Inspiration vs Influence
If you get one thing from reading my words, let it be the inspiration to share your own in some way, somehow. You are infinitely worthy.
—influence: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something—
—inspire: to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something creative—
For as long as I can remember I have had a narrative, a story dying to get out of me and be free. As soon as I would put pen to paper though, or even begin to open my mouth, something inside me freezes first. Edits to be palpable. Then continues.
I think maybe I want to stop editing. Just let those who understand me, come and join and listen. I want nothing more than to inspire. I want to help others see how beautiful, powerful and infinite they are. Because I am. Because we all are.
How do I know?
I think sometimes people don’t see how much I hated myself, for so long. How hard I have worked to be here, to be who I am now. Here’s the thing, the key component: I do not want to influence you to do what I have done, I want to inspire you to do you BooBoo.
Perhaps you are reading this and thinking “those are exactly the same thing you moron”, well allow me to elaborate; above are the cheeses “Webster’s Dictionary” definitions of the words influence and inspire. Below are mine~
influence: to assert one into a position above another in a sense of superiority, with the goal of the other person following in their footsteps; I think something is often expected in return with “influencers”
inspire: to live your life and share it authentically in a way that pushes someone else to also take a step into authenticity~ forever perpetuating growth and progression of both parties involved, as well as beings around
In this day and age, this world, there is need for nuance. Everywhere we look there are “influencers”, people trying to get us to be like them, to spend like them, to think like them. The thing about influencers is that they are simply the capitalist word for human billboard. It is turning our lives into a commodity.
Now please don’t take this all petty, as always humor me…but am I wrong? Yes there are influencers out there whom I admire for the work they do, and hey, they are getting their bag. Respect. Bria Jones is one I truly love. I think she is honest and open about what it is that she does and that her job is to kinda sell her lifestyle. I think she has found a way to be entertaining and inspiring. It still has that taste of capitalism though.
Like a self help book. Yes they are amazing, but…every one has just this kind of err about it, this je ne sais quoi. I am reading a book I am very much enjoying right now “The Call of the Wild + Free” by Ainsley Arment. It’s kind of a beginning guide to secular homeschooling, a journey I have decided to embark on during parenting. There’s no way in fucking hell my child is peddling allegiance to anyone let alone DJT. Anyway, the book. It is great, yet you can still, kinda read between the lines to the pitch. The “if-this-sounds-like-you-I-have-just-the-thing-in-a-different-book” vibe. That then continues on. I got this from the Rhonda Byrne series “The Secret” too. Again, it is a book I cherish yet is still…gives me the ick at times. It’s like a car salesman, or a pastor. There is just something inherently not me about saying “come to me for answers”.
I think because of this I have felt a bit held back to be here, because then why share it? You don’t want to make money? No, I would love to survive and help provide for my family. I even think creators should be compensated. For me though, I am here writing this and sharing my stories in my podcast just because, I hope you read them and the next time you are at the store and someone cuts you off, you give them a smile. Maybe even spark up a conversation and make their day. Or, maybe they continue to be a dick and you just shrug it off and remember someone probably shit on their pillow last night. Or when you are walking down the street and see a sign for a rally and realize you have twenty minutes to spare so you head over; even though it’s not really what you wanted to do. But hey, other people do it too. I do. And the only reason I do is because I am inspired every single day by people doing actual amazing things.
I want to do amazing things, too! I have an idea for a young adult series that I am particularly excited about. I am in my mom phase right now though, I am learning. I am practicing my craft and simply living right now. And living simple.
And, I am gonna share it. All of it, as I have been.
As usual, I am so grateful to you for being here with me while I do <3
Thank you for taking the time to allow my words space in your heart. I meant every word I said, I hope I inspire you. If I could pick one thing to inspire you to do it would be to click some of the links below. There are a bunch of GoFundMe’s for some families in dire need. Anything, even a share is helpful. Also, there are a variety of different resources for your benefit.
GoFundMe to Help Save Wafa and Her Family
GoFundMe for Munir and Mohammed and their Children
GoFundMe for Hany to Save His Family
GoFundMe for Fadi's Son's Medical Expenses
GoFundMe to Save Young Palestinian Man and His Family
GoFundMe for Bsmala and her Seven Family Members
GoFundMe to Help Save Aya and Her Family
Operation Olive Branch's One-Click Email Campaign
"Abortion Everyday" Newsletter by Jessica Valenti
EcoGather Homepage: A Place to Connect and Share with a Goal of Growth
thank you for sharing your words you beautiful human 💗