Everyone needs some sources of inspiration.

I have a few different ones, in a few different places. In my office at home, I have a handful of old, if not antique, items that I like to turn to when I need to think about the bigger picture. Two of them make up a set — a little, round pen/pencil holder and an accompanying container for holding items such as scissors, my glasses case, etc.

Featured on the exterior of these metal cannisters are portraits of America’s presidents, from George Washington all the way up through Lyndon B. Johnson. While I did not live during the terms of any of these men, as a student of history, I have a pretty good idea of their records, and the steps they took to serve our nation are nothing short of incredible. I like to look at those pictures when I am stumped about something and consider what thoughtful approach one or more of them might have taken.

In my office at work, I have a few things on display that I like to glance at for the same reasons. In addition to some colorful boxes emblazoned with poetic or motivational sayings, I also have some of the many awards earned by our staff hanging on our walls.

Sometimes, if I’m frustrated, I like to repeat some of those words and phrases in my head. Other times, when I am hoping to hire a new employee or to train someone on a new task, I like to turn to those awards to help me remember just what our staff is capable of.

It’s always a good idea to have a tangible source of inspiration around, but you can also be inspired by other people and their actions.

Here in Eastern Ohio, we have (and have had throughout our history) many people who provide good examples, even if they aren’t well-known individuals. So, as you look to the future, remember to also look to the past — and to the actions others have taken — for some inspiration. I think you’ll find there is no shortage of that here.

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On a side note, here’s my latest burger update:

The second burger we tried from our new cookbook was the “Pickle My Funny Bone Burger.” We chose to serve our burgers on sesame seed buns. The recipe called for the burger to be nestled on a bed of fresh lettuce and topped with — you guessed it — deep-fried pickles. We had never deep-fried anything at home before, but my husband, Mike, did a fine job of figuring out that task. I made a spicy sauce of Mayonnaise, ketchup and hot sauce to slather on the bun.

It was another success! Tasty and tangy and just different enough to be fun.

Up next: The “I’ve Created a Muenster Burger.”