My Friday Find post is about things that inspire me. As I pondered today’s post - Will it be fabric? A tile? A flower? A piece of furniture? - I suddenly realized what inspired me this week. It has nothing to do with design, it has to do with humanity. 
This week Canadians are mourning the passing of Jack Layton. Jack, as everyone felt comfortable calling him, had recently headed up one of Canada's most surprising political victories - the elevation of the New Democratic Party to the "Official Opposition" status. He was a charismatic, eloquent, down-to-earth, "real" politician - if that is possible.
Did Jack inspire me before this week? I would have to say not. He was interesting to listen to, but I wasn't following his every move. What has inspired me is what Jack had to say to Canadians with his passing. His Letter to Canadians transcends politics. It speaks to all of us. It gives us hope as Canadians and as citizens of the world.
If you haven't already, take a few moments to read the letter here. I will leave you with his parting words, which will be quoted for decades to come.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
Jack Layton 1950 - 2011
Have a loving, hopeful and optimistic weekend.
