Motivation, inspiration, hope

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — A little inspiration can go a long way.

During the Day of Influence next week, organizers and speakers will have plenty on hand to be sure everyone's year is off to a positive start.

"It’s a day of inspiration and it’s timely because it's right at the beginning of a new year and new decade," said Day of Influence marketer Aaron Borg. "For a lot of people, that may be good timing for them to make changes in their lives."

The Day of Influence, presented by local author, speaker, coach and trainer Terry Gurno, will feature eight speakers who will share moving stories about overcoming trauma, addiction and loss and other tales of resilience and hope.

"It's going to hit home with a lot of people," Borg said. "There will be really personal stories, some life lessons they've learned along the way. One of our guys is talking about how he had a traumatic sports injury and lost all function of his body but has returned to full function with some memory loss."

Not every presentation will be so heavy, Borg said.

"We will have speakers who talk about the 'importance of play' at work," he said.

Borg said a major point of the seminar is to share an understanding that "things aren't hopeless."

"There’s so much violent culture and disrespectful culture out there, it's not hard for people to slip into depression or anxiety. We see a lot more of that than we ever have," he said. "This is a day to be inspired and tackle the new year. I think everybody can use a little bit of that, no matter your walk of life."

Day of Influence will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 in the Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d'Alene. All the speakers will be donating their time and talent.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for Project SEARCH, a nonprofit training program that helps individuals with disabilities and special needs transition from high school into the workforce.

Registration and info: https://bit.ly/2u66TIN