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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

24 - Chrysula

For the month of November I’ve decided to post each day about a person or people who have influenced my life for good. There’s no way I could include each and every person in one month or even one year, and for that I hope you’ll forgive me. This year, especially, has brought an acute awareness of the kindness and generosity which surrounds me and my kids, so here’s one attempt at giving thanks.

24 – Chrysula


Beautiful name, beautiful woman.

We met in 2012 in Park City. She saw me present at a social media conference and reached out to me to ask if I’d like to participate in an upcoming campaign. I can’t imagine what would have happened had I declined.

After a few months of working together in that capacity she asked if I’d like to work with her otherwise. Again, I’m so glad we moved forward with that, and don’t know what my life would look like now if we hadn’t.

There is a power in her gentle nature, raw strength in her soft tones. She is a force that inspires, always thinking while listening to her heart.

I’ve watched Chrysula moderate panels, facilitate introductions and connections, interview individuals from around the world, and plan, organize, and run events. I’ve sat in meetings with her, and watched and listened to her speak to groups large and small.

I’ve seen her in her home with her family, as she and her husband work together in the practical operations and demands of being partners, parents, and professionals. It isn’t easy, she’s the first to say it: she has no qualms about sharing the #KeepinItReal parts of her life, which is refreshing and encouraging. She simply doesn’t do guilt.

Though I work with her professionally I’m grateful to call her friend. She has shown and given me work and opportunity which has helped me know not only what I’m capable of doing but further helped me see my potential in ways I hadn’t considered. Her example of hard work—exhausting, never ending—has also shown me the reward of its own process, an invaluable lesson.
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Quite simply, Chrysula has changed my life. She is real and honest. She is thoughtful, deliberate and encouraging, bold and plain and loving in what she conveys. I continue to learn from her, whether she’s teaching me directly or I’m watching and listening to how she interacts with others. The world – and I do mean the world—is better because of what Chrysula does with her time, energy, and resources. What a thrill to be included, even a little bit, in her realm.

Thanks, Chrysula. I love you. 

#IHaveAwesomeFriends

1 comment:

Emily said...

I adore Chrysula. She is amazing.