Role Models

I think one of the most important things in life is to have someone, or multiple people, that we can look up to and strive to model our lives in their example. Role models give us something to aspire to, they show us a path in life that we can follow that will lead us to success. I have many role models; my parents, my grandparents, the man who taught me how to play guitar, and many family friends that have been there for me through some very trying times. My step father is a big role model for me. After my fathers death, my family was in a pretty bad place but then he came around and really helped us recover. He took me in as one of his own, put me through school, and helped mold me into the man I am today. He taught me values and principles that I will always hold dear to my heart. My mother is another one of my role models. She is one of the most resilient people I have ever met. She has endured many hardships in her life but she never let them keep her down for long. She has always pressed forward and even though her and I are in a bit of a rough patch in our relationship, I still look up to her. One of the most prominent role models in my life was my grandfather. He died just last year and it absolutely shook my world. He taught me so much about being a man. He taught me to be kind, he taught me to be persistent, and he taught me how far small acts of kindness can really go. My aunts and uncles are also very much role models to me. I've always aspired to espouse the intellect, sense of humor, and sense of community that I feel whenever I'm in their presence. I'm incredibly blessed to have so many people that I can model my life after. I've encountered so many fantastic individuals that have given me ample example of the correct paths to take in my life to lead me to success. Unfortunately, I haven't always followed in my role models examples. I've made mistakes, I've ignored their advice, and often times I would display the exact opposite of the values that they have all tried so hard to instill in me throughout the course of my life. However, I try to remind myself as much as I can that I'm only human and that mistakes are inevitable. I've said it before and I'll say it again; the only true mistakes are the ones you don't learn from. It can't be stressed enough how important it is to have people in your life that you can look up to and admire. To have people that will do their utmost to help you walk a path that will lead you to the higher quality of life that they have come to live. Learning and growing from the experiences of others is one of the best way to move your life forward in a positive direction. That's one of the most important lessons I've learned in my life.