Journal Challenge Day 2: What do your people love about you?

I want this journal challenge to be deeper than the last one. I chose questions that would put me out of my comfort zone so I can learn more about myself and about the people around me. This week’s prompt is "What do your people love most about you?" and I'm definitely not the kind of person to reach out to people and ask that question and I almost didn't do it because of that. However, the more I thought about it the more I wanted to know, and life is too short to not know which is why I also want to share my favorite things about the people I asked. There are so many other people that I love and would want to ask, but I'm fairly certain this post is already going to be a novel.

 

Paige – “Your positivity.”

My big sister is so many incredible things. She is a great mother; she will put her kids before anything. She protects them, teaches them, and they are turning out to be such amazing little humans. I am so proud of them, and I am so proud of her. I don't know how she does it all, full time job, two kids, a wedding to plan, soccer, and schooling. She is a freaking rock star, and even if she's tired and drained and questioning herself she keeps going because that's who she is. Her determination is something magical. I love you P, and I will forever be amazed by you.

 

Talia - " I love your ability to see the bright side in everything. I love that you’re always so quick to laugh, smile or make a goofy face. you are always a ray of sunshine."

The thing I love most about Talia is how protective she is, how she whole-heartedly just wants you to be happy and she will always give advice that will help you get there. She is inclusive, warm and she makes you feel at home no matter where you are. She is also a force to be reckoned with because of how protective she is. She will be your best friend, your cheerleader, and your bodyguard. I am so grateful that you exist, and I am even more grateful to know you and have you in my life.  

 

Sydney - "How you are always unapologetically Courtney.”

I love Sydney because even though we haven’t known each other for very long she is so welcoming. She has the power to bring so much light into your light with even something as simple as a smile. I knew from the second I found out she existed on this earth that this girl is family, and she is someone that everyone deserves to know. It's such a blessing to know you, Sydney.

 

Melissa – “Your humor, and how much you care about people and the environment, you are one of the most gentle and caring people I have ever met. You are always open to learning more about improving your life for yourself and the lives of those around you.”

I've known melissa for half my life, and she is my rock. Her and her cats are my daily boost of happiness. I love Melissa's strength and her willpower; she has gone through a lot, and nothing gets in her way. She is supportive, caring and has a heart of freaking gold. She’s always open to listen and try new things and be present in the moment, even if she is worried about the future. Being funny and sarcastic comes naturally to her and she finds a joke in everything. The thing about our friendship is that we’ve been long distant best friends for over a decade and no matter what, no matter how much time has passed, no matter what life has thrown at us, every time we see each other in person nothing has changed. I will always run into her arms at the airport, and she better always run into mine.  Having you in my life means so much more than words can express. I love you so much and you are and will always be my soulmate.

 

Taylor – “Your empathy and compassion, I never feel like you don’t have a clue how I feel or how someone else could be feeling.”

What I love most about my little brother is how smart he is, he is so intelligent, and his problem-solving skills are immaculate. He looks at challenges with open eyes and doesn’t question whether or not he can solve them. He is always open to expanding his knowledge and he takes in all he listens to. I love that he makes me a big sister, he comes to me for advice and takes it seriously. We talk things through, and we solve problems together. I'm very protective of him because he has such a gentle soul. He is warm and kind and just a teddy bear of a human. I love that even though we didn't really grow up together it doesn't feel that way, we bicker, and we disagree but at the end of the day I would do anything for this kid because he is my little brother. I love you bug, and I’m proud to be your big sister!

 

Alex – “How resilient you are no matter the challenge in front of you, you tackle each thing with incredible determination, and are able to regain composure and have grace. That you love so hard, it is a blessing to be loved by Courtney, that you are trying to love yourself as hard as you love everyone else. That you make everyone feel better just by how soft you are, you are so easy to talk to and you give advice with the person feeling like they are judged. Your energy radiates and you project positive feelings to all around you and you aren't afraid to show all of your emotions even the sad and mad ones. I love that you’re serious but never too serious that a little humor can’t be involved, your humor is the best. I love that you are always open to adventure. I love that even though sometimes you feel drained by others or by what you are doing you never let it stop you. I love that we are different but also very similar because we can bond over the things we love, but also introduce you to new things. How loyal, courageous, intelligent, inquisitive, loving, understanding and playful you are. You bring love and laughter and insight into everyone’s lives. I love that you make me want to be better and learn how to be better with you.

Alex to me is like the personification of happiness. She knows how to make anything better and adds light to it. She can get you to smile even if your drowning in tears or on fire with rage. If anyone were to read our messages, I'm sure we'd be admitted somewhere, whether that be jail, psych or straight up just sent to hell, but we'd be in it together and I'm okay with that. The heart that this woman has is a thing of beauty, and her eye for adventure is contagious. She brings light into my life; she brings fun and laughter into my life. The thing I love most about Alex is that she is consistent. She is consistently funny, she is consistently kind, she is consistently incredible and she is consistently herself. I was sad when Dane moved away because I felt like I was losing a friend, but then you came along, and I didn't lose one and I didn't gain a friend. I gained a sister who has such a large part of my heart and who I am so grateful to call family. I love you more than words can even express.

 

Dane – “Your loyalty because you stick around no matter what.” He also said that is my biggest flaw because it gets me into situations and that definitely accurate.

What I love most about Dane is how blunt he is, he will always call me on my shit but regardless he is quick to be supportive and listen to whatever I want to tell him. He has always had my back no matter what since we met. So, I think his loyalty is the thing I love most about him too. He’s been one of my best friends for 15 years and our friendship means so much to me. I appreciate the hell out of you, even if you’re a big pain in the ass. I’m very grateful that we’ve stayed friends for all these years.

 

Evan - "I enjoy having conversations with you, being with you and spilling guts out to clean them up together."

I love that this answer is authentically Evan. I love that that is exactly what we do. Usually when we catch up some time has passed and with how crazy life can be most of the time there have been a plethora of changes and events that have happened. So, we really do spill out guts and clean them up together. It's hard to pick one single thing that I love the most about Evan. I love that he is who he is all the time, no matter what. He knows what he believes in, he cherishes what is important to him, and he's always eager to learn and grow and try new things. He has a confidence that radiates in the best way possible. Thank you for going for pie with me years ago Evan, because you've been one of my favorite people ever since!

 

Brooke – “You have a smile that’s contagious, you are so artistic, you are loving and caring you put others before yourself. You’re quirky and have so many good qualities that make you such an amazing friend, sister, daughter person all in all. You always put your 100% effort into things, and you see the positives over the negatives. You keep pushing no matter what life throws your way. Ever since you were young you had to grow up and you’ve done a great job becoming such an amazing woman. And I’m so thankful to have you as a friend. When I think of who’s my person to call or message when I need to talk to after months of not talking to who can I go to who will always have my back and see things in a different perspective, and that person is my Courtney. You have always made sure in rough times I’m okay.”

Brooke was my first best friend after I moved in grade 6, she welcomed me and introduced me to friends that I had throughout high school and even still have now. We were inseparable throughout school and even now, even though we both are living very busy lives, I hold her so close to my heart. My favorite thing about Brooke is her strength, she's been through a lot and made it through everything. None of it has made her bitter or ruined her worldview. She is an amazing mother to a wild and incredible little man. I love you both so much, and I will forever be grateful for you grabbing my hand in 6th grade and never letting go.

 

Mom - "Kind heart, smile, creativity, sarcasm and humor."             

What I love about my mom is her creativity and her work ethic. I think I get those qualities from her. The things that she has created and the time, focus and dedication that those things require are magnificent. She loves hard, so she worries hard. This woman has four children and two grand babies that I'm sure all push her to different limits, and she loves us regardless. I love you to the ends of the universe Momma Bear.

 

Wil - "Your dark sense of humor because it matches mine."

What I love about my stepdad is that he is the grown-up equivalent to a class clown. He wants to make sure everyone is having fun and laughing. He has a big heart too, but I don't think he wants anyone to know about that so shhh...

 

Gramma - “You are caring and loving, with lots of attitude since you were little. You are a very strong young woman and you've gone through a lot. You are very compassionate and kind. When you learn or when you're doing something you are very passionate about it. You are not afraid to tackle things and take risks."

My Gramma was born to be a gramma, she takes anyone under her wing and makes you a plate, a bed, and a home. She loves without borders or conditions and will give you life advice whether you ask for it or not. She takes pictures of everyone and everything so she can make sure that we all remember every moment. She worries because she loves so hard, and she wishes good to everyone. She's a fighter and a firecracker and worrier and a superhuman. I love you forever and more Gramma!

 

Papa – “Intelligence, easy going manner of speaking, knowledge of life's trial and tribulations. You’re well educated. How you handle daily challenges whatever they might be. Some people come across as very domineering, you're not like that, you’re very reasonable with how you think, act, and speak. You have compassion and are caring and loving. Just look at the two pups. Look at how you treated a little girl who wasn't your daughter like she was your own.

This man is a gentle giant, he listens and selectively speaks. He knows what he believes in, and he has a heart that is big enough for the whole world. His composure is something to strive for, I've never heard him yell or even get angry. He's the type of person what will ask you if you want a hug and if you say, "I'm okay" he will say "I didn't ask you if you were okay, I asked you if you wanted a hug." He is my go-to person for help, life lessons, and a safe place. He doesn't judge or complain and even though he is my Papa, he was always the father I needed when I didn't have one. Papa, I love you so much, and me too to infinity.

 

            This journal experience has been one of my favorites, even if it was out of my comfort zone. The all around beautiful people that have entered my life from day 0 to now have shaped me into who I am. They have supported me in all my endeavors, and they have shown me so much love. I like this post because I can give them at least a portion of the credit they deserve, they all deserve the world, they all deserve the freaking universe and I love them all so much.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being you, and being a part of this wild thing called life with me.