Role Models

I believe that everyone has an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner in which we want the world to behave in, to be role models to our up and coming future adults.

If each person on this earth took seriously the fact that their behavior not only effects themselves but everyone around them, maybe more people would be more prudent in their actions.

I am hoping that mothers and fathers really take this to heart. The way we raise our children will very much influence our own futures. If we are role models of goodness and kindness to our children, then they will be more likely to be that way as adults too.

I know that it is important for people around me to see me in a very positive light. So I act accordingly. I am polite and cheerful and helpful and I have taught my children that and my daughter is teaching her children that. I have received many compliments on my children. Of that I am very proud and do not mind tooting my own horn here. I am proud that my children have developed into people to be proud of and someone I can boast about.

One very important lesson I believe that always needs to be taught, and parents as role models for our children we need to practice this also, is acceptance of others even, or should I say especially, when they are different than ourselves. Every person on this earth has something to contribute.

Hopefully it will be something positive and we can take that behavior unto ourselves. But even if they do something bad, we can look at that and see that it is bad and make a conscious decision to never do that behavior.

People who set themselves up as role models, people who are in the public eye, whether that is what they intended or not have to be aware that children of all ages are watching them. Children are so impressionable and I have seen evidence of many that are not being taught the proper behaviors that will get them further in their lives. That is heartbreaking to me. Then again, I see one young man, probably 15 or so, pull over his bike off the sidewalk so myself and my friend can walk by and he said excuse me and even told his younger friend behind him to say excuse me. I am very proud of that young man and have great confidence in his future.

The children are our future and I for one want a good, kind, fulfilling future, not one of anger and hurt and hate. Take the time to examine what people see when they look at you. And here is a good spot to put in the Golden Rule - treat others as you want to be treated. So when you do something, ask yourself, would I mind someone treating me this way? If the answer is yes, then stop.

Everyone has someone looking up to them, teachers have students, mom and dad's have children, bosses have their employees, the United States has its president, even a stranger walking down the street can influence you. So we need to always be in Positive Role Model mode.

Take a moment and make a list of who your favorite role models are. Are they good and giving and caring? If not, change role models, quickly. There are many good people in this world. We see a lot of them in the news. But a lot of them are what is called unsung heros. And if you have an unsung hero in your neighborhood, take a moment and thank them for being a good role model. Tell your teacher you appreciate her extra time with you, tell your mom and/or dad, thanks for the hard lessons they take the time to teach you. Thank your older brother/sister for showing you a good and proper path to follow in.

Maybe you started out being a good role model, but no one noticed, or said 'good job' or really anything. But know that isn't why you do it, your greatest reward will be being able to go to sleep at night knowing you did your best to make our world a better place and you are passing on what you have learned in your life so that those coming behind you can make better lives for us all.