Inspire
Dictionary.com defines inspire as:
- to fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence
- to produce or arouse (a feeling, thought, etc.)
- to fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought, etc.
- to influence or impel
- to animate, as an influence, feeling, thought, or the like
That's what I want to talk about this month.
What inspires you? What influences your thoughts, ideas, actions, dreams, and words?
But not just any inspiration. Something different. Unusual. Something that might surprise those who know you.
I debated for a bit about what I was going to post for my "unusual inspiration." However, I decided on what brought on this idea of having people tell their stories on my blog.
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| Dianna Agron |
Everyone knows that I am a big fan of Glee. So in a way talking about Dianna is not that unusual. However, normally when I talk about actors from Glee it's more of:
"Why can't I sing like Lea Michelle?????"
"SOMEDAY MARK SALLING OR DARREN CRISS WILL MARRY ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
It's Dianna's turn.
This woman is amazing.
Of course there is her performance in Glee. Depending on the episode, you may or may not think much of the character of Quinn Fabray. However, when you watch the entire show and see the character and story arch of Quinn from season one episode one to now, it's brilliant. I have fallen in love with it and Dianna plays her wonderfully.
I started following her Tumbler several months ago, and I was amazed at her creative spirit. She was always posting beautiful photographs, little blogs about life with her Glee cast mates, videos, and music she was into at the moment. I actually discovered two bands that I love now through her blog. (Tommy and the Highpilots and Oh Land.) She not only loves music and acting, but also photography, directing, and has been dancing (ballet, jazz, and hip-hop) since she was three years old. Her entire life has been dedicated to the arts, but also love and acceptance of others.
On her Tumblr she references her family often and the influence they have had in her life.
When controversial photos of her were published, she wrote a blog explaining why she did it. She apologized without backing down from her convictions.
![June 2, 2000
What does that day, month and year mean to you? President Bill Clinton used that particular day to declare ”Gay and Lesbian Pride Month”. Nine years later, on June 1st, President Barack Obama spoke to incorporate an even wider group. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered citizens alike could all have this month for recognition, respect and appreciation. However, I am aware that not all minds meet equally about the rights and respect that we should pay to others. As each generation leaves their footprints, and paves the way for what is to come…to some, change is an impossible idea or action to put in motion.
You know what? Often, this unfortunate reality is because of learned behavior! As much as we may often preach that we like to speak for ourselves, or outside the box, how many times have you caught yourself, or someone you know repeating the thoughts of another before them? Sometimes without proper information? And how many times have you felt that perhaps further knowledge on an issue or subject matter might result in a different voice, a different understanding? Perhaps even going against the ideas they’ve learned, heard, or grown up around? We have the ability to fly planes, send astronauts into space, develop technology such as cellphones! Things that once were unfathomable. I can sit at this small computer and type this message. Once I push send, this message can be seen by anyone who’d like to engage, all across the WORLD.
As many of you know, we (the Glee cast) have been storming the country at whirlwind speeds to put on a forty-two show, month-long tour. It has been a constant reminder of why we do this. We’ve witnessed the impact our show has had, from the very beginning, to these moments, three years later. You LOVELY & AMAZING fans! Just indescribable. The love, affirmation, and dedication you provide! We see it all, value it all. Trust me, we do! On stage, the excitement that we absorb from your ball of energy brings our adrenaline levels to highs that often-times, we aren’t sure we can reach. Bottom line, we love you guys. And our crew! Without this diverse group of hard-working people, this venture would be impossible.
Yesterday was June 11th, and we were tackling our newest location, Toronto! We had finished our first concert of the day, and I was about to take a moment to relax before the second. On the way to our dressing rooms, I passed a stack of shirts lined up on the merchandise tables. The white T’s were modeled after shirts we wore in a performance set to Lady Gaga’s, “Born This Way.” In case you are not familiar here are the lyrics:
[Verse:]My mama told me when I was youngWe are all born superstarsShe rolled my hair and put my lipstick onIn the glass of her boudoir“There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are”She said, “‘Cause he made you perfect, babe”“So hold your head up girl and you’ll go far,Listen to me when I say”[Chorus:]I’m beautiful in my way‘Cause God makes no mistakesI’m on the right track, babyI was born this wayDon’t hide yourself in regretJust love yourself and you’re setI’m on the right track, babyI was born this way
Beautiful. True. Words to remind yourself, words to live by. Doesn’t matter if you’re not a Gaga supporter, or one of her “Little Monsters” as she lovingly refers to her fans. Kindness moves mountains. Acceptance opens doors, makes room for change, diffuses misunderstanding. Every day, people commit hate crimes because of misunderstandings. Hate effects the target, and consumes the person behind the gun. It is crazy to realize that we have been in war for almost our entire existence on this planet. Many times for reasons of greed and hate.
Anyone that has experienced the death or abuse of a loved one can tell you that, “IT HURTS BEYOND EXPLANATION!!! AND WE SHOULD DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO MAKE ANY CHANGE POSSIBLE.” Raise your hand if you’ve spent nights crying yourself to sleep, raise your hand if you’ve felt as if you’d rather hide in bed all day than face the people that make you feel small or powerless! Raise your hand if you’ve felt as if you’d rather lie to people than tell them the truth about who you really are, because at least you wouldn’t be the victim of hateful behavior or prejudice! And raise your hand if lying feels almost as bad.
I was not raised in a family that accepted prejudice or hatred. For that, I thank my Mom and Dad each and every day. Look, we are human, we make mistakes. I will gladly shout from the rooftops that I AM NOT PERFECT. Nor will I ever be. But I can happily say that to my knowledge, I do not ever intentionally cause people pain. I love my family, my friends, my co-workers…and they all consist of girls AND boys. I do tell them that I love them. Yesterday, during our second show, Instead of wearing my usual shirt during “Born This Way” I decided to wear one that said “Likes Girls”. It should actually have read, “Loves Girls”, because I do. The women in my life give me things that the men in my life can’t. And vice-versa. No, I am not a lesbian, yet if I were, I hope that the people in my life could embrace it whole-heartedly. And let me tell you, I can easily spill (quite comfortably) what I admire, respect and think is beautiful about any of the women in my life. Piece of cake!
Last night, I wanted to do something to show my respect and love for the GLBT community. Support that people could actually see. Which is why I decided to change my shirt for the show. I happened to read a few comments that were posted on twitter. Many of you asked, “why?” This is my response. I am not asking for you to agree with what I am saying, but if you are listening, thank you. That is all I can ask. And a step further would be to take a moment to (honestly) answer the questions that I have raised. We can’t always put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. But we can try.
I am lucky to live in a place where I can wear almost anything that I want to express myself, and that jail is not a probable consequence. Which makes me feel as if I should exercise my right to do so every now and then. Think of the people that have died because of their passion and heartfelt hopes of change? So many good men and women. All because of an inherent wish for tolerance, love and support.
Our show celebrates the GLBT community. We are proud to be a part of something that embraces an often avoided topic. Hate is terrible, especially when we pass it down to a new generation of innocents. Recently, I heard a lament about San Francisco. How SFO just didn’t sound like a fun place to be, or visit, because that person wasn’t gay. Wait, really???? I wanted to laugh! But that would have been a response that wouldn’t have encouraged that person to be open-minded. To see that perhaps, their statement was foolish? Why won’t San Francisco be fun for you? Do you think the whole city is gay? Do you think they will judge you? Won’t feed you good food? Perhaps they won’t let you have fun, the way THEY have fun?
Sadly, we’ve gotten letters from people who explain that they love the show but hate the gay story-lines. That we shouldn’t be polluting their children’s heads. To this I’d sometimes like to sarcastically reply, would you also like us to tell them that a stork is dropping off our offspring? That the sky is purple? That it is not practical to be true to yourself, because there are mean people in this world that will make them feel wrong for being honest? That instead of embracing themselves, they should lie to the world? THEY should be the ones being untrue and unhappy?
I believe that if you are bringing a child into the world, you should be willing to accept them in any reality. Whether they are Black, White, Asian, have four fingers, are disabled, gay….that the only wish should be for a happy and healthy baby. We are each other’s children. Unless someone has committed a violent or hateful act, why should we judge? We can so quickly resort to anger, often, the product of a whole other issue. Most often, an issue with our own self.
I understand that I am sitting behind the protection of this computer screen, in this hotel room, and to many I might sound “preachy”. Especially now that I have written an essay. I hope my intentions sound pure, and just. I speak, because I am passionate. I write with this passion because I know how it feels to be hurt, to be depressed, to not value yourself, or your feelings. If any of this has inspired or moved you, even just made you think….I encourage you to tweet or reblog a picture, quote, anything that you feel will continue to spread the love. And if any are interested in tracking the chain, perhaps visualizing the greater collective, include the hatch tag, #letlovein.
Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives. - C.S. Lewis
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. - Lao Tzu
Fortune and love favor the brave. - Ovid
AND remember that sometimes….
People need loving the most when they deserve it the least. - John Harrigan
To thine own heart be true. Many thanks for your time, your love, and the gift you’ve given me.
Sincerely,
Dianna Elise Agron](http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lmolfpcjoO1qa48hso1_500.jpg)
In July when the Glee cast was on tour, they sang the song "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga and woore t-shirts which expressed things about themselves they were embarrassed about/expressed who they are/they wanted to share about themselves. One performance she wore a shirt that said "Likes Girls." Check out her answer to the question "Why?" here.
So many of her fans started to participate on her Tumblr. They wanted to share their thoughts, opinions, stories, artwork, etc. SHE LOVED IT. She loved it so much in fact that she started a new website that just launched in December called You, Me & Charlie. She says that "This is a space for you and me."
Do you know of many other celebrities that are so inspired and empowered by their fans?
I didn't think so.
When she launched You, Me & Charlie, was when I was inspired to have other people contribute to this blog. If my blog is going to be all about love - it can't be all about me. It's about you too! I want you all to be part of this discovery of love with me.
"What a world we live in. I want to be incredible close to the heart of it all. To live honestly, truthfully, and to be completely present is the ultimate enterprise. And right now, I couldn't possibly ask for anything more. I am a very lucky girl."
"Everyday is an opportunity to fall or hurt yourself."
Here is my favorite song Dianna has sung for Glee. It is a duet with Lea Michelle and a mash-up of "I Feel Pretty" from West Side Story and "Unpretty" by Pink.
So what is your unusual inspiration?
Check out my Contribute Page, read the guidelines, and email me (or comment below) your inspiration.
lovewokemeupthismorning [at] gmail [dot] com
It's awesome when someone famous can be so inspiring, and also be inspired by their fans! Reciprocal inspiration!
ReplyDeleteShe really is a great inspiration!
ReplyDeleteMy inspiration, lately, is food. Particularly unusual food. This probably isn't that surprising, really, but it's true. Like the other day, I saw frozen duck heads in an international market. And it inspired me to find something wonderful to create out of something that would make most normal people go "ew." (I haven't bought them or made anything yet, but I intend to.) Food makes me want to challenge myself, to give to people, to create beauty, and to make people happy. Not just to eat.
ReplyDelete