by Anna Karam, Goonellabah, Australia

I was recently inspired by two young women who came to my home for dinner. What inspired me so much was that when I was their age, I was so lost and unsure of myself, and had already changed so much in order to be liked and accepted, that I had become a product of what I thought the world wanted or needed me to be.

When my guests arrived I couldn’t help but see and feel how natural these young women were in my home, so playful and loving; there was no big noting of themselves, no competition, no gossip or drama (as I remember it myself at that age), but rather I could feel them so content in themselves; it was so freeing for me to feel this.

The conversations were very simple and loving. Mostly we just talked about life and people and they shared how they are at work, what they find challenging and what is more simple. All of this shared without an ounce of arrogance, but rather just a beautiful, humble honesty.

The simplicity I felt was beyond beautiful.

I feel so inspired by these young women who are so steady in who they are and so loving with themselves and the way they approach life. It has given me a new appreciation of how powerful and truly healing it can be to really allow ourselves to be inspired by others.

Thank you to these two gorgeous young women: may you forever cherish yourselves and continue to reflect this out to the world.