Be Inspiring

I have a few boards on Pinterest. As I scan and search for items to pin, I always come across an inspirational quote or two . . . or one hundred. What I do when I see a quote depends on my mood that day and whether or not it calls to me.

If I don't pass them by, I may observe a moment of clarity, laugh at the absurdity of human nature, sigh with recognition or comment, "Now, why didn't I think of that?" I pin the ones I like, share one every now and then on Facebook (not because I am stingy that way but to keep my status updates quote-free) or I tuck them away in Evernote for future use.

These quotes are fun in passing and can bring a point home in a slide deck but not one has ever resulted in a change of my behavior. I am not inspired by infographics or intentions.

I am inspired by action.

I am inspired by:

• A superintendent passionate about unlocking potential in every student in her school. When she speaks about her favorite parts of her day (lunch with students and inspirational TED-Ed clubs), I look closer at the leadership choices I've made.
• A teenage daughter who, despite her fears, continually tries new things. When I see her fearlessly spreading her wings, I quiet the reticence in my voice.
• A 5 am CrossFit group who push physical and mental limits each and every day. "Can't" is not in their vocabulary and I've made a mental note-to-self to remove it from mine.

I am inspired by veterans and their families, Boston Marathon runners and people who, against all odds, put themselves out there because they believe. I am inspired by empowering students and TitleIX.

Keeping posting your inspirational quotes and I'll keeping pinning and sharing the ones I like but when you really want to be make a difference, stop trying to inspire.

Instead, be inspiring.

Be Inspiring, by Lisa Rosendahl, first appeared on lisarosendahl.com

The Little Plaid Skirt

I have been in the workforce long enough to see coworkers retire. Not the old geezers I thought were taking up space when I was much newer to the workforce, but experienced and contributing colleagues and friends.

A colleague retired last week. When I saw her in the hallway on her last day, I noticed her smiling ear to ear commenting on the sun's appearance (just like the rest of Minnesota) and then, I noticed her clothes.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto

She was dressed TOM casual.

For a woman who usually dressed as though she stepped out of an Ann Taylor look book and tended to the serious side, this brief interaction was striking. I had flash thoughts of dress codes, work personalities and the impact of a simple smile.

Then, I thought of the nuns.

I attended Catholic school for a few years in the 1970s. My nuns didn't fly. They ran a tight ship with rules, rulers and uniforms.

I wore a uniform. Every day. Every day except for one. My family was moving during the school year so this second grader was permitted to wear regular (new!) clothes on her last day with the nuns.

I remember it clearly.

I wore a red and black plaid kilt-style wool skirt with a large safety style pin in the front to keep it from flying open. Was it fringed? Did I wear it with a black t-shirt or crisp white collared shirt embellished with more pins and long white socks?

I remember my friends gathering around to see my new clothes. I remember energy, confidence and kindness. I remember looking down at my new shoes, swishing my skirt, and loving the style.

I remember feeling pretty.

I remember melting like butter a few years ago when my young daughter choose a dress because "It makes me feel pretty, momma."

I am going to take these memories and spring clean the heck out of the clothes in my closet.

I grant you the permission to do the same.

The Little Plaid Skirt, by Lisa Rosendahl, first appeared on lisarosendahl.com