Who are the warriors in your life?

Who are the people in your life that impact you the most?

Who has changed your heart, just by knowing them?

I feel so blessed to have so many people in my life I can look up to, and learn from.

This year we lost two people that were one of a kind.  Never in this world will you meet anyone like them.

My husbands cousin, James, passed away unexpectedly in January.  Leaving behind a wife and two little girls.  We were rocked to our core,  He was a man who always laughed and his eyes were filled with genuine love for all people he encountered.  That quality is special.  To touch lives the way he did just be being a lover of life.  It evokes deep sadness to know that his gift is gone from this world. But for me it also stirs inspiration in my heart.  To take whatever quality adored in him and use it to better yourself.  To laugh more, be more carefree, and to follow the things that fill you with passion.  He was filled with life and passion... We all should be.

Later, when our close friend Laura Strong (www.publiclookin.blogspot.com) was diagnosed with stage 4 MET breast cancer.  We were again crushed.  But I knew her spirit and knew she was going to give it hell.
To simply talk about Laura being strong is not enough.  She was sassy, forthright, generous beyond generous, a brat, a lover of life, her family and God.  And by family - I tell you her friends and community were her family.  Her spirit makes you want to be a kinder person. To do for others all that you can.  To have more compassion for everyone you meet.  She continues to make me want to be a better wife, mother, and person. The lessons I have learned from her life and death are the reason I am taking stock in my blessings.  She was the ultimate warrior of carrying on when things were hard and heavy.  Sharing her journey with the world through her blog with honesty.


I have another friend who is kind and has the heart of a lion.  This year I watched her battle for what means most to her.  I saw her often times hurt by the sly tongues of people rooting against her- but still I watched her RISE.  Letting it strengthen her resolve and character.  I am often in such awe of her I do not know what good I provide her life, or if I have anything to give back to her.  I am always taking from her whether it is advise, strength, or borrowing courage.  She is my lioness, The person I watch as she gracefully handles all life gives her.

My Aunt Pam has been living with stage 4 MET breast cancer to her liver.  She lives her life not defined by her diagnosis.  She LIVES.  She also brings me hope and support for every decision I make. She champions me.  She is the female role model I hope to be.  She loves me, like i am her own.  Protects me all she can.  She is my rock.  Full of positive energy and love.  I try to emulate these qualities.  She is my love and light in the dark hours.  She is THE warrior in my life.  The Alpha/Omega of feminine strength, bravery, and love.

I have an old friend, who is near to my heart and has been for 14 years.  We have ups and downs, fights and make-ups but more importantly a deep trust.  I don't call on her often, but she is a listening ear when all I need is to be heard.  I know all I have to do is call her and she will be there.  Hearing all the ugly truths we face and offering genuine love.  I have vowed to always tell her the hard truth- we all need truth tellers in our lives.  She is my prayer warrior.

My cousin, Jamie has been a constant in my life.  She and I are on the same spiritual path. We think alike, we understand each other.  We also laugh until it hurts.  She is my sister, my spiritual family.  I feel an intuitive connection to her that I have with no one else. She is my soul sister.

I could list more blessings, because I have more.  Like Matt and his family.  But I wanted to write about the people that impact my soul.  To give thanks for the strong people in my life that guide and inspire me.

So... Who in your life has changed you for the better?  Who has helped mold you into a softer, kinder person?

My hope is you take time to take an inventory of the warriors in your life, Thank the universe for your blessings. Learn from those courageous, beautiful people. Out of the dark-light is born.  I believe it happens when you put down your sword and let the beauty and the adversity in your life do its work on your heart.  It will change you.... if you let it.

Love and Light
Crystal