"Family may seem like a simple concept, but there is no simple definition of family. In its most basic terms, a family is a group of individuals who share a legal or genetic bond, but for many people, family means much more..." (family.lovetoknow.com).

I met Monica when I was 18 years old. Now thinking back on the past six years, I'm not sure where I would be without her. Over the years, I have watched Monica grow and change. It didn't always seem like she was changing for the better. I watched and tried to help as she made decisions which at the time seemed destructive. I yelled and tried to coach. We cried and tried to laugh. We've shared secrets and pain. What I love about her though, is her "I'm gonna do it anyways," attitude. I love the way in which she admits her wrongs and comes back swinging. Monica has this unique way of being a force, despite her adversities and personal flaws. She uses them all to her advantage in a way that I've never seen done. 

She's always telling me how proud she is of me for the things that I'm doing. What she doesn't realize is that I couldn't have done them all had it not been for her; late nights on my college dorm room floor, crying and painting as she would sit and watch in awe, making little brush strokes seem like huge victories. It was the way she pulled out her camera so effortlessly to take a photo of something miniscule, that ended up being the most beautiful thing I had seen all day. It was the way she fought for herself, even after she had made mistakes and the way she proved herself to not only the people that didn't believe in her, but to herself... for herself. 

Inspiration is a funny thing. This is my blog and my section, so I can highlight whatever I want. I can highlight detrimental mental health if I so choose, as long as it inspires me. Spotlight, ON!, isn't solely created for the powerhouses who are doing phenomenal work in business, but for the individual who never takes no for an answer. I like to feature those individuals who take slow strides to save their energy for their massive leaps. Monica has inspired me in so many ways and she has encouraged and pushed me in so many directions. I owe her many thanks for staying in my corner all these years. We both know that I was a mess before it all started to come together for me. 

Today, the spotlight is on my sister, Monica, because in the wake of her struggles, she is going to BOOM! She is determined, focused, hardheaded, genuine, caring, motivated, energetic, creative, and mindful. She amazes me in ways that I can't even begin to describe and then she does even more. A proud and humbled sister I am. A better person thanks to her, I am. So thank you Widdle Stoopid Munka, for inspiring me, for believing in me, and for showing me a standard of excellence that is unparalleled. Thank you for helping me to create experience from nothing and reminding me that life is short. Thank you for encouraging me to get out there, to love hard and to laugh harder, and for allowing me to be me, through it all.

I met Courtney a couple of months back at a blogging event... my very first actually. At the time, I had probably posted my first ten posts, and they were all recaps from my day to day life in Haiti. That wasn't bad, but I really had no idea what I was doing with a blog. We spoke after the event and she was so open and seemed extremely happy to be where she was. Courtney seemed older than just 24 at the time, but I liked her vibe. Not only did she have a lot of positive light to shed on blogging and networking, but she gave me the scoop on Brunching in Atlanta. If that isn't  a thing, it should be. (Courtney, write a blog post about brunching in Atlanta. That's gold). 
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I'm glad I got the chance to experience a friend like Courtney. She takes passion and drive to a new level and she's not just fun to hang out with on a Friday night, but she sends me motivational podcasts during the week, motivates me to read more (RSVP for this month's Passionate Woman Book Club Meeting) and encourages me to wake up and go to church on Sunday mornings. I've always said that anybody who loves me like they claim they do, will pray for me! Courtney doesn't just pray for me, but she prays with me and I am confident that everybody on our team is blessed, highly favored and on their way to success.

I met Isabel a couple of months back and didn't realize what a force she is right away. She seemed quiet, but outgoing and loving. As I got to know her, I learned to really love her, and when I started to open my eyes and pay attention, I noticed that her genuine spirit came from a broken place. "Your broken self is more beautiful than your original self." That means that it takes strength and trust to rebuild yourself after you've been broken down and in my own personal opinion and experience, the new you is the you that you were destined to be... The new you is the person you always wished that you could be, and now you are.

When I was 21 (not that I'm much older now), my world seemed to be crashing down and it was tough, but I came out more motivated and determined to kick ass (in a positive way). That is what I see in Isabel. Every day that she posts a picture on Instagram or sends an awe-filled email, I connect with her more. She is so peaceful, even when she is losing control. She is so full of love, even when she isn't taking enough time to love herself.

My favorite thing, however, is how she never seems to drift too far. She may be gone for a second, but she will bounce back and each time, she's more happy and a little more at peace with who she is becoming. I'm no prophet or see-er. I do not know how the tides roll. I cannot determine the future, but I do know that Isabel is going to do something that changes the world and the lives of several people. I am excited to see where she ends up, so thank you sis! Thank you for being you and for spreading joy. Thank you for doing yoga and eating healthy. Thank you for sharing your bath regimen and lilac petals. Thank you for serenity and well-being. Thank you for pushing forward and keeping on. Thank you for wearing the cutest outfits and for running faster than I did in training. You motivate me and I love you to pieces. Keep being YOU!