Who are the Five Most Influential People in your Life?

Got sidetracked from the blog post I was writing (the magic of feeling your feelings) when I read an email about The Noticer Project.

It’s a “worldwide movement to ‘notice’ the five most influential people in your life.”  (Based on the book The Noticer by Andy Andrews.)

Naturally, I started thinking of all the pleasant and supportive people who’ve made a difference in my life – my folks, my third grade teacher Ms. Davis, my favorite coaches, etc. 

But then I thought about my crackhead neighbor.  And a boss I struggled with. 
Which reminded me how Abraham says our true soulmates are the ones who make us want to tear our hair out.

So in honor of Abraham and The Noticer Project, I am noticing the five most influential people in my life who were probably least expected to make this list:

My Crackhead Neighbor – man, I love you!  You taught me SO many valuable things!  Just thinking about what I learned from you brings joyful tears to my eyes.  (For real.) 

I learned that 1) I alone am responsible for how I feel; 2) people are capable of absolutely anything (that means both of us, good and bad); 3) I can commit to how I want to feel despite outside circumstances; 4) I can choose peace instead of war.  You gave me great inspiration to learn releasing resistance under challenging circumstances.  Thank you for that.  I don’t know anyone else who would have had the stubbornness to see me through it.  It’s a privilege to call you my friend today. 

My Ex-Husband – you were right (I made things more important than people); and I was wrong (we should have cemented that strip of grass by the driveway).  And it’s all good.  You and I are living proof that happy endings don’t always look like we expected.  Thank you for your commitment to returning to love through all our ups and downs.  (Plus, I got that marriage thing out of the way so I don’t have to do that again!)

My Old Boss – wow.  I did not see that coming!  What I learned from you really took me by surprise, and has made a lasting impact on my life.  Thank you for teaching me that I am capable of not caring what others think; that I am strong enough to do what’s right over what’s expected; and that winning isn’t most important – enjoying is.

My Ex-Fiance – the third one.  When I think of people who made me want to tear my hair out, I think of that moment I wanted to shoot you at the intersection of 21st and 13th.  (The passionate feelings you inspired me to are good reasons not to have loaded guns on hand.)  But what I’m most grateful for is how through my experience with you I learned that love is found on the inside, not the outside.  That no one can love me like (and until) I can love myself.  Could there be a bigger gift to give someone?  I doubt it.  For that reason, I am forever in your debt.

As for #5, I got a feeling the best is yet to come.  Or maybe we live together now.  Or maybe it’s my best girlfriend who tried to snag a super hot guy out from under me (first time I was inspired to make a strong stand for what I wanted), or the customer “service” rep from Adobe last month (the gift is yet to be seen there).  Just trying to get a couple girls on my list!

I know this much: it’s a pleasure to recognize that our biggest influencers aren’t always wearing white hats.  In fact, the best ones don’t, right?

Let’s hear some of yours …