You are my inspiration

Written by Katelynn Heilman. Graphic by Katelynn Heilman.

There are a lot of reasons why I’m here right now — in the nook of this library, in this city, in this state. Although I feel a surging gratitude for all of the “obvious” people who have inspired me to get to where I am, I also feel equally as inspired by the individuals who don’t know me at all and still found a way to reach me. 

I take all of them with me: people who never tried to be anything important or special to me, but just were. With them as inspirations, I create, grow and persist. With all that I do, I hope to take with me people I’ve never really met, faces I couldn’t remember even if I tried and names that never even introduced themselves to me. 

A couple appreciating art together

I’m not sure why they caught my eye. They were simply two people looking at a painting in a museum. Even after I had gone through and looked at all of the paintings in the entire room, they were still sitting there in the same spot, with the same aura of peace and stillness. They reminded me that sometimes art is as simple as being grateful for what’s right in front of you. 

A boy in Starbucks singing during his shift

That’s all he did. He sang. But it meant the world to me and to my friends. Because even more than that, on top of being so happy that he sang about it, he was kind. His confidence felt important, and I think of him every time I second-guess myself or the things that bring me joy. 

Friends drawing in the garden together 

With a picnic blanket under the weight of their paintbrushes, colored pencils and other miscellaneous art supplies, a few friends drew on the grass together. I wish to always be as content and grounded as they seemed. Despite all the people winding around them, when you looked at them you would’ve thought it was only them and the breeze. They seemed like they were the only artists here on earth, creating purely for themselves and the birds to see. 

A thrift store employee on the clock

After I darted out of the way and instinctively said, “I’m sorry,” this employee, who wasn’t even coming towards me, said, “Never apologize for just being.” I’ll still probably say sorry for stupid things, but when they said this to me, something clicked. With them in my head, I’m inspired to be unapologetic in how I create and contribute to the world, just as they seemed to be. 

At least someone else every single day

Even just today, I noted at least three other people I could’ve added to this. The world can be so good, creative and inspiring — every smile, colorful personality, and kind gesture I walk past reminds me of this. Having so many people to be inspired by is something to be so grateful for.