We all need something to believe in, or maybe better yet, someone. We undeniably have people in our lives that we admire for all they achieve and the character they hold. I guess as a 20-year-old, I've spent my life always looking up to my parents, my grandparents and my best friends.
Our closest relationships give us a glimpse into a trait we seek or admire for ourselves. But if you take a step back and look around you, take a look at who you're influencing. We all play roles in our lives whether it's being a big sister, brother, best friend, Big, G Big, you name it.
Having role models in our lives gives us direction and strength, but when you realize that you are the role model it's important to remember you're an everyday superhero and keep the following in mind:
1. Be understanding, but remember to give your opinion.
Whether you're a role model to your best friend or your younger sibling, remember to listen to them. Life's hard, and no we may not always have a helmet, but that person has you to act as one. Be the person that's all ears without judgement, but also be the person with your honest dose of reality to get their head on straight.
2. Be their biggest fan or cheerleader.
Celebrate the milestones or even the simple things that deserve recognition. Everyone needs that encouragement and love to keep them striving for their next goals. Celebrate their first soccer goal they made, the second interview they were asked back to or even finishing that paper days before it was due.
3. Remind them to set goals.
We all need a push when it comes to defining what we want for ourselves. Being a role model means not only reaching our goals, but reminding the ones around us to discover who they are and what they want. Whether it's giving our friends the extra push to discover their wanderlust abroad or telling our younger siblings to take advantage of the opportunities around them. Reminding them to follow their dreams is everything.
4. Be the helping hand or the one to lean on.
We don't know what life throws our way at times, and sometimes we need one person to be strong for us when we encounter setbacks. Being a role model is being the advice giver and the one to put it all into perspective.
5. Even when they drive you crazy, say you love them.
Those three simple words can go a long way. They might not always take your advice, get into messes, or make the mistakes that are hard to watch. Remind them you will inevitably love them through it all.
A role model is one of the hardest jobs one can take on. We aren't just paying attention to our own lives, we're also helping the ones we love around us to feel a little less alone in this big world.
