By Sharon Loduca, Real Estate Professional in Ontario, Canada

I consider it torturous to narrow it down to ONE person that I admire or look up to.  It is easy for me to, at first glance, look at some famous person and admire them. But all we really know far too often is a social-facing persona only.  That does not mean that they are not worthy of my admiration of course. It just means I don’t really know them. I guess what I’m saying is the depth of admiration for me would be equal to the depth of how I know them.  Indeed, it does spur me on, when I listen to a famous song or read a book by a well-known author, that was birthed from broken pieces, and I connect with it. I also admire anyone who has had the cards stacked high against them, yet, rose high above it, built a great life, and allowed the challenges to grow them.  In a world where everything we do in business and personally has a large online presence,  we “connect” with countless numbers of people during the day, sometimes in mere seconds. And it could seem like we know them. On another social platform, we get to talk about that ‘friend’ we have, or how many ‘friends’ we have, sometimes thousands of them. And it can seem like we know them.

Ironically, what I write here will end up online, on social media. And I do believe in all the powers and abilities we have, with great ease, to ‘meet’ the world at our fingertips, and to contribute to a whole society or touch one person, in mere seconds.

Life moves at such a fast pace and seems to accelerate continually. The to-do list is never-ending. We live in a me-ism society. We have so many demands to meet, and often more bills than money, and more pressures than ease. But at this very moment, I get to time out, turn off my phone, enjoy a coffee, shut out all the other stuff, and reflect on those who I admire, and perhaps even more importantly, why I admire them.

• I think of a very brave young teenager who had her own challenges and broken places yet went on to have 12 children. Without the help of Google, or wealth, living remotely, forging ahead on a daily basis, to build her understanding of home & family. How I wish she had the tools we have today to help her understand, conquer, and share those events that fueled her decisions and behaviours.  What I very much admire about her is how she forged ahead anyway. How she took what she understood to be best practices and implemented them; how she had such strong focus and determination. Without any accolades, or page likes, how she always wanted to do the ‘right’ thing. Not thoughts of it can’t be done, or why me. Just owning what needed to be done – and doing it. Not thoughts of what happens if I fail. There was no time or room for that. She just did. And kept doing. And obstacles might have been setbacks, but only for a season. She just always rose up. How can I not admire that?

• I think of a woman in a terrible marriage, living in a small town, where everyone knows everything about everyone else. I think of the oppression and challenges in her life. Yet, any time I saw her, she was humming.  She had a connection deep down in her soul. She knew who she was. She carried on doing her best to care for her family. She did it all, regardless of some really difficult circumstances, with a song in her heart. And it was so deep in her heart, she had to let it out. She hummed. Always hummed. Pleasant and kind. The circumstances were real. But so what the song in her heart. And she always let it rise to the top, and bring life. How can I not admire that?

• I think of a very young woman who was born with an every-looming death sentence because of a birth defect.  Every day in fact was a gift in real time. She never let it define her.  She was always watching out for the underdog. In those situations where life just wasn’t fair, she would come along, in her own quiet way, she would come alongside, like the Balm of Gilead, bringing in her own way, healing properties, any way she could, even if it was found in a bag of Cheezies.  Always the encourager. Always loving. Always kind. Always finding a way to make a difference. How can I not admire that?

• I think of another little girl. She lived a fairy-tale life, until a devasting death before her eyes, threatened everything she knew to be good, happy, and innocent. I think of how she had to rise up as a child and become an adult overnight. I think of the pain and loss and devastation she carried. I think of how she rose up to the challenges, and tackled them, as a child.  I think of every step she quietly takes today to build her life. I watch her zest for life, and her determination to live deeply, fully, and unapologetically. I think of her desire to help others along the way. I look at her passion for life and her humility to learn and grow, and all I can think is, How can I not admire that?

I can give countless examples of those I know personally that find themselves in difficult circumstances, sometimes born into it and sometimes it just finds them on their journey in life. I think of those that suffer from addictions, mental health issues, and deep anxiety challenges. I think of those that struggle to get out of bed every single day. I think of those that work long hours yet have more outgo than income and the stress never ends. Yet they don’t give up. They may have failed to accomplish what they wanted not for a day but for days that lead into years. But they are the most caring kindest thoughtful helpful people that I know. They continue to find ways to build functional lives. They show up the best they can, and every little success is a big win. They keep improving their game. They keep a great attitude. They are sometimes the greatest encouragers. With all humility in my heart, I have to ask, How can I not admire that?

Yes, I look up to every one of those people. I receive their kindness, their character, and their bravery. They are my heroes. They get up. They show up. They are kind. They care. They are my backbone. And I so very much admire them. I learn from them. They cause me to focus. To Grow. To not ever, ever give up.

In the quietness and sometimes mundaneness of their life, in the words of Vikrmn, they spur me to “Be the one for others who they can look up to; the one you too want to.”

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By Suzy Rawlins with Roots and Boots with Suzy Rawlins

To say I am blessed to be surrounded by some of the most amazing people is an understatement.  As I get older, I find more value in fewer, more meaningful relationships than I do in having many friends, which makes the old adage “quality over quantity” ring true for me.

I admire so many strong women in my life, and I am sure I will fail to mention some; it is not intentional.  Let’s start with my Grandma Red, who was a sassy, fun, strong, and loving woman.  She taught me to be authentically me.  Then there was my Grandma Flo, who was a huge influence in my younger years, tough on me, and loved me so unconditionally.  My Ma (mom) has always worked so hard as a single mom for our family; she graduated with her master’s degree while teaching full-time.  My sister, Bee, has worked full-time and dedicated many years to pouring her heart into her local Girl Scout troop, not just for her daughter but for the community. My personal mentor, Donna, has always believed in me and encouraged me to stretch outside of my comfort zone. So many women (too many to mention) in my Mary Kay circle.  Dr. Yolanda is such an incredible inspiration because she is a female Marine, a naturopathic doctor, and she has taught me much about healing, both physically and mentally.  My dear friend, Cheryl, whom I consider family, has overcome so much and continues to gather community and change lives.  My friend and coach, Jamie, has inspired me to grow into whom I am authentically called to be, by her living her life so authentically.  I could seriously go on and on about some of the most beautiful souls that have inspired me and touched my life, and I am eternally grateful.

Of course, there are a number of men in my life that I admire; my Grandpa Jack, my dad, my incredible hubby, and both my boys.

Now let’s talk about the woman whom I would love to highlight.  Tonya Thompson is the owner of the Maricopa Water and Ice store.  I knew Tonya from a distance, watching her on Facebook and buying water from her store.  It was not until I had the opportunity to work for her that I really got to know her.  At the time, she was looking for some part-time help; I did not really need a job but wanted to help because I had watched this woman pour into our community repeatedly.  Tonya had some health issues that took her away from her store a bit, and I wanted to help her in the way she is always helping her customers and community.  As I got to know this woman, it was obvious that she goes 1,000 mph.  She is always giving back to the community, her love and dedication to developing strong youth, her commitment to becoming the best version of herself possible, and the joy she brings to a room when she walks in are just a few of the things I admire about this woman.  Tonya is a woman of faith; she loves the outdoors, advocates for community, youth, and mental health, and she defiantly leads by example.  She has also raised one of the most independent, beautiful, strong, and adorable young ladies I have ever met, her daughter Emilee.  Tonya hit a milestone birthday this year, and honestly, that gives me goals to be like her when I hit that milestone (in just a few years).

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By Cheryl Clark with Clark Strategies

Walter!  Skeeter!  (If you know, you know!)

All kidding aside, when I read the topic and sat down to write this blog, my mind went in so many different directions. 

There has always been someone ahead of me on my path.  Someone I can look at who is just in front of me and catch a glimpse of them and feel inspired by their journey and position – they make me think I can take this next step and that next step, after all, they have, and look at where they are. 

There has always been someone beside me on my path.  Someone I am bumping shoulders with as we lift our feet and walk and or scrap our knees as we crawl.  Are we ever truly alone?  I think not.

I have been surrounded by entrepreneurs for years and years!  My relationships with these folks afford me the blessing of witnessing their determination, struggles, grind, and overall moments.  Meaning I am not just seeing what they are posting or when the spotlight is on them to show up – I see them with their hair pulled back and or being pulled out (whichever the case may be) and in some pretty raw emotional moments.  Witnessing that ‘to hell with it’, a pause, and then the ‘okay let’s try this’ – pivot is powerful and inspiring!

I’d be amiss if I didn’t share what maybe you thought I would get to if you know my story….

The Guatemalan mother, the Mexican lady, the Honduran warrior, the Brazilian gal, the Russian immigrant – all the immigrants brave and bold enough to pack up, walk, and/or travel for days, weeks, and months in search of a better life for themselves and their families.  I don’t think ‘we’ (you and I) get what this decision and trek is like! 

It is not packing all your belongings, neatly folding your clothes, and buying a first-class ticket on a fancy plane anticipating a smooth landing where someone will be there to graciously pick you up, and get you to a neatly made bed with a warm shower for rest after traveling.

It IS – walking away from all you own knowing if you must return it will not be there any longer for you.  It IS – bidding farewell to others knowing this journey is literally a matter of life or death and many have died taking this path.  It IS – filled with HOPE and FEAR and yet not one single aspect of it falls under the category of ‘walking into the known’.  It is BRAVERY, against the odds, and yet rolling those dice with a determination and perseverance I have yet to see in any others like this. 

It IS more important for these folks to know that they tried – and died trying – rather than to not have ever tried.  Read that again –not trying is not an option for them!  It is more important that they tried, and they are willing to try even at the cost of their very lives.

That inspires me.  They inspire me. 

We get so attached to what we have…

We get so used to the daily routines…

We shrug and become ‘accepting’ of …

These folks…. They are not accepting of – they are in SEARCH of, and I hope I will always be found searching – rather than accepting.  It is in the search we find and will continue to find and learn.

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By Jamie Allen Bishop with Jamie Allen Bishop Coaching

I hold a deep admiration for and tremendous respect for my daughter, Jaislyn. This may seem cliché, but I also admire honesty. Of all the people who have influenced me, she is someone I desire to be like when I grow up! She is a dynamic person of integrity and quality. A loyal friend and an ambitious dreamer, Jaislyn is unabashedly herself at all times. My kiddo is a perfect reflection of that which resides within us all. She holds herself and others to high standards. Jaislyn loves with all her heart and soul. She would absolutely win a controversial Supreme Court case argument if she believed her stance to be true. Jaislyn is confident, colorful, and fierce. My baby is all I aim to be and so much more.

Jaislyn has not had an easy life, though she has had it easier than many because she is greatly loved. At the tender age of 18, she has already resided in five homes in three states and attended eight schools. Every time her environment changed, she had to establish a whole new support system. That meant making new friends and connecting with new teachers. The challenges and culture shock of living in three very different states came with challenges to navigate. Nevertheless, Jaislyn has proven to be versatile, mutable, and loveable wherever she goes.

The quote that best fits her life is, “Bloom where you are planted.” (1 Corinthians 7: 20-24) Having made permanent, life-long friends in each state, the kids keep in touch with each other and visit often. Jaislyn is inspirational to so many people, probably more than she realizes.

If you have raised multiple children, you know the next statement is true. Each child comes into this world already being who they are. We are merely here to teach them how to cope, survive, and thrive within the confines of this human experience. While I take some credit for how this woman turned out, I am in awe of who she is and who she is yet to be. Jaislyn, you are absolutely my shero! I am blessed beyond measure that you “chose me out.”

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