A thank you for those who keep inspiring us...

I met this wonderful lady here in Italy and we immediately became fast friends. When we met, i was struggling with adjusting to my new home in this new town where i knew nobody, until i met her. She on the other hand was going through a difficult divorce, planning to move from the only home she has known for years and looking to buy a new home to settle in all the while dealing with the mind boggling Italian bureaucracy to get things done, while trying to rebuild the broken relationship with her son and also keep her small business going...it was a lot.

But, even while going through a tough time, she inspired me because i witnessed her working hard at life. She on the other always reminds me that my story and choices have inspired her too. Yes, there were tears on some days and our local bar got to know us because of our long coffee dates (because we can talk for hours) but even without intending it or knowing it, we inspired each other just by living our ordinary lives...nothing special, no limelight...just doing life.

I am so thankful for the easy friendship and so grateful for the unexpected inspiration that was born of a vulnerable phase in our lives. So much growth and learning has taken place, and that is priceless.

Every day many ordinary men and women wake up and tackle difficult life situations. You will never hear about their stories, know their names or see their pictures on the cover of a magazine but they are out there working hard at life, even though their accomplishments are not visible or glorified.

So here's to those working hard to put food on the table. Parenting alone. Struggling with an addiction. Caring for a loved one with special needs. Re-building a broken relationship. Grieving the passing of a loved one while tackling everyday life. Trying to find yourself. Battling an illness. Being treated unfairly in the workplace but you keep going and keep starting over. Here's to all of those who keep getting knocked down by life but always stagger back up. You are the real MVPs. You are all an inspiration to those around you...because what is life without inspiration?

Xx,

Victoria