Celebrating 87 Years of Wisdom: How My Grandma Inspires Me to Live with an Open Heart 💗

Today is an incredibly special day. February 25th is none other than the birthday of the woman who has modeled so much of what I embody today. As I celebrate my Grandmother's 87th birthday today, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact she's had on my life. It's because of her that I can lead with an open heart, embody radical acceptance, and hold space for others to truly be themselves. Her life lessons are woven into the fabric of who I am, guiding me as I navigate the complexities of the world and relationships. In honoring her today, as I share a bit about this woman with an open heart and a loving presence, I want to encourage you to think about the individuals in your life who have shaped you into the person you are today. The Heart of Acceptance The other day I read something along the lines of, "She's loved me since the day I was born. I've loved her my entire life." THIS is the love I have for my Grandmother. From a young age, I watched my Grandma embrace everyone around her with open arms and an open heart. Some of my fondest memories are of her at family reunions (does anyone else remember those), where there were second cousins and great-great-aunt's abound. She took the time to connect with each person, no matter how long the conversations lasted. She would listen intently, with a slight smile on her face, and gaze into their eyes - letting the stories or the reflections come through. She was never quick to judge. Never in a rush for the conversation to be over. And she wouldn't have dreamed of making someone feel like who their presence didn't matter.

She's loved me since the day I was born. I've loved her my entire life.

Her ability to accept others has shaped my understanding of human connection, teaching me that every person has a unique story worth sharing. As a child, I was quiet and observant in large settings, but my Grandmother’s warmth made me feel at ease. I can't even begin to count the number of times I held onto her hand, her leg, her waist, standing there observing, listening and BEING. Occasionally I would glance up at her and she would catch my eye, smile, and nod as if to say, “You belong here.” This simple act of love and acceptance showed me that, no matter how much I spoke up (or didn't), how much I inserted myself or was simply present, I had value and I belonged.

I can count on one hand the number of times in my entire life that my Grandmother expressed disapproval or judgment towards me - heck, even looked at me "funny" (truth be told, as I think about this I can't remember a SINGLE time I was on the receiving end of that kind of interaction with her). There were chapters in life where I gave everyone in my family a run for their money (running away at 16 is just one of those chapters). But this God-fearing, fiercely loving human was the one that showed up for me, again and again, not with judgment, not with anger, but with high expectations, discernment and a passionate belief that I could do better. Her unwavering support in me is a cornerstone for my self-acceptance, and I realize that her belief in me will forever be a source of the strength I embody, and the strength I extend to others.

Her acceptance of me has been instrumental in the shaping of my heart, my patience, my sense of belonging, and the somehow ever-present confidence and knowing of WHO I am - even when I didn't have the words to describe what that meant. She helped shape my acceptance of myself AND others. Lessons in Patience One of the greatest gifts my Grandma has also given me is the embodiment of patience. My childhood memories are filled with images of her tending to the ever-changing plants in the backyard, where each flower and plant received her careful attention and nurturing. I can still picture her walking in the backyard, looking over the grape hyacinths, then tipping her head upward to look at and listen to whatever bird was singing in the tree. Watching her engage with nature and enjoy the beauty it holds taught me that magic is happening everywhere, all the time. We just have to be present enough to see it and appreciate it.

Awkward, but still "belonging".

Her patience extends into so many other areas of her life too. I can think of times when friends or family came to her with their struggles. Instead of rushing to offer solutions, she would listen, allowing them to express their feelings fully. This ability to hold space for others reflects a profound understanding of the human experience. At the time I didn't truly understand the beauty of what was actually happening. My Grandma reminded me often that sometimes, people just need someone to listen. Not to fix them. Not to make them feel better. But to truly be with them in whatever they're feeling in the moment.

Her gentle demeanor and soothing words taught me that there is beauty in simply being present for someone. This lesson in patience has been invaluable in my coaching. I’ve learned that fostering my patience not only benefits me but also allows me to support those who are navigating their own paths. In a world that often prioritizes speed and productivity, her gentle reminders to take a moment and breathe, to take it all in, to be WITH one another, are invaluable.

My Grandmother isn't only the cutest Grandmother you'll ever see, she's also one of the most beautiful hearts and souls I've ever known. As you think about your own life, consider who has modeled patience for you. Who has shown you that it’s okay to take your time and be present? Who's lived with an open heart and in awe of the everyday miracles we get to be a witness to. Maybe it’s a mentor who helped you navigate challenges, encouraging you to embrace the process rather than rush to the finish line. Those interactions MEAN something. They SHAPED us. They are a part of who we are. Leading with an Open Heart Because of her, I’ve learned that leading with an open heart invites others to do the same. My Grandma’s kindness is infectious; it encourages vulnerability and authenticity in those around her. Thinking back, I don't think I've ever realized until right this moment that SHE is the one that modeled the nomadic connection-making that I embody now. The ability to weave in and out of spaces, amongst different groups of people, and use it not only to expand belonging, but understanding as well. From Sunday afternoon church potlucks to her work in the community to game nights with friends, so much of her life is a beautiful reminder of the power of community and love.

My experiences with my Grandmother (and my Grandfather too) are a testament to the ability I have to help women feel safe to express themselves. The way she's cultivated connection my entire life has influenced my approach to building relationships in my work. Embodying that acceptance and love, reminding my clients that their voices matter, it's because of HER that I naturally learned how to do that. I encourage others to embrace their true selves without judgment, fostering a community where authenticity thrives. And I can do that because my Grandmother did that for me.

A Legacy of Love As we celebrate her 87 years, I want her to know that her legacy lives on in me. And her impact hasn't just touched my life, it continues to extend to the lives of others I interact with too. Each day, I aim to reflect the acceptance, patience, and love she embodies. In a world that often feels divided, my Grandma’s unwavering belief in love and connection serves as a guiding light. Her life is a testament to the power of kindness and understanding, the deep-rooted stability that comes with strong faith, qualities that are needed now more than ever.

Her nurturing spirit is the example I followed.

Her influence extends beyond just our family; I grew up watching friends reflect that same kind of love and acceptance back to her. I watched as she touched their lives. Whether it was a simple note in the mail, a phone call to check in, or an afternoon of board games, she made everyone feel special. This legacy of love is something I aspire to carry forward in my own life and work. It's because of her that I know that even the smallest gestures can make a profound impact on others.

As I continue to connect with others, hear their stories, hold space, encourage and inspire, I hear her words. I realize that I'm channeling the very love and compassion my Grandma has always shown. Her teachings have become a guiding force not only in my personal life but also in my professional journey. Reflecting on Our Influences

As we celebrate this special day, I encourage each of you to take a moment to reflect on those who have influenced your life. Who has taught you the lessons of patience, love, and acceptance? What stories do they share that you now embody, and how can you expand the beautiful impact of those things into the lives of others? Perhaps it's a mentor who showed you the value of hard work, a friend who stood by you during challenging times, or a family member who always believed in you (and told you as much).

Consider reaching out to those individuals, expressing your gratitude for their contributions to your life. Whether it’s a heartfelt letter, a phone call, or a simple text message, let them know the impact they’ve had on your journey. Acknowledging these influences fosters a sense of community and connection, reminding us that we are all interconnected. And, in the meantime, be that person for someone else too. We all need more of that in our lives. Conclusion Happy 87th birthday to my incredible Grandmother! Thank you for being my role model. Thank you for leading with an open heart. Your love and acceptance have paved the way for not only my growth but also for all those fortunate enough to know you. Here’s to many more years of love, laughter, and learning from the beautiful soul you are. Your teachings have forever shaped how I interact with the world, creating ripples of acceptance and kindness wherever I go.

Physical beauty fades. But a beautiful heart is there forever.

I will carry your lessons with me, embracing the values you've instilled in me and sharing them with others. In my heart of hearts I will always be the little girl standing beside you, holding your hand, feeling the warmth of your soul and the unconditional love you've always shown me.

As we celebrate, let us all remember the power of our connections and the impact we can have on each other’s lives. Let’s honor the legacies of those who have shaped us by continuing to lead with love, patience, and open hearts. Together, we can create a world that reflects the beautiful lessons we’ve learned from those who came before us, ensuring that their wisdom continues to live on in our actions, our words, and our hearts. And (something only Grandma will understand) - Every time I see a leaf 🍁 drop into the creek below, I stand and watch it drift away. Hand-in-hand, heart-to-heart, until it drifts out of sight and we walk forward once more. All My Love (and all of my Grandma's love, too)💗 I love you to the moon & back, Grandma.