Walking the Walk

Today is International Women's Day and Huff Post editor, Arianna Huffington asks this question - "Who inspires you?" These three words gave me a lot to think about as I started my day and I feel compelled to answer.

I am most inspired by people who lead by example. Let me explain.

I've never been a fan of the old saying - "Do as I say, not as I do."  Everyone watches us - especially our children.  They listen to what we say, but they pay even closer attention to what we do. For example, my daughter has almost broken me of my bad habit of using my cell phone while driving.  I admit that I still occasionally take a glance at my Blackberry when it blinks at me or take a random call because I forget that I'm not supposed to.  But, I mostly keep it in my purse where it belongs.   

I do this because I know that not only is it the right thing to do - but because she is watching me.  And in 6 short years, I'll be handing her a set of car keys. Will she do as I say and not as I do? Or perhaps I'm better off if my actions speak louder than my words.

By the way, I am much more in favor of that saying or when people say - "Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk."

So, to answer the question - Who inspires me? - my answer would be everyone in my life who leads by example.  Luckily, the list is too long to start naming names - but you know who you are.
  
But, by far, my children inspire me to lead by example so that they will be motivated to make the right choices in their own lives. And that, my friends, is the biggest inspiration of all.