Fine, I admit it. I enjoy "American Idol." It's fun for me, and I'm routinely astonished by talent and horrified by a delusional lack of it. I know, I know, a lot of it is in the editing.
So who's your idol and why? Is it a career mentor, a parent, a friend? Is it his/her talent, drive, honesty, accomplishments?
I admire my mother for a lot of reasons. She's independent, bullheaded, and has never really seemed to care what other people think about her. When they returned from their honeymoon (they married a month after she graduated from high school at 17), there was a draft notice waiting for Dad. So he enlisted in the Navy, and mom (at 17!) packed up and moved to California, where he was stationed, got a job, went on game shows (and won!), and experienced life on her own.
In a male-dominated field, she rose higher than any other women at the company and higher than most of the men. She's very smart, and doesn't try to hide it. Even though she could have played up the helpless woman angle, she always wore very professional, conservative suits and comported herself as a professional--not as "one of the boys." Everyone she works with I've met mentions how much they respect her.
Sometimes, she gets on my nerves, but I could do FAR worse than being like my mom when I "grow up."
Challenge Goals: *10 minutes of unplanned exercise five times a week *Gym time twice a week *Socialize at least once every two weeks.
I've been pondering this for much of the afternoon. I can't think of just one person who influenced me, who I would consider an idol. I've learned so many things from so many different people, whether they are still part of my life or not.
I guess the person who forced me to stretch the most is my mom. For all the negativeness in our relationship, I've had to learn to stand on my own and not care what people think of the choices that I make.
Sometimes I make her sound like she's a terrible mom. But I think she's really just totally unhappy, and much of it was her own doing, by choices she made and didn't make. I can only guess how much she regrets in life (and I know she has to, considering the number of things that I regret and I'm 24 years younger).
I am also grateful for the other moms I have in my life. (I can count 3 off the top of my head.) They've been really positive influences when I really needed them.
Life is like a roller coaster, with lots of ups and downs, but the curves, spirals, loops and corkscrews are what make life interesting.
I agree with Sandy, I don't have just one idol, I admire people for many reasons. They have to be honest, first and foremost. They have to have integrity, in standing up for what they believe, whether I agree or not. Their purpose in life is important to me, whether it's to pick up their own trash, help kids, better themselves or be the people whom God intended them to be. Of course there are other qualities, but these to me are among the most important. The one person that I am currently admiring right now, is Elizabeth Edwards. In the face of cancer, she is looking for a positive way to deal with life, her family, and her illness. I admire people who have that strength...I do not. But I am learning from people like her.
Summer Challenge Goals:
1. Get out of the house and in the pool four days a week. 2. Schedule meals a week at a time. 3. five fruits and vegetables a day, along with water.
Posts: 3437 | Location: Central USA | Registered: March 11, 2004
My friend Vicky. She turned the tragic drowning of her 5 year old son into a new career in bereavement counseling. She was my guardian angel after Colin died and her strength, courage, humor and amazing outlook on life was truly inspiring.
Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.
I just wrote a piece for a writing contest about my Teaching Mentor's mother. Kathy was the teacher I student taught with. We were contemporaries and became fast friends. When we moved to central Ohio, I kept up on my quarterly visits to my dermatologist. I turned an overnight trip into keeping up with my girlfriend's and stayed chez Kathy.
Two months after our "tenth anniversary" Kathy and her sister were killed in a traffic accident (the other driver ran a red light).
I had met Ada, Kathy's mother on previous occasions - she sometimes accompanied Kathy when we'd rendezvous halfway between our homes. Since the accident, I have stayed in touch with Ada.
After, 3-1/2 years I still find it mindboggling that Ada has forgiven the other driver. Her faith knows her daughters (her only children) are in a better place and watching out for her. She also expresses concern for the other driver and prays for him; acknowledging he will be haunted by this day for the rest of his life.
I have many models for different aspects of my life I could choose, but Ada reallly is the ultimate model.
I don't really have a single idol. I admire and emulate qualities form many different people. Lately I have been appreciating the older women in my life who seem to be able to deal with so many things with grace and dignity.
My idol would be my Aunt Sandy. She is an amazing woman. She went from being a secretary at a bank to the next step below the president of the same bank. She is accomplished not only in her career but in her life as a wife, mother, and friend. She is still very much in love with her husband, after almost 40 years of marriage. She is very strong in her faith in God, she is genuinely a good-hearted person. Even in the face of great stress and grief, she can really hold it together. I am always in awe of how poised and professional she can be at times but knowing that there is a very warm caring heart inside.
Jill
Summer Challenge Goals: 1) Walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week 2) Plan weekly menus
