Today’s prompt:

List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

I’m choosing to list people I’ve actually met. Of course there are people that have influenced me beyond that scope, but then the list just gets too long.

1. My mom. Does this need much explanation? She taught me to love reading, music, and art. I hope I have inherited some of her wit. Her love gave me such security as a child and continues to do so now that I’m an adult. I owe so much to my mom.

2. My dad. Again–kind of self-explanatory. My dad also passed on a love of reading and study. He taught (and continues to teach) me about faith and the power of testimony. Where would I be without my dad?

3. Bryce. Duh. He influences me every single day. Because of his presence in my life, I’ve learned about everything from budgeting to ballroom dance to temple worship. His influence encourages me to always reach for the better person inside myself.

4. Amelie. She teaches me to be more gentle and more sensitive. She was my first introduction to the miracle of motherhood and remains a treasure in my life.

5. Calder. He teaches me to have a little more fun and to not stress about the little things. Calder influences me because his personality is quite different from mine. As his mother, it is a great learning experience.

6. Easton. He reminds me that this life is meant to be lived with joy and excitement.

7. Liam. This baby influences me by reminding me that this life is a gift. He teaches me about love.

8. Janae. One of my good good friends, Janae has taught me the importance of being honest with yourself and with others. She shows me how to strive to do what’s right for your family, even if your choices might seem curious to others. She teaches me about commitment and faith.

9. My sisters in-law. I’m allowed to group people. This is my blog, after all. Since I have 7 of them, they would have taken up my whole list! A word about each. Jill teaches me about sacrifice and charity. Nicole teaches me about listening and friendship. Sarah teaches me about kindness and faith in Heavenly Father’s plan for each of us. Stephanie teaches me about finding the life that makes you happy. Michelle teaches me about loyalty and service. Christy teaches me about the power of women and getting things done. Angela teaches me about the importance of humor and choosing hope. I could say much more about each of these remarkable women, but this will have to suffice for now.

10. My mother and father in-law. I count it a blessing to have been adopted by Mark and Brenda by marriage. From them, I learn about generosity, integrity, and joy in family.

I could add so many more to this list. So many friends and loved ones that influence me every day of my life. What a blessing all of these associations are.