Who do you credit with influencing the trajectory of your life? Who are you grateful for knowing?

It’s easy, I think, to summon thoughts of those we hold dear. Be it family members, leaders, friends or lovers; those who have been role models, cheerleaders and, when needed, a mirror — showing us truths that might otherwise have gone unseen. But, none of us is a tidy product – the sum of – our positive experiences are we? We are as much shaped by our missteps and disappointments, our losses and pain, as anything else.

It’s a tough sell though isn’t it — to offer acknowledgement and, dare I suggest, gratitude to those who have mistreated, injured, hurt or betrayed us? Those are certainly not the first thoughts that come to mind when I have pause to consider those who have caused me hardship, or contributed to my pain. But then, what is the alternative? To journey though this life burdened with anger, doubt, bitterness and resentment? To continually surrender tiny pieces of myself to people and circumstances entirely undeserving of such power? Who is that serving? Certainly not me. And more to the point, who is that hurting? Certainly not those I’ve felt wronged or disrespected by.

If I set ego and pride aside for a time, and take honest stock of my journey, there are gifts to appreciate through each weathered storm.

Your ridicule taught me that I am more than the story you have about me.

Through your disrespect, I have learned what it is to respect myself. 

Your dishonesty taught me that two people don’t always share the same truth.

Through your betrayal, I have learned to forgive.

Because I have been broken, I know what it is to be resilient — to heal.

Without you, what kind of me would I be? There’s no way to be certain really; I choose to believe though, that I’d be a lesser version of myself somehow. Thank you. 

Who are you grateful for knowing?