There are not many people who find themselves on this list. Well, in the sense that I intend to outline. These people I admire and ask for advice because they are personally connected to me.

As a business student, I have sought wisdom. I have looked for sage advice in the words shared by prominent people in the field. They are not personal connections, though.

I feel this response should be personal.

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I celebrate these people because they are the true rock stars. They offer more than their presence. I don’t know what I would have done without them in my life at some point or now.

Let’s begin:

1. My life partner, Ed.

This man has changed my life in many ways. He isn’t perfect, but he took a chance on a broken woman. He also saw my growth potential. He saw things that I did not see in myself. Then he encouraged me to discover them.

Over the past six years, things have not been perfect. We have had rough patches and smooth sailing. Isn’t that every relationship? He is also my go-to when I need better insight into standing my ground in certain situations.

He understands what it is like to be a doormat for the world. He also encourages me to stand firm and respect my needs.

2. My daughter, Aubree.

My daughter grew up to be strong and wise at just 20 years old. I am proud of her. When she was younger, I was struggling to learn emotional regulation. I didn’t want to be angry all the time and take it out on her. I had picked up this habit from my mom and her eternal rage.

As sad as I am about how much I struggled in front of her, she has amazing emotional awareness. I don’t see it in young adults like I do her. She also had a moral compass that, while not always agreeing, is as strong as mine.

I will ask her perspective on things where I need my type of mindset from the outside. Things can feel foggy when you’re in it. I gain from her being on the outside of situations, but using the same non-linear approach.

3. My best friend, Jessica.

This woman just gets it. We have similar struggles. She is also very good at solving problems and learning the skills she needs to help boost her emotional well-being. We discuss mental health a lot. When one of us struggles, we know the other is there.

Let’s just say there are many good reasons why she is my best friend.

4. My mother, Raymona.

Named for her father, with a female twist, my mother had plenty of struggles. Rather than recount her imperfections, I will note that she was the one person who understood my thinking patterns. She also helped open my eyes to the true nature of generosity and altruism.

She was seriously jaded by the world, and appeared to not care. The truth is, she cared too much. She had decided before she passed that the world was unkind and she wasn’t going to give kindness anymore. She shut people out with a hard wall. Only when they went above and beyond did she see that their intentions were good.

One of the best pieces of advice she ever shared is a life lesson most never learn. She taught me, “You give because you want to, not because you expect something in return.” This stuck with me. When I felt irritated because someone I helped would snub me in return, I remembered these words.

I’d remember that my intent was to help them up, not to collect favors. What I did was good, and I can let the lessons I learn guide our future interactions.

Give without expectation.

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So, there you go. The people, then and now, who aided me with their wise words.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? I’d love to hear your thoughts!