Inspiration is defined as “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.”

Throughout my lifetime, I have been inspired by people and their stories. At a very young age, I was inspired by Peter Pan. He could fly, and he made me believe I could fly too. I tried it over and over again, luckily from a safe height.

From Peter Pan I moved onto Clara Barton. Born in 1821, she was an educator, nurse and founder of the American Red Cross.  I was fascinated by her story.  She became a teacher at 15 and opened a free public school in New Jersey.  During the Civil War, Clara Barton served as an independent nurse, caring for wounded soldiers at Antietam. There she was nicknamed “the angel of the battlefield.”  Her selflessness and service to others in the midst of crisis resonated with me.

The most inspirational woman I have met so far was Helen Keller. My girl scout troop, in Easton, CT, had the privilege of meeting her, and my inspiration meter went through the roof. Born in 1880,she was the first deaf/blind person to earn a bachelor’s degree. She was a writer and political activist.  Her ability to communicate was remarkable.

Since Peter Pan, Clara Barton and Helen Keller, there have been numerous people, not all famous, who have continued to inspire me to challenge myself and expand my horizons.

The Beyond Sixty Project is an extension of my desire to connect with women through their inspirational stories.  You can listen to portions of their interviews in the website.  Stay tuned.  There are more to come.

Melissa

 

Never grow up –  Peter Pan

I may sometimes be willing to teach for nothing, but if paid at all, I shall never do a man’s work for less than a man’s pay  –  Clara Barton

No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to and unchartered land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit  –  Helen Keller