An Ode to Lisa (aka My Partner) on Her Birthday

A virtual shoutout to my wife for being the most amazing, kind, caring, supportive, understanding, and all-around wonderful person I know.

Hello and welcome, treasured one—

Today is Lisa’s birthday! So, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate her. Both because I’m her biggest fan, and because: Don’t we all want, and deserve, to be celebrated sometimes? So, in honor of Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger’s 1999 teenage romcom classic, 10 Things I Hate About You, I thought I’d share with you 10 Things That Make Lisa Awesome (aka 10 Reasons Why Lisa is the Best Person Since Jesus).

#1 She puts people first. Lisa is amazing at her job for a variety of reasons. The primary one, though, is because she genuinely shows the person in “front” of her, that she cares for them. And this goes beyond her job to every aspect of her life. Whether it’s someone she’s talking to in person, conversing with on the phone, texting with, emailing, or _____, she lets that person know: They matter to her, she has their back, and she’s a safe space.

#2 Her kindness. If kindness was water, I don’t think the Pacific Ocean would be big enough to hold Lisa’s. She is generous with her time, finances, and energy. I swear her brain is constantly thinking: How can I bless this person? She is mindful and demur that way. ;)

#3 Her commitment to healing and growth. While my love’s story is not mine to share here, I will say: She has overcome A LOT! The healing Lisa’s done is incredible. The ways she continues to purposefully become a better version of herself, is inspiring. She is a masterpiece in motion.

#4 Her hospitality. If being warm and welcoming was a superpower, Lisa would be Supergirl. Whenever we have people over, she treats them like royalty. Not only does she create a friendly space, she thoughtfully attends to the needs and wants of others. What is more, it seems she does so as naturally as breathing.

#5 Her playfulness. Lisa has a slumber party vibe about her. A lighthearted spirit that says: Lets have fun, be a bit silly (or more), laugh, and have a good time. One of the little things I like the most about us, is the way we playfully tease each other.

#6 Her spirit for adventure, and zest for life. Yes, I know that’s technically two things. But this is my list, and I get to make the rules! LOL Seriously, though, while I originally had them listed separately, I realized they’re communicating the same thing about her. For the next 3-5 years, we get to live in Sicily and Scotland, because Lisa loves to travel, explore, and try new things. She’s courageously curious like that, and wants to live life to the fullest! Whether she’s looking up new places to visit, dishes to make, experiences to try, or _____, Lisa is like a treasure hunter for adventure. It’s a blast, and definitely helps stop us from getting stuck in any ruts.

#7 Her big heart. One of the most beautiful things about Lisa is how much she cries. Her tears are basically liquid manifestations of her compassion for others, and herself. You know the annual Fourth of July hotdog eating contest? If there was an Olympic event for how many people a person could hold in their heart, Lisa would win the gold. She deeply desires the best for others, and does her best to help that happen.

#8 Her positive attitude. As you might imagine, having a big heart isn’t always rainbows and unicorns. Lisa is sensitive, and feels deeply. In other words: She is acutely aware of her pain, the hurts of others, and the wrongs in the world. While this could easily drag her down, she balances this darkness with the lightness of positivity. Lisa realizes there are is an abundance of things to be grateful for, spreading kindness brings joy, beauty and goodness lay all around us, and seeing and looking for the bright side of an experience, brings brightness to the experience.

#9 She sees and hears others well. Living in Europe, means we’re an ocean away from nearly everyone near and dear to us. I mention this because Lisa, and a few of her closest peeps, send each other Marco Polo videos all the time. They share all the things going on in their lives—from highs to lows—with each other. Time-and-time again, her friends and family express to Lisa what a gift it is to be seen, heard, and understood so well by her. She does this all the time.

#10 Her love, care, and support for others. Because of an freak accident that should have killed me, I am disabled and can’t drive (you can click the link to read about it). I mention that because Lisa not only does all the driving for us, but goes out of her way to drive me to and from appointments and such—without giving it a second thought. What is more, I’m nearing the end of a strenuous 4+ year process of getting a doctorate, and certifications in life coaching and soul care, through which she’s been a rockstar of support. I literally couldn’t have done it without her help and encouragement. And, in big and small ways, she is like that with all her peeps. What I’m saying is: Lisa, you’re the best! Happy birthday my love!

Hugs & Love,

Lang (aka “Dr. Love”)