My Top Sources of Inspiration in 2011

Have you ever felt that you have utterly and miserably failed at something? I sure have and, in 2011, I felt that way more than once. Back in 2005, when I first visited Cambodia, I returned home with a heartfelt determination to “do something” – to somehow improve the lives of even a few victims of human trafficking. I founded my first fair trade organization, The Global Heart, and imported products from Cambodia and elsewhere, in support of underserved groups, including rescued human trafficking victims. The Global Heart eventually morphed into HeartSilks, and it is with HeartSilks that I have been continuing to work for a cause I believe in. And in the deepest recesses of my heart – and soul – I believe that human trafficking will one day be eradicated.

But it’s a roller coaster ride at times. Reliable statistics on human trafficking are hard to come by since so much activity occurs “off the radar screen,” but most reports indicate a rise in this crime. A friend recently handed me a copy of a local newspaper and, on the front page, was an article titled “Human Trafficking Is Growing In North Carolina.” Ugh… While I know this is true, it’s really difficult at times to accept that, despite the thousands of people around the world working so diligently to eliminate this crime, it just keeps on growing.

It feels like failure. And it is at those times when I am feeling discouraged, angry, frustrated – like a failure – that I head to my well of inspiration. There, I find a way to re-focus; to appreciate the progress that’s being made; and to be awed and humbled by the work of so many dedicated and amazing people.

My well is pretty deep. Here are only some of the books, films, blogs, and people who inspired me in 2011 – and continue to do so. I return to many of them time and again, and I am pleased to share them, and to recommend them for those times when things feel just too overwhelming.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.
What the world needs is people who have come alive.”
— Howard Thurman

BOOKS
The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs – a brilliant economist shares his plan for eliminating poverty throughout the world. And, yes, it’s possible. A book I return to frequently.

The Road of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam – Ms. Mam’s autobiography is a riveting account of her years as a sex slave; her escape; and her ultimate role as a leader in the fight against human trafficking. Difficult to read at times, but ultimately hopeful. She is truly a modern-day hero.

Not For Sale by David Batstone – an award-winning journalist, Mr. Batstone’s book is another heartbreaking yet hopeful call for us to become involved in the abolitionist movement. It is filled with case studies and resources that should leave no one wondering what they can do to support abolition.

Half The Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn – winners of a Pulitzer Prize for journalism, the authors have crafted a brilliant and compelling wake-up call – a call to rid the world of poverty by unleashing the potential of women. This book is loaded with resources. You will have no excuse after reading this amazing piece of work.

Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer – a delightfully philosophical exploration of meat-eating traditions and, despite its empathy for both vegetarians and meat-eaters, it delivers a most compelling and powerful message. For me, it is a great reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings. Compassion – it’s no small thing.

The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo – a gifted poet and writer, I begin each day with a reading from this book. Mark’s words inspire me, humble me, and remind me of the beauty all around me. Soul food to be savored.

FILMS
If you are interested in eliminating human trafficking, please watch any or all of the following films. They are not always easy to watch, but that’s the point, isn’t it?

Trade; Human Trafficking; Sex & Money; Taken; Born Into Brothels; Bought and Sold; Holly; Gardens of the Night  Each of these films is a powerful call to get involved.

BLOGS
There are so many, but for inspiration – for supporting me in following my heart – I love:
• Chris Guillebeau – http://chrisguillebeau.com/3×5/
• Seth Godin – http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
• Michelle Woodward – http://lifeframeworks.com/blog
• Jonathan Fields - http://www.jonathanfields.com/blog/
• Natalie Sisson – http://suitcaseentrepreneur.com/
• Mark Silver – http://www.heartofbusiness.com/blog/

“Only love, with no thought of return, can soften the point of suffering.”
— Mark Nepo

PEOPLE – and their work
I could never list them all but, in addition to those mentioned in BLOGS, certainly Somaly Mam, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rumi, Mark Nepo, Howard Thurman, Molly Katchpole and everyone at www.change.org, and so many more. I am most grateful for their courage and wisdom.

OTHER
Other ways I refresh myself and my outlook? Spending time with family, friends, and pets. Listening to great music. Pondering great quotes. Looking at fantastic photos. Spending time outdoors with Mother Nature – walking, gardening, just being. Meditating. Self-care.

And never underestimate the power of a good laugh – or of something “light” – to restore your equilibrium. In 2011, I have watched the film Eat, Pray, Love several times. Why? Because I love Elizabeth Gilbert’s brand of humor, and because the thought of a year-long journey of self-discovery in three magnificent locales makes my heart sing. Restorative power indeed.

How about you? What fills you when you are feeling empty? What lifts your spirits? What motivates you to be compassionate and generous to others? Remember that no loving gesture fails to leave its mark on the world. Each spreads like the ripples from a pebble in a pond.

“When we focus our energy towards constructing a passionate, meaningful life, we are tossing a pebble into the world, creating a beautiful ripple effect of inspiration. When one person follows a dream, tries something new or takes a daring leap, everyone nearby feels that energy, and before too long they are making their own daring leaps and inspiring yet another circle.”
— Christine Mason Miller

          And thanks for being with me in 2011!

Tags: Chris Guillebeau, David Batstone, Elizabeth Gilbert, forced prostitution, human trafficking, Jeffrey Sachs, Jonathan Fields, Jonathan Safran Foer, Mark Nepo, Mark Silver, Michelle Woodward, Natalie Sisson, Nicholas Kristof, Seth Godin, Sex + Money, Sheryl WuDunn, Somaly Mam, stop human tarfficking