Have you ever thought about the characteristics your role model possesses? A role model is someone you look up to and learn from. Someone who inspires you and dares you to dream big.
I’ve had many role models in my life, but the one I still think highly of and look up to is my grandpa Dutson. Breaking down his characteristics helped me understand what qualities he had that I looked up to. What exactly it was about him that I found so noble.
I challenge you to break down the traits your role model has. Maybe then you will realize the why behind the person. Why you look up to them. Why them and not someone else. Those will then be characteristics you can search for in a spouse, friend, and work partner.
My role models traits:
Funny: My grandpa was always so funny. In every situation, he had a joke to crack. I loved this, because I tend to be more serious. Him being around and making light any difficult situation helped me realize that it’s okay to laugh and be goofy. There’s always humor around us, sometimes we just have to search a little harder for it.
Kind: I love kind people. I love kind people because my grandpa was always kind. Seeing him always be so kind helped me see that I wanted to be just like that. I wanted to say hi to a random stranger and leave best friends. I wanted to help a person on the street and do my part in making the world a better place. I wanted to be the person that others got excited to see.
Everyone knew my grandpa. Even if they didn’t really KNOW him, they knew the kind of person he was. He was so kind to everyone he met. Always laughing and making their day a little brighter. Kindness really does make the world go round.
Sensitive: His life wasn’t perfect. I believe that because of this he had huge empathy for others. I remember the day I found out my grandpa on my moms side passed. My dad told my grandpa and I watched his face drop. I knew then that something terrible had happened. I cried the whole way home and he hugged me letting me know how sorry he was.
He always cared more about how those around him were feeling than how he was. He knew if something was wrong and did his best to make it better. Even if that was just listening and letting you talk it out. That’s such a great quality to possess, and he demonstrated it perfectly.
Patient: I can’t tell you enough how patient he was while I was growing up. Over and over he’d give the same instruction and never getting upset that he had to say it again. Patience is something I always struggle with. I think everyone does, but he was always so patient no matter the situation.
Smart: My grandpa went to college and became a teacher. He tried and never gave up. School was never easy for him, as he dropped out of high school. But, he never gave up, he always did his best.
Resilient: My grandpa had been through so much, but you could never tell. He worked hard, he loved harder and he always shared kindness. I love that quality in a man. Someone who doesn’t give up, even when it gets difficult.
He showed me what being resilient in life looks like. When challenges came my way I could almost hear him say, “keep going! You’re almost there!”
Love: I have always loved being surrounded by people who love hard. People who never make you question their love for you. That was the kind of person my grandpa was. He loved BIG!
Because of the kind of love he showed my growing up, I’m able to love those around me in the same way. I love big just like he had showed me. Even if someone hurt me, I learned from him to forgive and focus on the love I had for them.
This mentality has gotten me far in life. And has given me some of the best friendships I could ask for. When you give love, you get love in return.
What are some of the characteristics your role model has?
Are they; loyal, sincer, generous, devoted, peaceful, faithful, adventurous, optimistic, fair, proactive, enthusiastic, ambitious, affectionate, lively, strong, brave, tough, reliable?
These are all great qualities to have and most your role model has, I’m sure.
Even though my grandpa is in heaven, I still let him influence impact me for good. I still look up to him and the man he was. I still try my best to make him proud. Heaven is no barrier to the best role models.
All my love,
Talesha