This is the third month in which I am paying tribute to some of the bloggers who have inspired me the most.

As with previous lists, if another blogger inspired you last month, please let me know so I can check them out (and benefit personally from their wisdom!)

In alphabetical order:

1. Copyblogger

In late October, Brian Clark posted an article that caused a quake in the blogosphere, with a message that every teacher, trainer, mentor and coach should tattoo onto their desktop. “Teaching Sells”, my friends. In a time when academic careers barely allow you to pay the rent, Brian and his team offer a carefully researched, structured and packaged report that focuses on the creation of successful, multimedia, learning environments. The subsequent training program is a comprehensive, community-centred approach to instruction that teaches me something new every day. As the ripples of his message spread across the blogosphere, it seems that both the teachers and the tools are marshaling to intertwine the world of education and technology and to create a classroom like no other.

2. Craig Harper – Motivational Speaker

In his article “Developing our Opportunity Consciousness” Craig recognises that “We tend to look for an opportunity which looks great, smells great, is no risk, requires virtually zero effort, can’t possibly fail and has a pretty pink ribbon on it.” Welcome the to world of a man who steps up to the plate, speaks his mind and shares his unique wisdom on the mind, body and soul. Opportunities, he tells us in his humorous, conversational way, are all around us, but too few of us have developed or applied the mindset to recognise their existence. Slide on your “opportunity glasses” and get focused on putting his strategies into practice.

3. Cultivate Greatness

This site is always a treasure-trove of inspirational information and therefore I have selected it two months in a row! But one article in October that I found truly inspiring was Dave Draper’s “Fundamental Tips for Longevity in the Gym”. I am most definitely the sort of girl who needs a lot of inspiration to work up a sweat, but as my two favourite men – my husband and my father – are both dedicated body-builders, this post was a treat. I now sound very knowledgeable when I discuss their gym activities. Read it and feel fitter instantly!

4. Today is That Day

A realist with his finger on the pulse of practical, achievable self-improvement, Aaron Potts explains in his article “A Good Way to have a Bad Habit” that “you can minimize the negative impact of bad habits by offsetting them with a little bit of preventative maintenance!” Recognising the hard facts of life and our inevitable weaknesses, he offers achieveable strategies to balance our negative actions by undertaking positive actions most of the time. Perhaps this article spoke to me so clearly because all of the habits he explores are familiar friends, but one positive habit I indulge in is identifying wonderful new influences – I count Aaron Potts as an inspiration I can adopt today!

5. Wonderland or Not

As is common in her writing, Cooper’s article “Saying No – Multitasking (Speed Kills)” looks at a familiar notion and turns it on its head, revealing an unexpected truth. The real face of multitasking – a habit many of us interpret as a gift – is “blank and pale and drawn” and is not, as we might believe, a form of freedom. Instead, Cooper draws on the wisdom of Walter Kirn who in “The Autumn of the Multitasker” reveals that the practice is “dumbing us down and driving us crazy.” You may be moved beyond your comfort zone when you engage with this honest and analytical blogger, but if you remove all other distractions and focus on her truth, you will reward your brain with information worth both understanding and remembering.

This is the second month in which I am paying tribute to the bloggers who inspired me the most.

This list reflects my travels around the blogosphere, from personal to professional development and everything in between. All six of the bloggers below wrote a post in the month of September that touched my head or my heart – and quite often both.

As with last month’s list, if another blogger inspired you last month, please let me know so I can check them out (and benefit personally from their wisdom!)

In alphabetical order:

1. Cultivate Greatness

If you haven’t visited this site before, it is a one-stop-shop of inspirational information. The September post that touched me the most was, “Thoughts on Gratitude.” Drawing together a long list of inspirational quotes on the importance of being thankful, it reminded me that gratitude is an important indicator of personal happiness. My personal favourite is “Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel.” (Author Unknown) Check out the other thoughts and give thanks!

2. Entepreneur’s Journey

As many of you already know, Yaro is a passionate and prolific blogger who weaves his personal insights into his entrepreneurial posts. Blessed with an analytical mind, he combines practical tips with hands-on experience. In his post “How to Become an Efficient Procrastinator” he draws upon his own procrastination tendencies to offer advice on simplifying your workspace, creating an efficient mindset, selecting more beneficial activities and becoming self-aware about your behaviour. His energy and authority almost leap off the page. Do not procrastinate on becoming a regular at this site!

3. Mad Goat Lady

This is one blog that inspires every day. Whether it be a taste of Aussie humour, a glimpse into her world or a rant at what gets her goat, MGL has the ability to touch at the heart of what interests us the most. In her September post “Mother Load” she asked some insightful questions about whether some women are living as “martyrs”, the Latin translation of mother. Do mothers look after themselves with the same energy that they look after others? MGL’s farm is a piece of virtual paradise where love songs linger and wise women natter. Embrace your country roots.

4. The Laidback Buddhist

Joanne celebrates her “new quarter-life crises” with song, poetry, quizzes, lists and insightful commentary. “Thrill of the Ride” is one of her best lyrical meanderings about inner demons, inspiration, love and relationships. Her comparison of launching into love with rock-climbing for the first time gets the butterflies buzzing in the belly. Often as laid bare as laid back, Joanne inspires us to openness and honesty. Expect to fall a little bit in love.

5. The Modern Goddess Online

Nicole’s site is always empowering. Having taken part in the recent Empowering Women Blog Carnival, I was also introduced to a host of other inspirational voices. But the September post that really touched me was “Learn to Be Happy”, an account of a speech made by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Anna Quindlen at the graduation ceremony of an American university. She encouraged the students to “get a life” and to make each day count. Messages that we are familiar with, but written in a manner that captures the imagination:

“Learn to be happy. And think of life as a terminal illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion as it ought to be lived.”

6. When Least Expected

Roderick has a vibrant voice, delivering a message that resonates. His post “Love, Sex and Relationships” examines the relationship between Adam and Eve. While his powerful and provocative viewpoints got everyone talking, the post also inspired me to revisit the stories of my Catholic upbringing and to consider the first tale of gender relations in a modern context. Soul-searching stuff.

I’m now on to the compilation of my list for October’s Beacon Bloggers. If you find a post that inspires you, please let me know!

Every month I am going to pay tribute to the eight bloggers who inspired me the most.

The first list is an impressive one. All of the bloggers below wrote a post in the month of August that really made me sit up and cheer.

If another blogger inspired you last month, please let me know so I can check them out (and benefit personally from their wisdom!)

In alphabetical order:

1. A Circle of Women

Andrea’s post, “The Ladies Room” (19th August 2007), focusing on a universal, female experience, made me howl with laughter, just as her post dedicated to her friend Natalie “God Wanted Her More” (26th August 2007) moved me to tears. Entering the world of a “circle of women” is like entering a group hug. Join in.

2. A Hero a Day

Beth and Rod are building “a virtual quilt of courage through the deeds of those who chose to make a difference”. In August they posted over twenty wonderful heroes, but my favourites were three women linked by a belief in giving people a voice: “Isabelle Allende” (2nd August 2007), “Mother Teresa” (24th August 2007) and “Christine Amanpour” (25th August 2007). I think those that recognise others are most worthy of recognition – if you agree, contribute to the quilt today.

3. Caught in the Stream

Francis’ use of insightful commentary interwoven with great song lyrics and images is always a sensory feast. My favourites were “A Perfect Storm: Overcoming Bad Luck” (24th August 2007) and “Wish Upon a Falling Star: To Be Someone” (27th August 2007) The juxtaposition of bad luck, the fickle hand of Mother Nature and the demise of celebrity reputations is both topical and universal. Succumb to the stream…

4. Evolving Times

Does it get any better than Edward’s beautiful analogy of the spider’s web in his post “Weave Your Web Where No One Will Walk Through It” (30th August 2007)? This is a timely reminder that we can learn from our experiences and weave our creative webs in more productive places. As always, his thoughtful, precise words leave me in awe. If you’re not reading him, you are missing out!

5. Pick the Brain

My favourite for the month was “8 Moves to Make When You Want to Give Up” (15th August 2007). August in Australia was a cold, wet month and there were many times I felt like giving up… John’s blend of the analytical and instinctive always rolls over me like a warm bath and I find myself nodding before I finish the first paragraph. A Brain worth picking every day.

6. Priscilla Palmer

Priscilla was one of the first friendly faces to my blog and her Personal Development List (21st August 2007) developed a life of its own! My other favourite is “I Am That Person!” (17th August 2007) for her inspiring words on the power of physical exercise and visualisation to determine who we are. As a fellow runner, I have added the mantra “I Am That Person” to my sessions and feel stronger, fitter and more in control than ever.

7. Problogger

The sheer output is inspiring, but my favourite is “When it Feels Like No One is Reading Your Blog” (23rd August 2007). Darren explores the similarities between newbie blogging and preaching to an empty church. Good advice for anyone who feels they are speaking into a void and a reminder that practice makes perfect! Responding to my email in less than a day, Darren is a gifted blogger who cares and shares.

8. Ramblings From a Glass Half Full

Terry’s collage of responses to his Starbucker Meme in his post, “Today My Glass Is Half Full…And Here’s Why” (28th August 2007), provides a wealth of inspirational viewpoints on what we all have to be thankful for. As a devotee of viewing the world as a place of plenty, I think Terry and his friends should be celebrated. I lift my glass to you (and spill it of course, as it is very,very full!)

I’m already compiling my list for September’s Beacon Bloggers. If you find a post that inspires you, please let me know!