There comes a time for everyone when someone comes into their life that changes how they view everything. Some burn us, wear us down, and make it nearly impossible to continue on with the same spirit they once had. But some make you feel like you can take on the world, simply because they are in yours. An overwhelming sense of "I can do this" and "I can't believe I'm doing this" that doesn't weigh you down, but lifts you up. Sometimes it's a child, a friend, a boyfriend/girlfriend, or one of those not-really-because-I-don't-believe-in-them chance encounters with someone. Maybe it was just a face of an orphan you saw on television or the homeless person you pass everyday on your way to work. Maybe you haven't even met this person yet, but you want to do it for them, because you know they'll deserve this better version of you.

I think, for me, it's the people who don't realize the effect they have your life. Those people who can say one thing and completely change everything you thought about it. The ones whose very presence in your life causes an emotional tidal wave. The ones who can make you happy and sad, angry and excited, or nervous and secure, all at the same time. But it's a good thing!

• The parents that listen to the same stories and list of problems a millions times and have a different piece of advice every time.
• The friends that can make you laugh 'til you pee, but hold you when you cry.
• The siblings that are more than just siblings, but best friends.
• The teachers who still make your day when you think about what they taught you when they weren't teaching.

All of these people, regardless of their importance in your life at this present moment, have made you who you are. You're a stronger, more determined individual because of their influence in your life. You are braver.

To those people who have made me want to be a better person, wherever you are now, all I can say is thank you. You have blessed my life more than you'll ever know.

The gate is wide, the road is paved in moderation.
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in.
Welcome to the middle ground,
It's safe and sound and until now, it's where I've been.

'Cause it's been fear that ties me down to everything.

But it's been love, Your love, that cuts the strings.

So long, status quo, I think I've just let go.
You make me wanna be brave.
The way it always was is no longer good enough.
You make me wanna be brave.

I am small and I speak when I'm spoken to, but I am willing to risk it all.

I say Your name, just Your name, and I'm ready to jump, even ready to fall.

Why did I take this vow of compromise?
Why did I try to keep it all inside?

I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame.
Every storm will start with just a drop of rain.
But if you believe in me, that changes everything.