In the last few months, I have seen five videos that really inspired me.  They each touched my heart and encouraged me to move forward, to appreciate what I have, to recognize the strength of the human spirit, and to continue my commitment to make a difference in this world.  I hope you find them inspiring as well.

How Do YOU Define Yourself Lizzie Velasquez at TED

“In a time when beauty is defined by supermodels, success is defined by wealth, and fame is deified by how many followers you have on social media, Lizzie Velasquez asks the question how do you define yourself? Once labeled, “The Worlds Ugliest Woman,” Lizzie decided to turn things around and create her own definitions of what she defines as beauty and happiness.”

 

Forest Man of India

“At the age of 17, Jadav Payeng started to grow trees on barren land. Many challenging years later a jungle of 1200 hectares has grown out of this idea. This is a story of passion and perseverance and how an individual can change the course of nature.”  Read More

 

My philosophy for a happy life: Sam Berns

“Sam Berns is a Junior at Foxboro High School in Foxboro Massachusetts, where he has achieved highest honors and is currently a percussion section leader in the high school marching band.  He recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America .  Sam was diagnosed with Progeria a rare, rapid aging disease, at the age of 2.”

 

How the oceans can clean themselves: Boyan Slat at TED

“18-year-old Boyan Slat combines environmentalism, entrepreneurism and technology to tackle global issues of sustainability. After diving in Greece, and coming across more plastic bags than fish, he wondered;”why can’t we clean this up?” While still being in secondary school, he then decided to dedicate half a year of research to understand plastic pollution and the problems associated with cleaning it up.This ultimately led to his passive clean-up concept. Working to prove the feasibility of his concept, Boyan Slat currently gives lead to a team of approximately 50 people, and temporarily quit his Aerospace Engineering study to completely focus his efforts on The Ocean Cleanup.”

 

CNN Hero: Chad Pregracke

Chad Pregracke and his nonprofit organization have removed more than 7 million pounds of garbage from 22 rivers across the country.  This garbage included 67,000 tires, 951 refrigerators and 233 stoves.  Read More

 

I’d love to know which of these videos and stories you find inspiring and also to learn about ways you have been inspired by others.