Have you ever met someone who was just different from other people?

…Someone who went the extra mile to make you feel loved, understood, and appreciated?

…Someone who believed in you even when no one else would? Someone who lived with persistence and grit, no matter what was going on?

I knew someone like that. Her name was Stella Bafitis and she was more of a mother to me than my own mother ever was.

Those of you who have been connected with me for some time have probably heard about Stella and the major impact she has had on my life, and still has on my life to this day.

She was someone who lived an unapologetically free and full life, and gave space for others to do the same.

Here is a photo of Stella and myself at a dinner party from a few years back, before she passed away in 2019.

She lived until the age of 98 and to say she left a legacy is an understatement.

And her legacy lives on in powerful and unique ways… one of which I would love to share with you today.

As many of you know, a couple of weeks ago, Holly and I drove to Miami to pick up a new boxer puppy.

Before we left, we brainstormed some ideas for names.

At that point, we’d already met the sweet pup one time in person; we knew we needed to pick a girl’s name, and we wanted one that would suit her; one that would mean something.

It wasn’t long before the name "Stella" popped into my head. Immediately, Holly agreed that it was the perfect name.

…And the perfect name it was indeed.

Not only is she an adorable bundle of joy, but her entire demeanor is one that is full of love and, might I say, an incredible streak of stubbornness - but I prefer to see it as persistence.

…So much so that she is a beautiful reminder of the love and joy that Stella Bafitis brought to our life.

Stella Bafitis’ legacy lives on in our hearts and extends out even to the hearts of those who have never met her.

I’ve had people reach out to me after hearing about the impact Stella had on my life, sharing how touched they are.

She truly lived a legacy and lives a legacy to this day in our sweet puppy.

… This brings me to an important question: have you thought about your legacy?

Have you thought about what you want to be remembered for?

Stella is remembered for her loving and nurturing spirit, for the wisdom she passed down, and for the free and full life she led.

She spoke 5 foreign languages, made multiple international moves (to do what was best for her and her family), and was constantly looking for opportunities to help those she cared about the most to live a more fulfilling life.

Part of me living out the values Stella represented involves surrounding myself with people who are living those very values out as well…

This is what the Empowered Living Community is all about: raising our level of awareness, forming new ideas and concepts that allow us to grow, supporting each other, and living life together.

Allow the Empowered Living Community to fill your cup; to fill your soul. Just like Stella has done for me time and time again.

Whether you’re new to the community or are in some need to have your cup filled, I’d like to invite you to join me this Saturday on the Empowered Living Show at 9:30 am (ET) for a time of connection and growth.

>> www.facebook.com/empoweredlivingcommunity

I’ll see you then!

And please allow the story of the 2 Stella’s to make you think about what you want to be remembered for. Spend some time in reflection this week doing just that.

P.S. If you think Stella is cute, just wait... our family isn't done growing yet.