We’ve been making Inspire(d) Magazine for 19 years – a vast majority of my adult life. I was 26 when we started, so there have been a lot of lessons along the way. About running a business. Being a mom. (And doing both at the same time.) Writing. Editing. Fostering a readership. Connecting with communities. Realizing I still have to take care of myself.

Some days the learning trickled in. Others, it crested like a 10-foot wave. While the lessons weren’t always appreciated in the moment, I’m grateful I’ve learned to search for a bit of gratitude for these opportunities to grow.

I thought it would be fun to encapsulate 19 lessons we’ve learned in celebration of our 19th anniversary issue of Inspire(d). The first Inspire(d) Magazine rolled off the presses October 4, 2007. Of course, there have been WAY more than 19 things learned in all those years, and that’s really the whole point of this issue. There are lessons everywhere, if you just know how to look. Every challenge met, every hardship endured, every win claimed is full of things we can learn about ourselves, our communities, the world, and how we want to do things next time.

So, ultimately, I suppose the number one lesson is all about perspective. You can’t see the lessons if you haven’t trained your brain to recognize them. Sometimes I like to take this literally and lie on the ground to think about something or take a walk with my thoughts… you could even push up into a headstand. Physically looking at the world differently can help pop things into a new perspective mentally (and, depending on what you do – Dancing? Skipping? Hanging your head over the bed? – it can feel like a silly exercise, which shifts the mood as well).

I hope as we embrace this autumn season, you become open to shifting perspectives. I hope you learn to recognize the wonder and beauty of the day-to-day world, because it’s there, friends, and it’s in you, too. Thanks for inspiring us for 19 years.

XOXO – Aryn

Impactful Education: 19 lessons in 19 years of Inspire(d)

1. Embrace Optimism

Allow yourself to hope and dream. Believe things can get better (and then work to make them so).

The more you think positive things, the more you’ll see positive things.

2. Stay Open to Wonder

Focus on the beauty, even as it lives alongside the terrible.

3. Accept Others

If they’re not doing anything to hurt others, accept them. Be kind. Show respect. 

4. Our Differences Make Us Beautiful and Complex

How boring would it be if we were all the same? (Weird is a Compliment, IMHO)

BUT

5. We Are Not That Different (at our cores)

We’re all just trying to live/create a good life.

6. Kindness is Everywhere

The world is full of kindness. Every day, everywhere. Notice it. Spread it.

7. The Kids Are Alright

We’ve just gotta get out of their way

8. Be a Relentless Learner

Take classes. Explore hobbies. Read (audiobooks count)! Talk about what you’re doing with others!

9. Put Down Your Phone

Constantly evaluate how your time is spent. Course-correct to fit your values/goals.

10. Mental Health Matters

And it goes hand-in-hand with physical health.

11. Take breaks, but don’t give up

Instead of all of nothing, go for an “all or something” mindset. Need a reset? Do a physical activity.

12. No guilt. No worry. No regret.

These emotions don’t serve you. How can you better channel them? What action can you take?

13. Let the little stuff go

Just put it in a cloud and let it float away

14. Love Yourself

Set a timer and spend five minutes writing down the things you love about yourself.

Believe in your power. 

15. Equity, not equality

You have to be willing to dismantle a system that only serves you. We all have different starting points based on a variety of factors. Try to be generous with your privilege.

16. Progress is Progress

Small steps forward are still steps forward!

17. Love loudly

Be courageous with your enthusiasm and joy.

18. Stay Curious

And don’t let that curiosity expire. Wondering about something? Look it up, ask about it, explore more before your curiosity fades.

19. We Are All Seeking Connection

If you can’t find your community, see if you can create it.

Now let’s go change the world!