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Be The Adult That The 10-Year-Old You Needed

Or at least see yourself as the hero you once imagined you would be.

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father and son riding on bikes
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Be the adult that 10-year-old you needed. Be the role model you always wanted but never had. Or be the role model you once had, but better.

I can distinctly remember the adults that shaped my life and my who I am as a person, for better or for worse. Some were teachers, others coaches. I had a variety of cousins, aunts and uncles I looked up to, as well as my parents.

If you are a teacher, be the teacher that walks into their job smiling, regardless of what the past day held for you. Be the teacher that encourages your students. Be the teacher that inspires your students to want to do their best.

If you are a music and arts teacher, cultivate your students' creativity. Let your students see your creative side. Do whatever you can to discourage the idea that some are inherently creative while others are not. Show your students that each and every one of them has an "artsy" bone in them, no matter the mode in which it is released.

If you are a coach, be the coach that knows how to coach and not just how to yell. Be the coach that gives everyone a fair chance while also encouraging a healthy competitive spirit among your athletes. Be the coach that teaches your athletes the importance of hard work. Most importantly, be the coach that lets their athletes fail; do not encourage the "participation trophy" spirit and belief.

If you are a celebrity, use your influence for the good. Do not promote unhealthy lifestyle habits. Foster and develop healthy relationships for all your adoring little fans to look up to.

If you are an aunt or uncle, be the aunt or uncle you wish you had. Be that "fun" relative who is quick to hug the second they see the kids and even quicker to sneak them an extra treat. Never forget your nieces' and nephews' birthdays.

If you are a parent, do not forget that. Above all, you are a parent. Never neglect your kid(s). Do whatever you can to give them the best life possible. Always hug and kiss good morning and good night. Aspire to be a better parent than your parents were, in any possible way.

You may not realize it, but you significantly impact each and every person you come in contact with. If we all lived as the adults our 10-year-old selves needed, the world would be a much better place. Better yet, if we were the adults that our 10-year-old selves once imagined we'd be, we would shape today's youth in unprecedented ways.

On days where it may seem like you are failing to succeed in this "adult" world, think about the role models you had as a child. Put yourself in their shoes and try to imagine the struggles they went through. And then think about the profound effect they had on your life regardless of all of that. If you're being the adult 10-year-old you needed in one way or another, then I think you could say you're doing just fine.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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