How many of us are truly inspired by someone we know personally?

When we are young, we rarely notice inspiration taking shape. It feels like the natural course of life for a mother or father to instill values, education, fears, and joys into us. Often, as children and teenagers, we don't view our parents as role models—we just think, “They’re always trying to tell me what to do!”Rebelliousness kicks in, and we push back. Sometimes, it is only much later in life—often when they are gone—that we look back and realize: I am who I am today because I was inspired by my very own mother and father.

That is exactly where I find myself today.

Overcoming Fear Through Unconditional Kindness

Growing up was not easy for me. From the age of 5 to 16, I was bullied and beaten up at school almost every single day. Because of that trauma, I struggled to express emotion. I was afraid to let anyone see how I felt inside, believing that showing emotion was a sign of weakness.

Yet, my mother was the exact opposite. She was expressive, deeply empathetic, and unfailingly kind. Over a 20-year period, my parents opened our home to 357 foster children, and they later adopted a young boy of Jamaican heritage into our family.

long before diversity and inclusion were buzzwords, my mother taught us how to embrace people from all walks of life. She used to tell us: “People are people. The color of someone's skin doesn't matter.”

My parents never forced their views on me. They guided me gently without me even realizing it, allowing me to make my own choices while showing me what it truly meant to be a good human being.

The Power to Begin Again at Any Age

My parents loved giving young people freedom and perspective. Even in their later years, they would pack up the car and travel across the UK—Wales, Scotland, and England—taking whichever foster children were with us at the time to expand their horizons and show them what was possible for their futures.

That mindset stayed with me.

At the age of 59, after working 30 years in the same career, I found myself asking what was next. Instead of thinking my life was over or settling into quiet routine, I remembered my parents’ spirit of adventure. I took a leap of faith: I changed careers, became an actor, moved to Spain (a dream I had held since I was young), and I recently finished filming my second feature film in the UK.

Now, at 63, with both of my parents passed away, I realize that my greatest inspiration didn't come from a textbook, a famous celebrity, or a wealthy public figure. It came from right inside my own front door.

A Reflection for You

When you think about who inspires you, you don't always need to look toward the famous, the rich, or the world leaders. Look a little closer to home.

It might simply be a mother, a father, or a mentor who gently and honestly shaped who you are—asking for no recognition, no fame, and no reward, other than seeing you become the best version of yourself.

Who in your personal life has quietly shaped the person you are today? I would love to hear your stories in our next lesson!