October is the trigger for fall, cooler weather, changing leaves, all things pumpkin, #breastcancerawareness, #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek, cybersecurity awareness (#CyberAware), and of course, “Treat Yo’self” Day. All things near and dear to my ❤ ! Loving the cooler temps and glad to get a break from the rain here in Texas. Such a great way to go into fall!
Yes, the month is nearly over. I have struggled with finishing this post due to business travel, fibromyalgia, a busy work schedule, and life in general that have all drawn my energy and focus elsewhere. I have my moments of self-doubt, but I try to extend myself some grace and do what I can.
Here are 10 stories/quotes/pictures this month that I hope will open your eyes to all of the good going on in the world, and inspire you to find something you can do to help others:
- Do What You Can – I love this quote to start the list this month. I have to remind myself at times that I cannot do it all. “Do what you can with what you have where you are.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
- Birthday Cake – When Megs Yunn realized that homeless children often do not celebrate birthdays, she set out to change that, one birthday at a time. Read more here.
- Pushing the Limits – Read the story of a paratrooper who went from near death to hope and inspiration, as he thrives and lives his live to the fullest. Read more here.
- We are Called to Be Bold – Meet 11-year-old Sadie Keller. She beat leukemia and now she has a new mission: raising awareness and spreading hope to other children battling cancer. Read and listen to her story here. You’re never too young to have big goals.
- Unplug Movement – While I will admit I didn’t participate and the month is nearly over, it’s refreshing to see some of the younger generations willing to put down their phone to reconnect and start living their lives. Read about the Offline October movement, and think about ways to incorporate more “living” in your life. Maybe you can have offline Sundays?
- Bring out the Magic – While most of us will never know what it’s like to live life in a wheelchair, it can be hardest for kids. Especially at Halloween. To help some kids feel less different, the Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City incorporated that which makes those children unique into some epic costumes. Read more here.
- Marvels of the World – This teenager is on a mission to see the marvels of the world, the ocean, the mountains, and a Chicago Bulls game…before he loses his sight. Read Josh Bangert’s story here. A gentle reminder to not take for granted those things that we have, such as our sight, our voice, and our ability to make a difference.
- Little Free Library – Here’s a reminder that it only takes a simple act to start a movement. Todd Bol passed away this week, but the mark he left will be felt for years to come. In 2009, he put a wooden box in front of his Wisconsin home and filled it with books in honor of his late mother. Today, there are 75,000 little free libraries across the world, in 80 countries. Read more here.
- Dreams Do Come True – Watch the story of a self-less, random act of kindness this almost-bride did for another couple getting married. It’s amazing how much better your life becomes when you quit focusing on yourself, and focus on others.
- The Earth Laughs in Flowers – Finally, just a picture from me and a simple quote from a poet, as a reminder to us all to be present and pay attention to fleeting moments of beauty…. a flower in bloom… the changing colors on the trees in fall… a smile on a stranger’s face. There is such beauty surrounding us, we just have to look for it.
I hope you all can find some time to go out and smell the flowers, look at the fall colors, and just live your life. Slow down and observe. Just breathe. And be present in the moment. You may just find your next inspiration.
Cheers!
Cynthia
My Inspired Fibro Life 
Inspiring lives…Thank you Cynthia. Hope you feel a little more rejuvenated soon. 😀
Jennifer
LikeLiked by 1 person