Mentors

There are a small number of men who have made a tremendous impact on my life by mentoring me when I really needed it. I vividly recall them as they helped me and guided me through important parts of my life.

Sometimes, that mentor was my father; however, more often than not it was someone else.

Many times we are mentoring others and may not even realize it. At other times, there is a conscious decision to be a mentor or receive mentoring. I've found myself in both places lately and I'm really getting much from the experiences.

One of the lessons I learned while growing up is the importance of being independent. Independence is a great quality; however, like many qualities, it can be misconstrued and taken to excess. In me this usually takes of the form of refusing to ask for help. Mentoring and being mentored is a great way to ask for help. I'm learning that independence and mentoring go hand in hand.

Asking for help doesn't always mean asking. Lately I've experienced help just arriving - actually before I knew I needed help. For me this help arrived in the form of two relationships - one established and one new. I'm more in the role of mentor in one of these relationships and more in the role of person being mentored in the other. Yet the roles aren't always clear. One moment I think I'm mentoring and as I'm speaking or listening I realize that there are lessons in the exchange for me.

I'm learning that mentoring isn't just for those earlier on their path of life - this process is useful for just about anyone. I'm learning that I don't have to have all the answers; actually, it's more responsibility than I want to have to have all the answers. I'm quite happy having just some of the answers.

I'm learning how to ask for and receive help. I'm learning how to let others know what's really going on. Most importantly, I'm learning how to be both independent and dependent at the same time.

Seek out those you trust as mentors. Be bold and say that you don't have all the answers. At the same time recognize that you do have some of the answers and someone else may be seeking the answer you do know!

Mindful Self Loving

Mindful Self Loving is taking a short hiatus for the Holidays. We'll be back on January 16, 2012.

Have A Joyous Holiday

I will be away visiting my family from December 21 and returning on December 26. I will be available during regular hours from December 27 through December 31.

As 2011 draws to a close. I am grateful for the many who have blessed me during the year. I would like to wish you a Holiday Season filled with joy and peace and a wonderful new year!

Ed