Anythink in Action – Who Inspires You?

Learn more about the Anythink in Action campaign this December

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Anythink isn’t just the name of our libraries, but a philosophy all Anythinkers live by which includes embracing play in all we do; exploring, learning and inspiring others; and helping our community and each other. Anythinkers don’t just work at our libraries; they are also the people we serve each day throughout Adams County. This winter, we want to inspire the Anythinker in all of us through Anythink in Action – a celebration of those people in our community who inspire us to be the best of ourselves.

Anythink libraries are places of unlimited imagination, where people can explore and be themselves. There have been many people along the way who have inspired our vision – now we want to hear about the people in your family or community who inspire you. Please share your comments below about the individuals or organizations that have inspired you in your life.

Here are stories from our own Anythinkers about the people who inspire them:

My Mom inspires me.  She has always been the person I look to for guidance in living my life to its fullest potential.  When I started Kindergarten, my Mom started college.  She had two small children and a full-time job, but she knew that it was important to her goals for herself and our family to become a registered nurse.  She worked hard and completed the program early – even with so many obstacles in her path to success.  As I moved through my education, I always reflected on that – when I thought I was too tired to study or when it seemed too difficult to maintain a job and college courses – I remembered that my Mom stayed with it.  I finished college and I had a small child, but I knew there was more out there for me.  Again, I sought inspiration from my Mom.  I got into a Masters program in Library and Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin.  I’m a librarian today because my Mom’s journey inspired me. 

- Rachel, Support Services

My BFF Beverley is a 17-year breast cancer survivor who has never let that slow her down. When she was going through treatment, I would pick up her son and bring him to my home, and we’d wait for Bev to come. She never let chemo or radiation stop her moving forward. She even went on to start a Breast Cancer Support Group for African American Women which continues to this day. Her never giving up made me realize you can’t let anything stop you.

- Deborah, Commerce City

Comments

Steven (not verified) - Nov 24 2009
I am inspired by people who have new ideas and find ways to put them to work to help others who cannot help themselves. I am inspired by my sister who has been a hospice volunteer for 10 years, selflessly giving up every single Sunday to care for others in their most critical times of need. I am inspired by Unesco and the work it does worldwide through its global education movement. I am inspired by the ideas of the Dalai Lama and his encouraging words about taking personal responsibility for one's life.

Mindy (not verified) - Nov 25 2009
Greg Mortenson. Greg set out on a one-man mission to counteract extremism by building schools, especially for girls, throughout the breeding ground of the Taliban. I think this is one of the most incredible humanitarian journeys I have ever read about. It has inspired me and reaffirmed my belief that every single person can make a difference. You can learn more about Greg in his book, "Three Cups of Tea".

Crystal (not verified) - Nov 30 2009
I think I'm inspired by anyone who perseveres despite all of the odds against them. Determination is what has caused the greatest changes in the history of our society. Nothing just happens. People MAKE things happen.

Vanessa (not verified) - Dec 7 2009
I was inspired by this web page. I am a substance abuse counselor in a residential treatment center in Jacksonville, Fl. As part of my responsibilities, I facilitate anywhere from 4-6 treatment groups each week. Ideas for discussion often grow tired and boring to the population, so I'm always trying to get them to think of their lives in new ways. Last week, I introduced "Inspiration" and used the Eleanor Roosevelt quote at the top of this page. 30 clients were asked who inspires them. Slowly, their hands went up in the air. They mentioned heroes, parents, teachers, siblings, neighbors, historical figures and on and on. Each person took the opportunity to speak, including the guy in the back that usually snores. They were engaged and alert. Alive. They were then asked to consider who they inspire. This task was much more difficult. Eventually it lead to a deeper discussion about letting go of resentments and nurturing oneself in order to truly inspire others. Thank you for the idea!! It's not easy to find new discussion topics that provoke a change in one's self perception.