📰 June 13, 2026 — 8:20 p.m.
Today I wrote later than expected.
It started at 6:24 a.m. when Simba threw up.
And so begins the spiral.
Then I had to go with my sister to see her mechanic and make sure she got the right part.
Then the delivery calls started coming in.
And suddenly the day was moving faster than I wanted it to.
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I felt like shit.
Not physically.
Mentally.
You know those days when it feels like no matter what you do, you’ll always fail at something?
One of those days.
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The prompt asks:
Who are you most inspired by?
For some reason, I kept landing on the same person.
My mom.
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I was driving in the hot sun today when a bunch of memories started showing up.
Like a time machine.
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First grade.
Recess.
My mom showing up on her lunch break with warm soup for me.
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Years later.
Me doubting whether I could become an artist.
My mom saying:
“You are an artist.”
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Another memory.
I have twenty dollars left in the bank.
Need gas.
My mom lends me twenty dollars.
No lecture.
No speech.
Just help.
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Then another one.
Me doubting myself again.
My mom saying:
“Sometimes life tests you. Then give it everything you’ve got.”
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I kept thinking about that while driving.
And then it hit me.
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My mom believes in me.
Damn.
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Sometimes more than I believe in myself.
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I started tearing up a little.
Not because the day was bad.
Because it’s been a long ride.
Community college.
University.
Debt.
Weight loss.
The bag business.
Art.
Writing.
Life.
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And through all of it, there was always this voice in the background saying:
“Keep going.”
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Maybe that’s why she’s the person who inspires me most.
Not because she’s famous.
Not because she’s perfect.
Not because she has all the answers.
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Because every time I doubted myself, she lent me some belief until I could carry a little of my own.
And honestly?
That might be one of the greatest gifts a person can give another.
💬 Reader Question
Who believed in you before you believed in yourself?
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