Gratitude Journal no. 7
/If you’re new here
I decided to challenge myself to publish my personal writing more. From pausing to deliberately reflect to getting more disciplined about creating for myself, I jumped into this goal. For a little more on this journey, check out my first public Gratitude Journal entry.
January 28, 2024
I am thankful for…
1. Mentors.
Mentors made and make me.
There are so many people in my life who have mentored me in different ways. School mentors, career, mentors, peer mentors, the people I have mentored.
They have all influenced in shaped how I think and approach life today.
Sometimes it was hearing or seeing something that I didn’t want to that helped me better understand what I did need. Other times it was helping someone by sharing my own experience, skills, and knowledge.
Mentoring is being human. As much as we think, or want to think, that there’s a playbook for this all, there’s not. And even with all the books that have been written, and generations that have lived, there’s no better way to transfer for knowledge between two people than a strong relationship where one person is informing another or both are informing each other. There is trust. Love. Respect. Truth.
2. For those who mentored me in my career. Whether it was developing a specific skill, like forming strong relationships with student, “seeding” students with knowledge before the class, negotiating for a raise, or dealing with work place politics.
3. For those who mentored me when young. The world is hard and we put way too much responsibility on individuals and parents to navigate “young adult” challenges that have traditionally been supported by more than just those at home. Coaches, grandparents, teachers, peers, and adults who volunteered for programs - these people gave me wisdom and perspective. They helped me to see the big picture of my future when it was much easier to focus on the minute details of the moment. I’m thankful for those people who take on the task of mentoring people who are just getting started on their own.