Finding Inspiration Part Two

At some point in our lives we have been inspired by someone, perhaps it was something specific they did.  Maybe it was their life story, or how they turned a bad circumstance into something positive.  There were stories of extreme acts of heroism that came out of that horrific September morning in 2001 and more recently of the police officer who delivered milk to a family while the city of Boston was in lockdown.  Certainly less publicized are ‘average’ people who have a can-do attitude that accomplish things great and small and they do what they do because it feels right to them or they have a passion they pursue.

My journey into the world of sign language and interpreting began in 2000 when a life threatening tumor robbed me of my voice but it was that same tumor that has lead me to meet some extraordinary people and through them I find inspiration.  The first of many is a woman who will be celebrating her 100^th birthday in January 2014, can you imagine everything she has seen and done, all the changes that have taken place in the world and our country…and technology!  Her name is Marion; she is the namesake for the Marion Downs Hearing Center in Aurora, Colorado, and as  she once told me she became an audiologist almost by accident (because it was the shortest line at the university when she was signing up for classes).   Her legacy is as rich as it is valuable especially in terms of pediatric audiology, you see Marion truly was a pioneer and set the standard for newborn hearing screening with the goal of early intervention.  The Marion Downs Hearing Center embraces and supports the individuals choice related to their hearing loss whether they choose to use technology such as cochlear implants or the use of signed language.

Through my work with the Marion Downs Hearing Center I have met other amazing people as well and most recently I have the opportunity to meet and work with Justin Osmond.  Yes, you read that correctly…he is one of “The Osmond” family, famous for performing.  Justin plays the violin, viola, piano, and the drums; he is also a motivational speaker and a powerful fundraiser for non-profits.  Justin also happens to be profoundly deaf. It is his can-do spirit and positive attitude that make him such a pleasure to be around, that and the fact that he is unafraid of rolling up his sleeves, pitching in and getting a little dirty. I have witnessed firsthand Justin’s quick smile and an even quicker wit and how he brings joy and a sense of inspiration to just about everyone he meets.

Who inspires you?  Do you find joy in what you do?  Who do YOU inspire?  I challenge you to try something new and different, set a new goal, or resurrect an old passion or hobby not with the intent of success but rather in succeeding in finding the joy and spreading the inspiration that is within you.