Inspiration can be tricky. Sometimes, we chase it—reading books, attending conferences, or brainstorming endlessly—hoping that the next great idea will appear. But other times, inspiration sneaks up on us when we least expect it. One of the best inspirations I've ever had didn't come from actively searching; it came from giving myself space after an unexpected experience, I allow myself that pause, that deep breath is when the most powerful ideas seem to settle in.
One of the most inspiring experiences of my life started with a simple decision—I joined a women's judge's trade organization. I am not a judge, but you didn't have to be to join. That one step led me to a national conference in Washington, D.C., and eventually into a side room at the Supreme Court to watch a play. But the real magic happened afterward when two Supreme Court justices, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, attended a reception for our group. The room itself was overwhelming—soaring ceilings, a feeling of history and formality pressing in from every corner. And yet, in that space, these two women spoke softly but unwaveringly about access to justice as a fundamental right, something that should be protected and fought for.
I barely spoke to them, just a simple “hello”. It didn't matter. Being in their presence, hearing them discuss justice with such passion and clarity, left an imprint on me. It wasn't just their words; it was the undeniable strength in the room. I've reflected on that afternoon many times over the years, drawing from it whenever I've needed motivation. At the time, I wasn't looking for inspiration—I was just taking an opportunity as it came. But in hindsight, that moment filled my soul, shaped my purpose, and reinforced my commitment to the work I do today.
The truth is, inspiration isn't always something you find; sometimes, it's something you recognize in hindsight. We don't always know which experiences will change us until later, when we look back and realize how they shifted our perspective. So, while it's good to seek out opportunities, it's just as important to be open—to step into new spaces, to let experiences unfold, and to allow inspiration to reveal itself over time. Because sometimes, the most powerful moments are the ones we never saw coming.
