This has been a great week for me; a week meeting inspirational people. These are people who have really made a difference to the lives of others, albeit in different ways. At the weekend, it was psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters and his insight into his world of elite sports and his renowned Chimp Model.
Yesterday, I got to meet Dr Helen Pankhurst at The Women’s Organisation. Her great grandmother was Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the British suffragette movement which helped women win the right to vote in the early 1900’s. Dr Helen spoke about her own work and her continued efforts to lobby for women’s rights. She really is carrying on her family’s legacy of courageous change.
We all have role models and people who inspire us. One of the questions I always ask the women who I coach is “who inspires you?”
What is interesting is that the answers rarely mention any of those big name celebrities. More often than not, the answer they give is their mother, sister, friend or maybe someone out in the world making a difference or being passionate about a cause in a very modest way. I don’t have a lineage like Dr Helen Pankhurst but on my list of inspiring role models, is my paternal grandmother.
Born in 1902, she was a teenager when the suffragette movement was at its peak, with Dr Helen’s great grandmother Emmeline Pankhurst at its head. My grandmother’s selflessness, as well as her non-judgemental and gentle ways were humbling. I never heard her complain or cause a fuss. She simply wanted to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and so she appreciated everything. I think we could all take a leaf out of her book.
A gifted pianist, my grandmother provided much joy and entertainment to a whole host of people over her 104 years and she was a truly wonderful role model for me when I was growing up. Role models and people we aspire to come in all guises. They don’t have to be super successful or in the media every day. They can be everyday people doing everyday things. An interesting thought don’t you think?
I would love to know who your role models are, please leave me a comment in the box below.