Kindred Spirits

I've never used this term before but I came across it recently while blogging. It has been lingering in my mind and I found that one definition of a kindred spirit is an "individual with the same beliefs, attitudes or feelings as oneself". My husband is definitely a kindred spirit and my soul mate. The interesting thing is that most people think we are completely opposite. He's quite a bit older than I am, he's much more outgoing, I'm quieter than he is and I don't express my opinions like he does. Before meeting each other, we lived such different lives. Yet, we connect on a level that I never thought possible.

The love I have for my husband is both simple and complex. In the simplest terms, I love him because he is his own person. He is honest, direct, humorous, intelligent and hard working. He is also protective, creative and strong. I love that anyone he comes in contact with sees these aspects of himself. He cannot hide them - this is who he is. What I love even more are the characteristics that aren't so obvious to others: his vulnerability, compassion, beauty, faith in God, ambition and insight into others.

He knows how to both relieve my anxiety and push me to get out of my comfort zone. Though I may get frustrated when feeling pushed, I love him for having confidence in me and pointing out the strengths that I don't always know are there. He sees parts of me that I don't. We are similar yet so different. He knows me: what I am capable of, what my limits are, why I disengage, when I need to be inspired and when I need to do things on my own. I could not have made it through my graduate program without him. He supported me when I felt incompetent and gave me space when I needed to work in silence. Knowing that he was my sole supporter at my graduation ceremony was the epitome of our life together: it was just he and I - everything that really matters. He is my one true kindred spirit.

I dedicated my graduate portfolio to my husband and included this poem:

My husband, my future

The person who inspires me to make my dreams come true

And does not let me give up.

He who teaches me how to be courageous and fully embrace life.

When I think of my husband and the life that he lives,

I am reminded of the power I have to create my own possibilities. 

My husband’s contribution to my leadership capacity was

fostering my inner strength and creativity.