DISCLAIMER- I am not a writer- (as you will soon find out) but want to share my thoughts via this forum and hopefully not put everyone to sleep. Apologies in advance for taking such a serious tone to this post but I think it is required for the subject at hand.
*What inspires people has so many types/variables and it can change over time from years, days, to just hours or moments. Although some compare inspiration to motivation they have subtle differences.
Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines the word inspiration as “a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him to receive and communicate heartfelt revelation. They define the word inspire The action or power of moving the intellect or, “to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration,or emotions.”
The World Dictionary defines motivation as 1. the act or an instance of motivating, 2. desire to do; interest or drive
The World Dictionary defines motivation as 1. the act or an instance of motivating, 2. desire to do; interest or drive
3. incentive or inducement , 4. psychol the process that arouses, sustains and regulates human and animal behaviour
Not certain if I understand every word from the definition's listed above but I'll take a crack at expressing what inspires me and the inspiration behind OldGuyWalk (OGW). I will address motivation in a future posting.
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From a big picture view OGW is inspired by the loss of a loved one. This too has several layers to the onion.
-How my mom accepted her fate and faced her last days with dignity and love for all around her inspires me to be a better person.
-The awful revelation on my mother's fateful day by the oncologist that because of her advanced stage of lung cancer there was little they could do to extend her life, that inspires me out of sorrow, then anger and frustration! (FACT- this happens to over 85% of lung cancer patients)
-Having no simple early cancer detection testing available to the public- confused inspiration. I want to raise awareness and hope others will join me in sending a message to the medical world asking for better detection methods (maybe as simple as a blood test during a routine physical).
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From a less extensive point of view - what inspires me daily is hearing my kids play or say I love you in the morning or at bedtime - just getting them dressed and out the door in time for the School Bus inspires me too (most parents know this inspiration)
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Somewhere in the middle, my inspiration comes from those that surround me, some whom I know directly others I admire from afar.
An example of direct people who inspire me are the stronger then iron YMCA instructors most of which volunteer their time because they were inspired and want to inspire others. Plus I need to mention my fellow spin or water aerobic participant's. The varied story lines shared inspires me each time we chat about whatever is happening in their daily lives.
From afar the research oncologists are a very strong inspiration to me. I respect and admire the time they invest looking for ways to unlock clues into detection and treatments for this terrible disease. Please check out this link - http://events.lungevity.org/site/PageServer?pagename=v2_Research for more (click on lung cancer experts)
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Then there are the funnels of other inspirations that come with living life in general. Having a successful day at work. Seeing a someone help a stranger, by holding the door open as they push a stroller thru the entrance. Attending church service on Sunday's, even some movies, or shows on TV can send those feelings into us.
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So let me jump on my soapbox and say , where ever you find inspiration I hope it pulls at your heartstrings and pushes you into trying to make a difference, only all of us together can make it a better world! Some say personal accomplishment is inspiring, so when I take that last step on my journey I will selfishly hope to experience that feeling of inspiring someone!!
In conclusion, regardless of what is donated, OGW is a symbolic effort.. I believe completing this challenge will legitimize my voice to be recognized by the health community so I can ask the tough question, "when will we be able to detect lung cancer in a patient before they are already lost"?
OldGuy
Next Week- Motivations
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