Who brings out the best in you?

Who brings out the best in you?

Hmm. I suppose for me this means people who I am my complete self around. My best complete self.

My family. This wasn't always the case, I guess. I used to be much quieter around my family. I used to feel inferior. Not anymore. I love my family and I love the happy feelings I get around them. I love how we can laugh for hours over silly things and be totally honest with one another. I like that we can help each other and be proud of one another and how much we show our care for each other. Around my family, I am complete.

The Sisters of Mercy. They bring out the best in me, spiritually. They take me to a whole new level of life and love. They remind me of what I am capable of. They teach me how to be a better person. They show me a fresh, beautiful outlook on life. I know it sounds crazy to some people but whenever I am at a Sisters of Mercy event, I feel like I am home. They are absolutely fascinating women with a purpose and a passion, and they inspire me to be true to myself and to recognize my talents. Around the Sisters of Mercy, I am love.

My friends Alicia, Sam, Dean, and Christine. They are four of my best friends and four of the people I love the most in this world. They know me inside and out, they know my strengths and weaknesses, they know what makes me laugh. Most importantly, they know my worth, and they remind me of that. They each bring something unique to my life and I love how happy I am when I am around them. (And even happier that I will get to spend 2-3 days a week with Christine because she just got a job at my company!) Around these friends, I am life.

The backups, and Melinda, more than anyone else, have taught me how to be brave- and I feel brave around them. The backups are special because they have watched me grow up. In some ways even more so than my family, because for a while it was the backups hearing my secrets and stories more than anyone else. They accepted me through it all, which made me a more confidant person and a stronger person. Around the backups and Melinda, I am brave.

Cristo Rey High School. Cristo Rey gave me a wonderful experience and an opportunity to grow. The staff helped me learn how to be a Christian servant, and the kids taught me about gratitude and simplicity. The year I spent in that school was the best year of my life and I miss it daily. When I go back and visit I feel whole again. Around Cristo Rey, I am fulfilled.

The artists who have given me the opportunity to lose myself in their music, even in a crowded room of people. Who have allowed me to connect to their life and stories and songs. Who have allowed me to be dancing one minute and crying the next because their song reminds me of a person or event. When I am at concerts with these artists, I am free.

God. God brings out the best in me every single day. He picks me up whenever I fall. He never lets me down. He provides me with people and things that I need to get by. He loves me, unconditionally. He gives me life every day. He leads the way. He reminds me what to do when I am troubled. He puts me at peace when I am anxious. He gives me strength. He is my rock. I am Me because God is here with me.

Who brings out the best in you, kids?