Who is My Greatest Influence?

Before I share my greatest influence, I want to quote how someone else responded to this question because I thought it was a powerful answer. Here’s how Spencer responded to this question.

“Who is my greatest influence? A simple question, but the answer’s more complicated because we’re still evolving everyday. So the answer can change in an instant. Someone comes into your life unexpectedly, and suddenly, you see the world through a new lens. That person teaches you it’s ok to let people in, to start over. You can go your whole life thinking you know the answer. Then one day, you realize the greatest influence in your life might be someone else. Sometimes, the answer isn’t who influenced you the most but what. People come and go from our lives, but only a handful of them truly make a difference in our future. It’s impossible to choose one person who influenced my life the most. It’s what they all taught me that matters, things like loyalty. So, who is my greatest influence? If I have to give an answer, it has to be my father’s absence. Him leaving me left a void that so many people have filled. If he hadn’t left, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” This quote is from the TV show, “All American.” (season 1, episode 13)

So, if I had to answer this question, it would definitely be my wonderful parents who adopted me when I was a few months old & gave me every opportunity available in this life. I will always be eternally grateful for my family. However, as Spencer said, sometimes the answer isn’t who influenced you the most, but “what.” What influenced me the most is a misdiagnosis. This misdiagnosis made a huge impact on my life (it affected my ability to love myself & let people in). However, on the upside, it taught me true perseverance, strength, & the importance of being an advocate for your health. Through this experience, I also found my true purpose.