Two years ago I went to India. At the time I was frustrated and uninspired but had revisited a list I wrote many years prior; the Taj Mahal was on that list.
I couldn’t find anyone to go with me, so I went, alone, determined to make this dream come true.
I will never forget the feeling of awe and accomplishment when I arrived: A long-time vision made tangible. I watched sunset and returned for sunrise and walked around in a daze.
When I visited Mount Rushmore, I was disappointed; the size and the proportions didn’t seem to match what I had seen in history books. Yet this. This marvel exceeded my imagination.
Only now do I recognize the strength, courage, and resilience it took for me to get there.
For all those fighting silent battles;
For dreamers who remain committed to their visions;
For those stubborn enough to persist against all odds;
And for the few who dare to create and build: I see you.
Keep dreaming. Believe in your dreams like your life depends on it (it does).
“Sometimes I feel that society likes to trick us into thinking that we cannot, or have no interest in, getting along, working together, and standing in support of one another.”
Relationships are important. Now more than ever before.
By encouraging those around us, we can set the bar even higher for ourselves.
Examples for inspiration
Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe
At a show in Colorado, Marilyn Monroe saw Ella Fitzgerald turned away from the main entrance. She then refused to go inside until both were allowed through the front doors.
Shrinkhala Khatiwada and Maggie Doyne
Nepal’s beauty queen advocate and CNN Hero recently collaborated to provide care and support for workers returning to Nepal.
Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez
“She’s encouraged me when I’ve had nothing to be encouraged about,” Selena Gomez has said about Taylor Swift. The songstresses have supported each other for over a decade.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Mindy Kaling
“You famously auditioned with 15,000 other young women… What stuck out about you was there’s an authenticity about your performance… yours was just completely authentic,” Mindy Kaling gushed.
Patty Arquette wins an Oscar, uses her acceptance speech to talk about wage equality, Meryl Streep enthusiastically hollered support.
Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga
“i met a woman who knew pain the same way i did… who cried as much as i did, drank as much wine as i did, ate as much pasta as i did and who’s heart was bigger than her whole body. she immediately felt like a sister to me.” Ariana gushed for Lady Gaga.
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King
Friends since 1976, this duo continues to defend and cheer each other on. “We have talked about everything and nothing,” says Gayle King. “I’ve been to five therapists…Nobody has been a better therapist than Oprah!”
Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus
Since 2009, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus have exchanged consistent praise.
Helen Keller was 19 months old when she lost her eyesight and hearing. 20-year-old Ann Sullivan became her teacher. The rest is history.
Tracee Ellis Ross and Samira Nasr
“…she is not a shapeshifter, changing her point of view with the times, but has a clarity and continuity of vision built from life experience, impeccable taste, a hunger for knowledge, and a love of people,” says Tracee Ellis Ross of friend Samira Nasr.
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert
From sports rivals to supportive allies, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert built mutual admiration through sport and have shared commendable leadership, grace, and friendship.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
“Weirdly, I remember thinking, ‘My friend is here! My friend is here!’ Even though things had been going great for me at the show, with Amy there, I felt less alone.” Tina Fey’s friendship with Amy Poehler is one for the books.
Women in U.K. Parliament and Meghan Markle
“We share an understanding of the abuse and intimidation which is now so often used as a means of disparaging women from getting on with our very important work.” Women of U.K. Parliament issued a strong statement in support of Meghan Markle.
Eleanor Roosevelt and Pauli Murray exchanged hundreds of letters throughout their friendship, uniting over debate and civic cause. Roosevelt notably wrote about her “firebrand” friend in the Feb 1953 issue of Ebony, years before the Civil Rights Movement.
Sticking to a schedule – Having a reliable structure gives you the space to create and dream. The same routine again and again might sound boring, but repetition contributes to mastery and improved skills.
Failing – Disappointments test your motivation and resolve. Failures can encourage you to try again and come back stronger.
Heartbreak – Great lessons can be learned from failed relationships, and the period following a breakup or divorce is ripe for self improvement and discovery.
Rejection – Didn’t get that job or promotion you were hoping for? Ask yourself hard questions and analyze yourself through a more critical lens.
Running/Sprinting/Lifting weights – It will hurt at first, but imagine a healthier, fitter body and mind and get yourself out the door.
Practice tests – Repetition and preparation are cornerstones to success. Improve by doing. Even when it’s annoying.
Being broke – You’ll learn how to budget and save when those last dollars leave your wallet.
Not understanding – Asking questions builds empathy and keeps you curious.
Embarrassment – Moments of humility yield trust and compassion.
Hard work – Put in effort, get results. The best outcomes require time, discipline and focus — and rarely happen overnight.