During the end of my college and 2 years after graduation, my Dad was the Director of the Hoosier Lottery in Indiana. Every week day for 4 years he sent out a quote to his staff of 250, as well as his family.

It was one of those things that I loved getting, but didn’t truly appreciate the impact it had on me at the time.

Fast forward 15 years later and a few months after I have started my own Quote of the Week with my family and it finally sunk in.

It DOES make a difference what messages you are surrounded by.

Constantly seeing and hearing words of encouragement, inspiration, positivity, and love do resonate deep inside you.

Being reminded that you have a purpose, you are a gift, you make a difference all contribute to living life inspired.

On Monday, I was honored to watch my 2nd cousin, Maureen Gaynor, receive the Courage of Conscience Award from the Peace Abbey Foundation for her dedication, personal example and extraordinary leadership in the Disability Rights Movement in the United States.

She is an author, activist, musician and true inspiration.  You can watch her acceptance speech. I am so grateful for technology to give us all the opportunity to hear her messages.

My three youngest children were in attendance and although my 6-year old daughter was coloring during most of the ceremony, the messages of the day stuck with her.

Messages of purpose, finding your passion, love, inclusion, equality, never giving up and inspiration.

She couldn’t sleep that night. She was inspired, although I’m sure she didn’t realize it. She was wired and talking about big dreams and plans for when she grows up.

“I want to inspire people and help them find their talents.”

She told me about the big house she was going to have, so she would have plenty of room to invite people over for meetings to find what they love.

We talked for a while and she was still really excited. I asked her if she wanted to write out her thoughts. I happen to have this blank journal and gave it to her. She wrote away and then was ready for sleep. (Have I mentioned how much I love journaling?!!)

Through all these stories, the message I want to convey is that words inspire us.

We need people to spread messages of encouragement and inspiration…whether through writing or in person.

I am grateful for the positive messages my dad has always given me through writing and in person. I am grateful for the inspiration I received from Maureen this week. I am grateful for the lessons my children constantly convey to me.

I’m also grateful for the opportunity to do my part and continue to spread a little inspiration, hope and love, as well.

In that spirit, I’ll be sharing the Shrews Crew Quote of the Week. This week…

Let me know if you have any favorite quotes!!

Lots of love and inspiration!!

Molly