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Meta-Inspired!

Meta-Inspired! is THE place for "intelligent inspiration." The podcast presents daily meditations, affirmations, inspirational quotations and stories to uplift and focus the mind and spirit.
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Aug 23, 2020

Doug and I talked a lot to each other. When we were children, we started a club called Dougie and Robin Fan. We were the only members. We would tell jokes and stories to entertain each other. As we grew older, we started talking about politics, history, and just about anything that came to our minds. I have many memories of talking "concepts" (as we called them) with Doug for hours. We would be sitting on the beach, taking a walk, enjoying a meal, or once even sitting in a revolving lounge overlooking Times Square! In January 2020, Doug and I started a blog in which we would continue talking about different topics from veganism to voting rights and beyond. We called it Espresso Talk Today.  In May, we recorded an episode in which we talk about different stories or folktales that we were reading during the COVID lockdown. Doug selected and read this folktale.  He was particularly moved by this folktale and the lesson that is discussed. It warms my heart to hear Doug's voice and the message in this short story. Enjoy.

Oct 13, 2017

The Importance of African American history: Believe in fairy tales!

Hi and welcome to the Wiki History lecture series called History is Power! Produced by rememberinghistory.com where history is power. Today, we’re going to discuss the importance of knowing African American history. We begin by asking why is history important? Great question. Perhaps the answer can be found in this famous journal entry, which says,

Next time I go to a movie and see a picture of a little ordinary girl become a great star, I’ll believe it.

And whenever I hear someone read fairy tales to my little boy, I’ll listen.

 I know that dreams do come true.

 I know because I am now playing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the big leagues!

 I always dreamed about playing for the Dodgers, but honestly, I always had my doubts. I used to tell myself: “Something will happen. It just isn’t in the books for you to play in the majors. You’re a Negro. Negroes haven’t been in the big leagues. Some day they will be. But you won’t be the lucky guy.

Can you guess who wrote this entry? Jackie Robinson. In 1947--following his first major league game with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson was the first Black person to play major league baseball. He made history. And he went on to win the league’s MVP award in 1949. During his career, he would play in 6 World Series. He concluded this entry by saying,

Being up here is absolutely wonderful. That’s why I’m a believer in fairy tales now. You see, it actually happened to me!

It was said that Jackie Robinson endured more racial insults and threats of violence than anyone in American history. But we know that Jackie Robinson made history. And history is power.

Yes, we can learn a lot from history—that can inspire AND empower US, too.

With this inspiration and empowerment, WE can make history.

And THAT is our goal at rememberinghistory.com. We are remembering history AND we’re MAKING it.

You’re gonna hear about many African Americans that made great accomplishments, contributions and changes in every field—law, medicine, art, literature, science, engineering, the environment, sports, American society and even the world! We will learn that they faced lots of obstacles, problems, rejections and sometimes even violence. But most importantly we will learn that—despite all of their challenges-- they still made history.

Nothing came easy for Jackie Robinson or any of the other African Americans that you’re gonna hear about. Yet through their resolve, perseverance, focus, determination and hard work, they made a difference for themselves and for others. They MADE history. You see, just like Jackie Robinson said: fairy tales can come true. It happened for him. And it can happen for you, too.

History teaches that it can happen. History also teaches HOW things happened and why. And that nothing ever had to happen in the way that it did.

So we need to know the African Americans who came before us; what happened before us—the successes, the defeats, the victories and the challenges. We need to know the African Americans who helped to build and transform the United States and, indeed, who helped to shape our world. Some names will be unfamiliar from the past: Dr. Carter G. Woodson who wrote the Negro National Anthem later called the African American National Anthem (yes, there is one!) and who founded Black History Month. Ida B. Wells who fought against the horrible (but at-the-time common) practice of lynching. And, of course, the mathematical genius, Benjamin Banneker, who made great discoveries in astronomy and developed theories about relativity. Did I mention that Benjamin Banneker was born in 1731, a descendant of enslaved parents?

And, like Jackie Robinson, the road was not easy yet they endured. Others did too. There was James McCune Smith, who moved to Scotland to earn his medical degree because no American universities would accept a Black man. He graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1837 becoming the first African American to receive a medical degree. Dr. Smith then returned to the U.S. where he had a distinguished medical career in private practice, opened two pharmacies, and trained young Black doctors.

And there is Marcelite Harris who, in 1997, became the first woman to achieve the rank of major general in the US Air Force. Yes, she became the highest ranking woman in the United States Air Force and the country’s highest ranking African American woman in the Department of Defense! However, she had to apply THREE TIMES before her application for training was accepted.

And did you know that Michael Jordan was cut from the basketball team in his sophomore year?! Most of us know what he went on to achieve!

You see; nothing came easy for any of them. But these people were not afraid to be first. Or to stand out. Or even to stand alone. They weren’t afraid to fail. They never gave up. Neither should we.

We can learn a lot from them. We can begin by asking ourselves:

  • What was it like to be alive during their time?
  • What it was like to walk in their shoes?
  • What motivated them?
  • What were they afraid of?
  • What didn’t they know?

 

But remember that history is not just the study of the past. It is interesting because nobody ever lived in the past. People have only lived in the present. Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, and Harriet Tubman didn’t think of themselves as living in the past. They were living in the present. The difference is that it was THEIR present. Not ours. They were caught up in the living moment exactly as we are today. They didn’t know how things would turn out. Neither do we today.

Jackie Robinson didn’t know what would happen when he joined the Dodgers and stepped on the field that day in 1947. Dr. Smith did not know what would happen when he moved to Scotland to study medicine or when he returned to America in 1837. And Major General Marcelite Harris never knew if she would ever be accepted into the Air Force or that she would receive so many medals and honors but she kept trying. But we can use their stories and strength (their fairy tales) to be empowered, inspired, and moved to make our own fairy tales.

We know the history. And history is power.

History teaches us that we can believe in fairy tales. And that we can make history.

This website will span 400 years of the African American experience: from slavery to freedom to equality to justice. The stories and lessons will empower and inspire you. We will learn about Black explorers, educators, civil rights, the Black experience in the military, Black holidays and celebrations, the struggle for equality through marches and protests and many more fascinating subjects. Take a look at rememberinghistory.com for the complete schedule. We’ll also discuss CURRENT events and TODAY’S heroes and history makers. That’s gonna keep us busy and intrigued as well but we MUST recognize and honor them too. People like Marva Collins, a great educator who founded an elementary school for Black kids who were labeled as “uneducatable”. But she developed a school and system to help these children to learn and become successful adults. Another current hero is Mae Jamison who is an engineer, physician and NASA astronaut. She became the first African American woman to travel in space. Did I mention that she also speaks four languages?! You’ll have to listen to the podcast show to find out which ones! She has been described as one of the most impressive people that you’ll ever meet. And, we absolutely cannot forget Colin Kaepernick, who was a skilled and talented quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers taking them to the Superbowl and NFC championships. He has not been signed to ANY NFL team since he started the “take a knee” movement, which focuses police violence and racial injustice against African Americans. He is a brave and committed role model and leader that deserves our respect. All of these people are deserve our respect because they fought and defeated the odds and lots of obstacles. They are making a difference and making history.

 

You see, these are great stories and there are so many of them to listen to, enjoy and learn from.

So, we hope that you will join us at rememberinghistory.com. And that you will read our newsletter called Making History Today where you can learn how to make a difference in your community and even the world! And we do hope that you will make comments, ask questions and join this wonderful community of history lovers and aspiring history makers on the website or on Facebook. Or both! No limits!

Keep believing in fairy tales! They do happen.

We hope to see you soon at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. Every day. Bye for now!

 

 

Jul 11, 2016

This guided meditation is a bonus exercise included in the book, Defeat your Fear Today!. This multi-sensory book can be found as a free download at meta-inspired.com. 

Jul 10, 2016

Empowerment Plan

Based on the Book, Introverts: Defeat your Fear! Available at www.meta-inspired.com.

1. What can go wrong?

2. How can you mitigate the effects of what goes wrong?

3. How can you recover from whatever goes wrong?

 

Jul 10, 2016

Fear List

  • Fear of failure
  • Fear of success
  • Fear of change
  • Fear of intimacy
  • Fear of getting old
  • Fear of death
  • Fear of flying
  • Fear of loneliness
  • Fear of public speaking
  • Fear of open spaces
  • Fear of illness
  • Fear of abandonment
  • Fear of looking bad
  • Fear of taking risks
  • Fear of getting hurt (emotionally)
  • Fear of physical attack
  • Fear that things will go wrong
  • Fear that people will dislike you
  • Fear of embarrassment
Mar 24, 2016

Hi and welcome to Meta-inspired.com. You have just found an inspirational, intelligent and fun place for introverts!

 

I’m so glad that you came to this website because it can help to put you on the path to success, empowerment and happiness—as an introvert.

 

My name is Robin and I proudly proclaim that I’m an introvert!

 

Does it seem strange to be happy to be an introvert? I used to think that it was strange. After all, who would be happy to be called a recluse? Or to be labeled as timid, withdrawn and shy? (Those are actual words from the dictionary to describe introverts!) Oh, and I shouldn’t forget the term “hermit” used as another word for an introvert. But guess what? Those are not accurate terms for introverts. Here are a few good descriptions:

 

Highly focused

Creative

Insightful

Deep thinking

Analytical

Independent

 

Those words sound better, don’t they? Well, these are real characteristics of classic introverts—and they often get overlooked in dynamic world of extraverts.

 

I admit that I didn’t always “proudly proclaim” my introversion. For many years (most of my life, in fact), I denied it. I wanted to be an extravert. The extraverts got all the attention and seemed to have all the fun. I tried hard to be an extravert. I took lots of classes to become more social, forced myself to go to parties that I wasn’t interested in and even joined groups to force myself to meet new people. Nothing made a difference because it wasn’t who I was and it still isn’t who I am. And all that I got for my efforts towards extraversion was a lot of stress, pressure and grief.

 

 

 

 

It really wasn’t necessary because introverts (just like extraverts) have a lot going on and a lot to contribute on lots of different levels. To our family and friends. To our society. And even to our world. We’re successful in business, law, journalism, literature, politics, sports…we’re everywhere and we’re having an impact.

 

Personally, I’ve worked as a lawyer, stock trader (I loved that work even though they are not typical introvert jobs), I work as writer, blogger, podcaster, life coach, teacher, athlete, and adventurer (I love to travel solo and have great experiences). And I’m a wife (married almost 20 years), mother and friend.

 

 

Yes, I have a very full life…a life full of activity, noise and demands. But I still nurture and remain true to the calm and focused introvert that I am. It’s a challenge but it can be done—and it’s worth it.

 

My goal is to show you how to do it too. In fact, my purpose in starting meta-inspired.com is to help introverts to recognize and use their strengths to create a full and rewarding life.

 

What will you find here at meta-inspired?

 

  1. Lots of great information—look in the “What’s New?” blog section. The latest theories and research about the different personality types (introverts are not the opposite of extraverts), motivational stories by and about successful introverts, and other real exciting information.
  2. Lots of inspiration—real, true and intelligent inspiration. Stories and lessons about introverts in history, literature, philosophy, politics, science and the arts. And you’ll hear stories from ordinary people doing extraordinary things that just motivate and lift the spirit.
  3. Lots of help. Because we can all use a bit of help and guidance at times. Online classes, webinars, personal coaching and even a place where you can send a quick question to an “expert” introvert.

And there’s lots more—just have fun looking around!

 

I highly recommend that you take the “Am I an Introvert?” Quiz. It’s not long but it is fun and quite revealing. And please remember that everyone is welcome here. Introverts will find a great resource here. And extraverts will learn a lot about how to understand and connect with the introverts in their life.

 

Again, thanks for visiting this website. Please sign in—not required but really appreciated—and look around and, most of all, just enjoy this quiet and inspirational place for introverts!

 

Bye for now!

 

Oct 23, 2015

Welcome to Meta-inspired.com! I’m Robin and I’m the founder and host of this inspired website, blog and podcast show. You might see me around here and social media sites under the name of Inspired Robin. So, if you see or hear that name, you know it’s me. I’m so glad that you’re here because we all need inspiration—and this is one great place to be inspired. To me, inspiration is like food, water, sleep and sunshine. It is something that we need every single day of our lives. This might be obvious to you. Well, it wasn’t always obvious to me until… Well, let me just tell give you the story. It’s quick, I promise.

 

Years ago, my life looked fantastic. In many ways and at many times, it was. You see, I had finally finished school and had started working as a human rights lawyer. In fact, I was the Executive Director of a human rights organization and I was thrilled with my life. I was working long hours, late into the night researching and writing briefs, attending conferences and meetings, making requests for funding and always working on new cases. I had worked hard to become a lawyer and I was “living the dream”. Well not exactly. You see, even in the midst of my dream life, I was constantly sick, getting one cold after another. I was constantly exhausted but yet I couldn’t sleep. In many ways, I felt isolated and frustrated. I didn’t see any end in sight. But this was my dream life. What was wrong? What was missing?

 

Then I got my answer.

 

I read a book called Dynamic Thought. A friend, who had been raving about the book, forced it on me. So I decided to read it just to get her off my back. So, I read it. The book introduced me to the powers of my mind. It helped me to see that I had control in my life. I could make my own decisions and act on them. I realized that I had not been using the incredible powers that I had within me—the power of my thoughts. Everything changed from that time.

 

I realized that I had just been going through the motions in my work as a lawyer. I definitely supported the work and goals of the organization, but I realized that I wasn’t happy or fulfilled as a lawyer. I had just done what was expected of me. But I was not living my ideal life. I was living someone else’s ideal life. Not mine. And I certainly wasn’t living the dream. So, I quit working as a lawyer. I took a short vacation. Once I slowed down my life and quieted down my mind, I realized (rather, I remembered) that I wanted to be a writer.

 

To cut to the quick:

 

I committed myself to writing. My days were still long and busy. But my days were full of joy. This was a huge change from my long and busy days that had been full of grief and frustration. And illness.

 

Now, I can’t wait to start each day. I am happy, healthy and fulfilled. I am inspired!

 

There is a great proverb that says:

 

“If you would plant for days, plant flowers.

If you would plant for years, plant trees.

If you would plant for eternity, plant ideas!”

 

That is what we’re doing at meta-inspired.com. Planting ideas. Yes, I love flowers and trees; we need flowers and trees! But also need ideas. Why? Because they are full of energy—actually, ideas are energy—and they propel us forward towards our dreams. Ideas inspire us to do great things for ourselves, our family, and our planet.

 

Now I know what an inspired life feels like. I’ve started meditating and that’s an important part of my day. But there are lots of ways to be inspired—lots of ways to plant ideas-- and that’s why I started meta-inspired. To help people tap into that reservoir of inspiration. To help people access the power of their thoughts. Let me ask:

 

How do you feel? Have you found something that you love to do so much that you can’t wait for the sun to rise so that you can do it all over again?

 

I really hope that you have. I wish that for you, for myself, for everyone.

 

I remember those days, years that inspiration was not a part of my life. I never want to go back there. That is not really living. That’s why I know inspiration is an essential part of daily life like food and water. And that’s why I created meta-inspired. To have a place where real inspiration can be found, accessed, felt, lived. To have a community of people who are inspired and inspiring.

 

So, welcome to this home of “intelligent inspiration.” What does that mean? Great question! Intelligent inspiration is based on ancient principles, history, spirituality, philosophy, literature and natural law. No hype. No bunnies or kittens (though I do love both). No “just do it” slogans or Kardashians. Nothing against them. Instead, you will find principles and concepts that are unique, deep-rooted, uplifting and actionable.

 

Think of Eleanor Roosevelt, Marianne Anderson, Rosa Parks. Remember Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nelson Mandela or Khalil Gibran. Reflect on William Shakespeare, Maya Angelou or Erma Bombeck.

 

You’ll get lessons, stories, quotes and other inspirations from a variety of cultures, genders, religions, professions, philosophies and experiences. Some people will be familiar. Others will be new. I’m not gonna fudge things: some lessons and stories will be heavy, deep or disturbing. Others will be witty or humorous. Some will be dramatic. Others will be poignant. All will give you something to think about. And something to act on.

 

So, you’re in the right place for authentic and intelligent inspiration.   We’ll help to get you going and keep you going. You’ll want that sun to rise so that you can get going. Maybe you won’t even want to wait for the sun to rise!

 

Where to you start? I recommend reading the blog or listening to the inspired podcast. But the point is just to get started. Remember we’re planting for eternity.

 

Thanks for your attention and, again, welcome to this meta-inspired.com community.

 

Let’s do something great today and for eternity.

 

 

 

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