Well, hello, my friends, and welcome to the Live Inspired podcast with John O'Leary Monday Morning Moments.

I record these so that you and I can begin our day and our weeks in awe and on fire with a burst of inspiration.

And who better to lead us forward than my dear friend Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Emerson wrote this.

Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be. That's awesome.

My friends, the first week of May this year for me was a bit exhausting.

The week included significant travel, five speaking engagements, and three podcast recordings.

There were numerous prep calls, team meetings, and complicated project deadlines that added to the stress.

With the pressure of work, there were times when I fell short of being a phenomenal spouse,

or dad, or his son, or friend.

And finally, although I seldom admit this one, the body of a burn survivor breaks down easily

causing painful skin infections. This induces fever and fatigue and then general malaise. That week,

I was dealing with several infections. While speaking before the students from Immaculate Conception

school, however, I try to resolutely ignore any distraction, any pain, disregard the personal discomfort, and be fully present with these amazing kids.

And in doing so, a new friend reminded me both of the power of sharing our lives with others and the mighty impact

we can make in their lives through encouragement.

Let me explain.

I've been invited to remind these students of Immaculate Conception that God is still God,

that their lives still mattered, and the best of their days still remained

ahead of them.

During this program, it was clear that the message was resonating.

You can tell as a speaker when it's working, the students were engaged in the venue was

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