I find inspiration in so many places – people, places, pictures, animals, nature, words…

I love when something makes me want to be a better (dog) mother, girlfriend, daughter, writer, person…

It goes without saying (I hope) that I am inspired beyond belief by my family, my dogs and, of course, Brian.

But reading through some of my favorite blogs, I see how much I am inspired by my friends, too:

Like Christine, who is not only one of the smartest women I’ve ever met, but also one of the most talented – and kindest. She’s one of those people who just amazes me in how she gets it all done.  By “all” I mean being a loving wife, a mom to a beautiful daughter, a successful website owner, a super creative entrepreneur, a blogger and a runner. Oh, did I mention she spent many years as a music and brain scientist, and is a former semi-pro violinist? Yeah. That inspiration? It may also have a teeny bit of awe in it.

And then there’s Amy, another woman who seems to do it all so effortlessly. She is super cute, sweet, funny, stylish – and the girl can stretch a dollar. I remember the first night I met Amy, two years ago at the Johnson & Johnson Camp Baby event. We just clicked, and I couldn’t get over how cool she was. Instant friends! And when it comes to organization and frugal living (admittedly, two things I struggle with), I aspire to be like Amy.

And there’s my former neighbor, Sabrina, who moved to Philly last year after she married the love of her life, the aptly-named PhillyBoy (“PB”). She truly lives life to the fullest and has such a positive attitude about everything. And the joy she gets out of creating a home for her and PB is contagious. Her recipes look divine (note I say “look” because I’m still a little intimidated in the kitchen, but I do want to try so many of the things she makes!). Her love for PB shines through, and she really inspires me when I think about the home I want to make for myself and Brian someday.

And Sarah… my brilliant, funny, adorable, well-rounded, world-traveling, PR pro friend. Sarah just has a way about her… she is one of those people who always knows how to handle herself in any situation. She has no fear. She’s confident in her spiritual convictions. She’s climbing up the ranks in tae kwon do. And she’s a frustratingly amazing writer. How come we can have such similar points of view on something, yet she can put it in writing so much better than I can? Grrrrr.

Probably without even knowing it, these 4 ladies inspire me in many different aspects of my life. I think it’s important to have friends and peers to look up to, don’t you?

Who inspires you?

That’s me in deep thought.