I am one of many regulars. There is this man, a local farmer, who arrives before me. He is kind enough to not take “my spot” (second window by the door) unless of course there are others who’ve gotten there first. When that’s the case, he throws his hands up and shrugs, with an apologetic smile as I enter.
There’s a fellow member of my weekly writer’s group, who every morning, reads the New York Times. He knows just about everyone. People bend his ear, and he theirs in a steady stream of greetings, an intricate early morning dance.
And then there are the ins and outs. The almost every morningers who zoom in, zag out, on their way. There is comfort in routine, theirs and mine.
I sit amongst all the activity mostly in silence. Computer in front, notebook to the left, coffee to the right. Sometimes I stare out the window. Mostly I stare into the words. Morning after morning, words flow for as long as the day’s schedule allows.
Most mornings I am awake before my 5:50 AM alarm sounds. The whole of me is eager to get to my spot in the coffee shop. Motivation to write comes easily.
But inspiration, belief... courage, well that’s harder. Courage requires moments of fearlessness. A commitment to persevere, to show up, with self-doubt and obstacles in tow. A willingness to believe that my unique stirrings are worthy and essential.
I’ve learned to seek out settings where inspiration, inspired people, abound. Finding courage in others provides encouragement for me.
There are many people in my life who inspire me. I asked three of these people, three questions:
When did you claim your passion?
Where does your courage come from?
What inspires you?
Karen McRee – The owner of SoG Coffee Roasters who day after day, cup after cup, gives her patrons (all of whom she knows by name) a taste of her own personal excellence.
When did you claim your passion?
Two years ago. I’ve worked in coffee shops and restaurants for a long time but I kind of fell into roasting. Once I started, I loved it. I’ve always gravitated to things that require hands-on creativity. It was my husband who finally said, “Let’s go for it” when the space we’re in became available. I had a vision of what I wanted everything to look like. When it all came together it was surreal.
Where does your courage come from?
My family. Growing up my Dad owned his own business. His work ethic was inspiring. He built a business from nothing and it grew. Watching him helped me to realize I had it in me—to make it happen.
What inspires you?
My kids and my husband. My customers. I love being in the space, the day to day of getting to know the customers.
Jenn Hardy – The best friend who, after surviving breast cancer, decided it was finally time to start the fitness business (Fit 4 Good) she’d always dreamed about. The idea had previously frightened her, but after tackling cancer, it didn’t seem so scary. Now she helps other people and herself achieve health through fitness.
Passion:
It was in 1998, after I ran my first marathon. As soon as I crossed the finish line, I thought “I would do that again in a minute.” Before training for a marathon, I didn’t think I could do it. But when I finished, I knew fitness was my passion.
Courage:
My husband and kids. They are my net. They are there at the end of the day, no matter what. Whether my business succeeds or fails, I have them and their support. I wanted my kids to see me doing this, for them to know it’s always better to give something you love a try.
What inspires:
When a client is inspired. I love when a client describes how they feel after working out. One recently said, “I never thought I could workout this hard!” Another described feeling confident in their clothing. I love that. I love testing the limits of what I can do for other people.
Dave Magee – A new friend: a painter, sculptor, writer who does not qualify who he is by describing what he does. He just does it. All the while on the lookout for a new friend, collaborator, storyteller. His corner of the world is a bright, friendly place.
Passion:
I picked up a brush one day, when I was 27 years old. I painted my cat and there it was. I knew my life had changed. I was a watercolorist. I was supposed to go into the medical field or the corporate world but when I found painting, I knew I had happened on something unquantifiable. Something other than an intellectual construct, to dedicate my life to.
Courage:
Standing by your work takes courage. Courage first came when I picked up the brush. The feeling was euphoric, effortless. I claimed it. Nothing compared. It’s a gamble to find out what is going to happen in the brain, that’s creativity. It takes courage to find out.
What inspires:
Everything. Other people’s courage. An uncompromising acceptance of who I am. Sincerity. People appreciate sincerity; it allows them to grow in your presence.
Pay close attention to the people in your life who’ve found the courage to pursue their passion. Watch their rhythm. Feel their excitement. Soak up their energy. It helps to see the joy of commitment in other people as you make a passion your own.
It’s easy to find people who poke holes. People who can’t quite get out of their own way and are in yours. But there are just as many people, maybe more, who are inspired, who inspire. Seek them out and celebrate their achievements.
And then return the favor.
Do What You Love. For yourself, for others.
When did you claim your passion? Where does your courage come from?
What inspires you?
(E-mail and let me know!)
Holly Howley is a writer who lives in Glastonbury with her husband and sons. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Thanks to Karen McRee, SoG Coffee Roasters, 882 Main Street, South Glastonbury, (860) 633-8500, Jenn Hardy, Fit 4 Good, (860) 614-1352, and Dave Magee, South Glastonbury.