Friends and Inspiration

Have you ever had a friend who inspires you? That person who, just by their actions, inspires you to be better. The person who says something, or does something, and you decide on something right then and there in your own life. Maybe it doesn't even seem like something that fits, but for whatever reason, that person inspired you.
I've had a few of those people in my life. One in particular was a friend I used to work with. She would come in to work with the most delectable cupcakes and treats, because she simply loved to bake. Then, one day, she decided Culinary School was the path for her. She moved, enrolled in school, and became an amazing baker. At the same time, she decided to get fit and make health and wellness a top priority. An odd combo, some might think, to have a passion for baking sweet treats and want to be healthy. But she did it!
This amazing woman inspired me to pursue my dreams of publishing a book. It seems like an odd thing to inspire a writer, but it did. Why? She was fearless! She had a dream, and she grabbed it with both hands and didn't let go. That is inspiration! That is determination! That is something we all could strive to have just a little more of.
So, I quietly pursued my writing dream. Over time, I broke out of my introverted little shell. I published one book, then another, and am currently halfway through book three. This summer I will be part of The Northwest Author Fair in Lincoln City, Oregon, along with 34 other authors. Pretty exciting stuff for a wall flower.
I've attracted more unique friends along the way, and even inspired others. I've had a few people come up to me and tell me they're writing a book. Recently, a friend of mine decided to move to L.A. to pursue his dreams. He was one of my go-to people for bouncing writing ideas off of, but I wouldn't be a very good friend if I didn't support him in his endeavors. At the wonderful going away party we held at work for him, he quietly turns to me and tells me I was part of his inspiration to leave and embark on a terrifying journey. He had a dream, and watching me pursue my dream encouraged him to pursue his. Talking about my fears and the obstacles I overcame in my pursuit, encouraged him to go for it.
His words meant the world to me. We had spoken many times on many subjects, but somewhere in those sometimes random chats, I had triggered something in him. He was leaving his comfortable job and life, to really take a risk in pursuit of his dream. That is true courage in my book! These are truly the types of people I wish to surround myself with. They are the knights of this new world. They are the future star ship captains, exploring galaxies.
So, go out there and watch for inspiration. Seek out those creators, explorers and dreamers. You never know when one of them will inspire you, or perhaps you will inspire them!