If you inspire people, then they inspire other people and then it just keeps going on so that it just helps everybody.
These are the words of the brave 16 year old, John Hudson Dilgen. John was born with a rare disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), whereby his skin blisters and tears with the slightest touch and around 95 percent of his body is covered in open wounds.
I first learnt of John by watching a video that my sister-in-law posted in support of Rare Disease Day on 28 February 2019. I sobbed watching this video last night and have been noticeably silent whilst trying to digest this since.
I love the song Get Busy Livin’ by Goldfish but that is the extent of my love for that statement. We should never be busy living but living, absolutely! I am all about living one’s best life whilst never forgetting those around us who may be living less of a best life.
I am sure I have quoted this specific J.M Barrie number in many a previous post, and as such one can conclude that it could be considered my life’s mantra:
Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
For the most part, we don’t and won’t know what people are going through, albeit big or small – this is always relative. Sometimes, too, we just forget whilst we busy ourselves living our best lives.
Why do I write-type?
Because, including myself, we all need to be reminded. We need the reminders to ensure that we pause in our lives and take a moment to consider our own actions and thoughts. Once we have considered this, the goal is to feel inspired enough to make the necessary changes.
It is not a coincidence that this post is called The Inspiration Effect. Of course it has everything to do with John’s quote about inspiring people, then they will inspire people and so on until everyone is helping everyone. It also has to do with the butterfly effect. This is a phenomenon whereby a small change or simple movement can give rise to a big change or movement.
I encourage you to spread your beautiful wings and flap about effecting only positive change.
Continuing with my theme of a related and meaningful song, I hope you dance.
If you feel inspired by John’s story and many more out there, please show your support for Rare Disease Day on 28 February 2019.
If you need guidance in the direction of a ribbon, please don’t hesitate to ask me.
– Guest Blogger: Lauren Leigh Dean, potteringpolly.wordpress.com