Who was/is your example?

[Eudaimonia]

Yeah, just that. I'd like to hear stories about the people who inspire you, and the people who have been good examples in your lives. Parents, grandparents, cousins, uncles & aunts, friends, lovers, partners... anyone but superstars, if you will. Stories of people you know or knew.

My Mum and my Granny (RIP) are/were both great peoples. My mum's a 'hard ass', stubborn as a mule. I've gotten that from her. She's tought me never to back down in what I believe is right. If you set your mind to it, you can do anything you want to; anything that needs to be done. Don't be afraid of others, because you're the only one you can count on living with for the rest of your life. Make yourself proud. You really don't have to like your sister to be able to talk to her.

Granny was the eccentric of the family. She tought me to have fun, and damn the stress! She taught me that people who cared for you in life contine to do so after death, and that you should continue living after someone close passes on. Life is beautiful, and life is humorous. Don't fall into stereotypes, because they can't encompass who you are. Just be yourself, damnit Diamond! Read all you can, because there is a wealth of information hidden in those books.

Geez... there's so much more...

[MysticMoonQueen]

There have been many to influence me in my life. I could say my Granny, because when Mama wasn't able to be there for me, she was. She and I didn't always agree and we fought like cats and dogs (i know now that is because we are so much alike). Despite the fact that her beliefs differ from my own, she has always been a great healer and much of what I have learned about healing was because of her.

I could add my Daddy in there, as he is who sparked my interest in the paranormal. I was closest to him before he passed, and I only got to know him for a few short years before I lost him. I learned about what kind of soul he was from all the many pages of poetry that he left. That part of him lives inside of me, and I have the gift of words, thanks to him.

My Step father, who taught me how to be a good step parent. If it weren't for his example, I would not know how to handle and have a relationship with my step daughter. I learned from him to love, even when, at times, someone doesn't return your love.

Finally, I will mention my Mama. She is the dearest sweetest soul I know. She taught me how to be kind to others, how to listen, how to be there for a friend in need, how to be a good Mama. She has taught me many things. She IS my best friend in the whole world.

Now, I know I sound corny. Sorry for that. I have been fortunate enough to have several people to influence me in different ways all throughout my life. I very well couldn't mention one without mentioning them all. :)

[Saiya]

My older brother introduced me to Wicca and has been there for me every step of the way. He's always ready to help when I have a question, or if I just need to talk. I really hope that some day I can be such an inspiration to someone. ^_^

[Semele]

I would have to say my uncle Jack. He was the only of four siblings who never smoked or drank and appeared to have an effortlessly easy and happy life. I used to think he just made it look easy, but have recently decided it actually is easy to be happy. You just have to know when to let things go and when to deal with them head on.

Unfortunately I never got to tellhim how much of an influence he has always been to me. he passed away two months ago after being diagnosed with Lymphatic Leukemia just four months before. He died two weeks before his youngest sons wedding and three weeks before his own 30th anniversary.

So, if someone is a good influence in your life, tell them now. Don't wait for the "right time".

[Rae ShadowWolf]

This one is tough for me. I was influenced by a lot of people.

My Papa who died in 2000, was the only one who would help me when I was a child. I was diagnosed with West's Syndrom when I was 4 and he would take me to Las Vegas to watch the lights, to help ease the pain. He would tuck me into his shirt to help fight the cold. As I grew up, I had a close and strong bond with him. We would constantly just chat and have tickle wars (*smiles*) I could talk to him about anything.

My Father was the one who started me on the Arthurian Legend. That and anything medieval. He was the one who helped me through my odd phases, and he inspired me to continue with my writings.

And my sister. Who started researching Paganism when we were both in a Religion rout. She encouraged me to keep looking instead of just giving up.

[Hope]

well first amen! to what semele said tell them now, don't wait

I have been blessed and highly favored at many points

My maternal grandparents helped me be who I am. All of the good things I know about parenting, and integrity came from them.

In high school a wrestling coach named Gus, probably saved my life.

And my Uncle David helped me in more ways then I can even explain.

The grandparents and uncle have passed and I have no idea about coach.

love
hope

[Flar's Freyja]

My mother, actually, because she showed me how NOT to live my life.

[Earth_kissed]

Does Da Vinci count as a super star??? cuz he has inspired me from the moment I layed eyes on the mona lisa

[Brenners]

My mother, for coming out of her shell and refusing to live a life of abuse and restriction, for encouraging me to be anything I wanted to be, and to dance like no one is watching. She's my pillar of strength.

My grandfather, the greatest pacifist, to a fault, but he reminds me of a Buddha figure. Quiet, peaceful, contemplative, always with a smile. I love my grandpa so much, he's my saint and he's a vegetarian! I think that's so awesome that he decided to go veggie at almost 80 years old! Cute gramps.

:D

My fiance, for his strength in dealing with being physically disabled by chronic pain. He's like Hercules, it amazes me everyday, his positive attitude, his love of life. He's my hero! He inspires me to fight, to enjoy everday, to live to my fullest potential!

Everyone has influenced and inspired me, even my enemies. Everyone who has touched my life, has shaped who I am. That's the truth!

[SylverStar]

Ok maybe I'm weird or just selfish, but I inspire myself. I can't think of any person that has been a great inspiration to me. Maybe Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., and Ghandi. People from history not really anyone personal. I've learned alot of what not to do from the people around me. I'm a people watcher too and learn alot that way. I'm very independant always have been and have never followed anyone else but myself. So to me myself is my greatest inspiration. I walk the path that my heart and mind lead me too. I usaully don't get in much trouble following them either. I come through alot and myself and the only one that got me through it is me. Ok so I'm weird an selfish, but I like me that way. :)

[MysticMoonQueen]

I come through alot and myself and the only one that got me through it is me. Ok so I'm weird an selfish, but I like me that way. :)


I don't believe that makes you selfish at all. That shows incredible strength of character! :)

[Eudaimonia]

I don't really think that's odd Sylver. And I don't want to sound obnoxious, but I used to think that also. No one in history or such has ever really inspired me, but then I realized that the 'real people' I know have just as much, if not more, to offer. I won't say I'm not indecicive at turns, but I can generally follow my own head to where I need to go. The bonus from learning from people is that their experiences are added to your own.

"Good judgement comes from experience... which comes from bad judgement."

Rambling... where's the coffee?

[Hawk Shadowsoul]

My boss, Vince when I was younger. He taught me many things, the most important was how to be a man.
I love him as a father still though he has been dead many years.

The second is my wife who re-taught me how to be a good person after a dark period in my life. She is my world.

[Radocs]

My father.

[IvyCeltress]

Lots of people. My parents.

A former boss of mine when I was doing Fulbright exchanges was an incredible person. Even though she's a Methodist, I tend think of her as a bodisvatta (sp) someone who voluntarily gives up her chance at Nirvana to help others along the path. She was always a pillar of serentiy, and even more, graciousness, that I do try to emulate.