Inspiration Is Contagious

I recently had the opportunity to interview a local baker here in Columbia, MO. She goes by the moniker AmyRuthBakes, and her tasty treats are under the label “small batches.” I was compelled to interview Amy after eating one of her out-of-this-world chocolate chip cookies. It was awesome!

The cookie, however, was not the point of the interview (although her cookies and other baked goods, in my opinion, could be the subject of their own interview). I wanted to hear her story and see what made her such an excellent baker. From the first minute of the interview, it was obvious  – she loves baking and she loves people.

She doesn’t do it for the money or the title or the chance to climb the corporate ladder. She is compelled by love. Dictionary.com defines love as this:  to have a profoundly tender, passionate affection for; to have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in. This passionate affection for what she does really stuck with me. Talking with her was the highlight of my week. It inspired me.

You’ll notice my previous blog post was over a month ago. I’ve let fear and a lack of self-confidence push me down. Being around Amy stoked the fire in me and reminded me to get moving. Our passions and dreams won’t come to fruition if we wait for them. Instead, they’re waiting for us.

If you are stuck or confused or discouraged in the pursuit of your dreams and passions, you need some inspiration. It will lift you up, get you going, and give you hope. Talk to a friend, read a book, pray – do something to seek out inspiration and get back on the horse. Once you’ve had a taste of it, you won’t let it go, and you’ll be able to give it to others.

To read the interview with Amy, check out Examiner.com.