Reflection is something that I take seriously. Self, other, world, surroundings… You name it. It is an integral part of what makes me who I am.

A recent moment of doing so reminded me of  how lucky I am to have so many strong, smart, spirited and loving women in my life. The beauty they bestow on this world and me makes this a fortunate universe to live within.

This lot is comprised of three moving-the-needle-for-humankind career women, that quiet and reflective thoughtful old soul in a young body who I can count on for anything, a lady who doesn’t have any concept of just how smart and meaningful she is to me and others, and – let me not ever forget – the woman who created and molded me into who I am today: with all my rights, wrongs and indifferences… I want to revel in them via this beautiful thing called words.

*WARNING* this post isn’t going to be the postcard edition.

ar·i·el 
ˈerēəl/
noun
a gazelle found in the Middle East and North Africa.

She swooped in and it was magical. Eloquent, graceful and no-holds-barred defines this soul who was my first true treasure find in LA.

Who am I to be this lucky? I will get back to you on that one… or someone else will in my eulogy, but I cannot begin to describe the strength she presents in representing her clients and truly defining change in our world for tribes, and the like, and sharing ways that can make our lives all a little – or for many A LOT – deeper. You make me feel special just by being in the world.

Maureen… 

hard to define, which – ironically – defines you…

But can·did does!
ˈkandəd/
adjective

truthful and straightforward; frank.

I’ve never been pushy in being a friend with someone but, damn it, I was with her. And it was worth every single moment. Down to the third strike. Without you, I wouldn’t have taken the moments I needed to reflect on who I was and where I wanted to be. There is not a day that doesn’t go by without my thinking of how grateful I am to have you in my life. You define strong, smart, sassy, charismatic, and career-minded for me. Ups and downs – figuratively and literally with my faults and yours – you were placed in my star alignment for so many phenomenal reasons. I love you. (Mark that public display down.)

Lila (Sanskrit: लीला, IAST līlā) 

cannot be precisely translated into English, but within non-dualism, Lila is a way of describing all reality, including the cosmos, as the outcome of creative play by the divine absolute (Brahman).

Precise – to a “T.” Our coming together + what makes you so beautiful in my world cannot be defined.  Whether we run, walk, sit across from one another while pontificating on our world – personal and external – you challenge me without even knowing it. My constant you are, and few people have that and for this I am blessed. Your future endeavors will be magnificent because what you parlay into the world via your spirit makes it so xoxo, my dear.

Megan 

Persian Meaning:
Child of light.

You label yourself too often. If I must follow in that path, I will give you one of ‘steadfast’. Your family and friends know where they can go if they are falling and need a soft landing. My only hope is that I can be your soft landing pad, because it’s okay for you to want and need it. I’ve got you. There isn’t a moment that those who are in your life – genuinely – won’t go to you to feel safe. You are truly a light that so few people have to shine.

Beth – Elizabeth 

From Ελισαβετ (Elisabet), the Greek form of the Hebrew name אֱלִישֶׁבַע (‘Elisheva’) meaning “my God is an oath” 

So, so, so many jokes to be made about the meaning of your name behind our closed doors. But isn’t this type of humor and insight that ones who truly “get you” have? No judgement. No facades. Just real non-labeling enlightenment. One of the smartest and most intuitive women I know – you are truly beautiful. I wish everyone in your life knew just how much so. But… I am okay with being selfish and having this knowledge for myself and for the very few who have experienced it. Blessed pales in comparison as a word that defines how I feel for having discovered you as a strong and couragoues female friend and partner in the truth, middle stories and lies this world has to offer us.

moth·er a.k.a Linda Lou xoxo 
ˈməT͟Hər/Submit
noun

a woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth.

Strong. Hard working. Resilient. Salt-of-the-earth and proud to be so. Many, of what I would consider my best attributes, come from you and mine just scratch your surface. While we don’t see eye-to-eye on much; our love, commitment to family and passion to just be are on “fleek” (look that up, love;).  You will never fail me in conversation – whether real or in my mind- when it comes to reminding me of where I came from and who I am at the heart of all I say, do and am. For that I am thankful. You deserve so much more than what you tell yourself you do. Believe the former and it will come.

We are the sum of our many parts. And these women make my parts meaningful and, when I choose to go there, spiritual. If only everyone could be as blessed and lucky as this girl…