By now, we’ve all attended at least one webinar. If you haven’t, you will soon. I see them as ‘mini inspiration series’ to give us a sense that we’re all still connected and above all, to keep us inspired. That’s what we’re all looking for.

 

According to Merriam-Webster, inspiration is the “action or power of moving the intellect or emotions”. At best, it’s an innate desire or purpose that gets each of us out of bed. Hopefully, with some sparkle. Outside inspiration is always welcome, and even more so in an era of Coronavirus. We need bucket loads of it.

 

Last night’s webinar was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment for me. I had half-heartedly pencilled it in, mainly because Friday nights are an opportunity to opt out of anything that has a time constraint. The kids don’t need to be in bed by a certain time, so that automatically takes the pressure off.

 

But I’m so glad that I made it. The series, organised by Towela and Dunn who I’ve met at our kids’ school, has been created for business inspiration. Thokozile, the guest speaker and a highly accomplished professional whose child is also at the school, gave such a beautiful dose of inspiration.

 

I found myself nodding throughout the whole session, wanting to send comments but not wanting to lose focus of what she was so eloquently sharing. It got me thinking about the inspiration in my life.

 

My story lacks high drama and the rags-to-riches narrative that delights movie producers. Yet, last night made me realise that we each have a story and regardless of whether the antics along the journey reach extreme highs and lows, our daily experiences can be sufficient to inspire those in our circle of influence.

 

Thokozile brought home the transformational role that parents play. Your parents are your very first God-given nurturers and cheerleaders. The home is where you’re either enabled or dis-abled. During lockdown, our homes and families have become even more significant as centres of enablement.

 

As much as home schooling has defeated many of us, there are many other ways to enable and empower the souls that some of us have been entrusted with. A child needs connection, not perfection. And within that connection lies the ability to inspire, motivate and elevate before one leaves the comfort and safety of the home for the brutality of the outside world.  

 

Today marks a special day in our nuclear family. It’s the day that Mamoshe – inspiration extraordinaire – went into labour and gave birth to her first son, my BAE and baby daddy. I’ve said that birthdays are for gratitude; I’m going to add that they’re also opportunities to recognise and appreciate those who inspire us.

 

I am honoured to share my life with someone who inspires me. In small and big ways. From the ‘inspiration’ to watch my cholesterol (in other words reduce my crisp addiction) to doing the right thing and never giving up. Oh, let me not forget, he inspires me to articulate myself better. Yes, I make a living off communication but I’m still so lame at it at home.

 

And it’s incredible to see how our young sons are inspired and motivated by him. He’s humble, kind, compassionate and forgiving. I will forever try to emulate the latter.

 

Happy birthday, Mr T! You’re my inspiration. You’re our inspiration.

 

Precious, may you find your inspiration today.