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Jamie Collins

By: Jamie Collins

We’re here to inspire you today, TPS readers!

Note: In the event you do not have access to YouTube right now or do not have time to watch an absolutely fantastic, 4 minute video — please exit the blog — and come back later! Seriously. We’re not kidding. The video is essential to the post, and you’ll miss 90% of the message if you miss the video. It’s a must watch. Now that we’ve issued our first inspirational warning, let’s get started!

I want you to think of a time in your life when you knew you couldn’t have accomplished something alone — you needed the help of someone else. Perhaps you needed the guidance or help of a loving parent, the support of a friend, family member, spouse or the vast insight of a coworker or mentor in order to take the next step or accomplish a significant task. The truth is we need one another. We’re all really connected…as connected as we choose to be.

This brings to mind a word:

cat·a·lyst

noun

1. Chemistry. a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.

2. something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without itself being affected.

3. a person or thing that precipitates an event or change: His imprisonment by the government served as the catalyst that helped transform social unrest into revolution.

4. a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic.

(Dictionary.com)

I particularly like definitions 3 and 4. Let me tell you why. Typically, anyone who has ever accomplished anything significant in life has either been a catalyst or found one, which inspired him or her to take one step, and venture out into personally, unchartered territory. We, as humans, typically do not begin anything which falls outside of our comfort zones without a person or thing precipitating that change: a catalyst. That catalyst is someone who enters our life and implores us to feel more awakened, enthused, energized and compelled to action.

Often, we find ourselves inspired by someone or something in particular. Have you ever watched or heard a story and become so completely, personally, and absolutely inspired that you were moved to tears? If not, I’ve got your story:

“RICK and DICK HOYT – The story of GREAT LOVE”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adubrj3yya8
 

How absolutely and profoundly inspiring is that?

With each day that passes, we all become a little bit more of whom we truly are, and will be, both, individually, and collectively. We grow together.

When looking back at pictures taken several years ago, I’ve noticed that not only is our little boy growing and changing, but my husband and I have changed considerably over time, as well. This made me think back to my own childhood. I remember what my dad looked like when I was 10-20 years old. He was a completely different person then he is now, and I don’t mean just in age. Over the years, we each grew, changed, evolved, and became more of the people we are today. We grew — together.

Reflecting upon my career thus far, I realize that in many ways, several of my co-workers and I have grown together, as well. We have seen each other through years of experiences, trials and tribulations, ups and downs, good cases and bad, happy moments, and a few sad ones, too. Some of us have followed each other from one firm to another, from one opportunity to the next. We consider each other personal friends, not just workmates. Each one of us is incredibly different than we were when we first met. We have all grown, changed, evolved, and become more of who we each are intended to be; the person we aspire to be; the person others see in us today. We have grown — together.

As I watched Gavin walk across the stage at his kindergarten graduation, I not only celebrated his accomplishments, but took some still mental images in my mind of my life, his life, and our lives together, in this very moment. The way we are right here and now. The moments are a bright and passing glimmer. I realize that all too soon, the here and now will become a photograph in a family scrapbook, and a fabulous memory I will carry with me forever in my mind, because we all are on our way to becoming more than what we are in this moment…every single one of us. We are growing — together.

So, the real question is: What’s next? I wish I had an answer for that. I find myself often wondering what’s next for The Paralegal Society…and me personally. I wonder what road TPS will choose to intentionally stroll down in the future and what road I may walk alone. Some days, I have tons of ideas swirling around in my head in that regard (a few really good ones, I must say), and other days, I feel like what’s meant to come next for us will somehow seek me out. The honest answer is: “I don’t know.” However, after watching that video, what I do know is this: We can accomplish anything we want to accomplish, both individually, and collectively. The only limitations are those we impose against ourselves.

The Hoyts are proof that unity overcomes obstacles, allows one’s soul to exit that constrictive comfort zone, and in “together” there is hope that we can each make of our lives what we will. Whatever it is that we choose to embark upon — we can do it — TOGETHER.

Together has power. We are all constantly changing, evolving, and growing into the purest and truest version of who we are intended to be, and what we can collectively become…together. Never underestimate the power of “together.”

Don’t run alone.

For more background on the Hoyt’s inspiring story, check out this truly amazing 4 minute video clip:
“Dick and Rick Hoyt – The Extra Mile”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijVmoelUyCU&feature=related
(It’s absolutely worth the watch!)
 

We hope you leave this post to start your weekend feeling as inspired as we do. Either be a catalyst…or find one.

We’ll see you next week!