One of my favorite all time movie scenes is in Dead Poet's Society, referred to as "Oh Captain, My Captain", where Robin William's character in the film is shown in a symbolic yet moving way the depth of the inspiration the boarding school boys received from knowing him as their beloved teacher.This scene has been replaying in my mind over the past few weeks, prompting me to think about the people who have inspired me in my life, and encouraging me to think about the ways, or the people, I can or have inspired in my life.It's easy to think of my parents as the first 2 people who have inspired me.  And yes, they have, and do.  In my Dad's endless optimistic view of others and "you attract more bees with honey than vinegar" philosophy, and his courageous journey with cancer.  Not a day goes by that I am not inspired by him. Really.  I believe his example is at the core of who I am and who I want to be.  But let me not forget to mention my mom, in her selfless journey of caring for my oldest child as she was caring for my Dad recovering from his bone marrow transplant as she was caring for my Grandfather as he was dying from Parkinson's.  Never did she complain.  Never did she say no.  Never did she give up on offering her help. When I think of the path I've chosen in my career, of being a therapist and my continued commitment to being involved in charity, I think of them....they are my inspiration.But that's sorta easy for me.  Sure, I'm blessed with 2 really fantastic parents.  But what if I didn't have them? Would I still be able to look at my life for people who have inspired me?ABSOLUTELY!What we look for, we find. We look for light, we find it.Father Kohmescher, my favorite college professor for Theology of Sexuality who taught me the beauty of loving and forgiving myself.  My best friend Erin, who consistently teaches me the true beauty of friendship.  She makes being a wife, a mother of 4 young children, a daughter, a sister, a doctor, a Boston marathon runner, and for me the best friend a person could have look easy.  The tailor I took my jeans to today.  Yes, my freakishly short legs ALWAYS need pants/jeans hemmed.  As I was leaving, he said "enjoy your day beautiful young lady." I am not sure if I was more touched by him calling me beautiful or young.  Hmmm.  But it was unexpected and sweet and every time I see him I am reminded no matter our job, we can always choose to do it with grace and kindness.I think about these three, my parents, and the countless others who have inspired me in my life...and wonder if I've been that to others?  Have I treated people with compassion, even when I'm tired, or cranky, or didn't sleep, or had someone cut in front of me in line, or felt like I was having a bad hair day?  Have I taken the time to let someone know I'm here for them when they're struggling...taken time out of my day to just listen?  (Ok, that is a loaded question, as a therapist, I do this regularly...but....)  Have I gone out of my way to do the simple things, changing the toilet paper roll as a new one hovers on the empy ones in work or my home bathroom?  (Yoga teacher Kacee...this one is inspired by you.  I never even thought about this as a simple act of service....until I met you.)  Do I allow myself to be seen with flaws more times than I'm comfortable in an effort to allow my own story to be an inspiration to others?  I have been there, through dark times too.... and isn't the journey and knowing there is light if we look for it worth sharing?"what you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." Jane Goodall.  Who do you inspire just by being the best version of you?Peace...