friend and taught me unconditional love. Dad never stopped learning. He was taking an electronics course when he left us at 71. My brother has the most positive attitude I’ve ever met. No matter what challenges life hands him, he comes out on top.
I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing group of family and friends. It’s fun to express that gratitude. Beautiful post, my friend:)
.-= Darlene Davis´s last blog ..Art of Office Organization =-.
Hi Matt,
So great!! I have the same memories of Pupaye and do remember his hands, they were so soft.
I also remember Mumaye enjoying life as much as Pupaye, what stands out for me was when Mumaye would say “delicious” to describe how she was feeling when the family was around. Hearing that word and saying it myself brings a simle to my lips and sends me back to number 20 on the front lawn playing red rover!
Great to be put back to those days. Thanks Matt.
Love Rett
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