Pagosa Springs Rotary Club
Speaker: Shellie Peterson on Rotary’s new theme, “Be the Inspiration.”
“The charge Rotary International has given us this year” is to Be the Inspiration, Shellie announced.
To inspire others to achieve something beyond the scope of their normal aspirations may be the extreme challenge of life, she explained, and success starts with getting inspired oneself. Inspiration cannot be achieved passivity, she reminded, but by actions of power to influence.
Consider the problems afflicting us and people around the world, such as health, education and the environment, and what can be done to help. Then, think “I can and I will” help, Shellie counselled, and “Don’t call it a dream, call it a plan.”
As examples of the necessary frame of mind, Shellie provided some thought patterns contrasting hesitancy to embrace inspiration with the pathway to its realization:
- Not “I have never been a chairperson,” but “I would love the challenge.”
- Not “I am too busy,” but “I want to make a difference.”
- Not “I won’t be good at leading,” but “I have skills and can lead.”
- Not “No one will be interested in what I say,” but “I have an interesting and unique background to share.”
“Rotarians don’t wake up to spend the day being ordinary,” Shellie observed, “and no one in this room is ordinary.”
“Do one thing every day,” she challenged, “that scares you.” Because, as Maya Angelou said, “Courage is the most important virtue.”
Shellie concluded by quoting Pablo Picasso, with a thought having true inspirational force both advocating and exemplifying the core of Rotary’s new theme.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift,” the great artist said. “The purpose of life is to give it away.”