30-Days of Inspiration Challenge
It was the start of the second semester of my fifth year at university. I was at the crossroads of my life and career - I had a good circle of friends, was meeting new people and my situation at home was slightly more tolerable. I had multiple jobs that bought in a stable income, started working at my internship and was considering my options for the upcoming summer. Despite the uncertainty of it all, it was an exciting place to be given how productive I had been. I don't think I have ever felt so productive in my life, and I knew that I couldn't have done it had it not been for the amazing support network of people I had the pleasure of having in my life at that time. So on one of the many commutes into town, I decided that I wanted to document and acknowledge this great point in my life by taking a photo a day with someone who inspired me to be a better person.
The first of September 2013 was coincidentally Fathers' Day, so my first photo was with Dad. I approached close friends who I saw that month, my workmates and some members of my family. I was even lucky enough to have attended a Q&A forum with Former Justice Michael McHugh (an inspiration to any law student), and approached him to be a part of my 30-Day Challenge. I also attended a talk by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the Sydney Opera House, but did not have the opportunity to run after her for a photo given the tight security. I ended up taking a photo with the information card with her face on it instead, so I guess I sort of cheated that day (though I am confident she knows she serves as a huge inspiration for any Australian female looking to work in politics).
I did not find the 30-Day of Inspiration Challenge too difficult because I was blessed with inspiration everywhere I looked. I think the most challenging thing about the 30-Day Challenge was approaching people to take a photo with me. Imagine that: you're working away in the office, then out of the blue a girl taps you on the shoulder and asks for a photo with you because of a task she had bestowed upon herself. (Yes, I have been told that I am a strange, strange person).
You'll be glad to know that everyone I approached was happy to be a part of my project. It was nice seeing how people reacted to my request - initially thinking it was slightly strange, but being flattered at the realisation that they were an inspiration to me, then feeling awkward with the "okay-smile-at-the-camera" part. Some felt so awkward that it was completely adorable. Despite the somewhat strange request, their unwavering support really gave me a sense of self and made me more aware of all the inspiration that was out there. I was so grateful for their presence in my life, and the simple act of letting them know that they inspired me gave me the warm and fuzzies.
It has been almost half a year since the end of the challenge. I still am in contact with most of the inspirational beings, despite all of us moving on with our own lives (new jobs, new opportunities and ergo new people). I had a little catch up dinner and drinks with a couple of the people from my internship, and realised how inspirational these people continue to be for me. Even though we can't return to that time where we saw each other twice a week, it's so wonderful to know that the inspiration I first felt can be felt again in a different time and space with these people.
Sometimes inspiration takes a conversation or two , sometimes it arises out of struggles, and sometimes it requires us to really open your eyes to notice it. But inspiration is wonderfully random. When you share this inspiration, and you let someone know that they inspire you to be a better person than you are today, it creates an aura of positivity, love and acceptance. And this is so damn beautiful.