I don't believe that people who do bad things are always consciously aware of what they are doing. I'm not talking about criminal behavior, I'm talking about the day-to-day not-niceties that people inflict on each other.
Part of my life's philosophy includes the notion, "You can't blame a dog for being a dog." Kids generally goof up until they're taught proper social behavior; a poorly timed burp might require some manners updates, and now the kid knows it's not acceptable to let fly at will.
We receive guidance from the day we're born, at home (at least if the parents have any sense at all, a huge assumption to make these days), in school, etc. But there isn't always a rulebook for adult social behavior. We take our cues from those we admire, or want to emulate.
There are a couple of people from whom I receive good tips for different aspects of my life. I've always been big on trying to be respectful, but there were a few things I did, ideas I had, that weren't exactly on target until I heard stories from these people in which something upset them. I would think to myself, "Wow, I did that once," or "Oh man, you mean that's wrong?" Behavior that I thought was very polite was in actuality quite the opposite.
In two instances, I've cited lessons I was "taught" by the words written by these people I consider role models, and was met with odd looks. The thing I'm curious about is this: Do any other grown-ups out there still have role models they look up to? I know I do, and I try to "behave" because I know these folks wouldn't approve if I didn't; in other words, I try to live up to the standards they set because I believe I'm a better person for it.
What's your take? Do you have role models still?
Unfortunately my biggest role model has passed away. That was my mom. She had this kind gentle quiet way about her. When she passed is when I learned how many people she truly had impacted and many I was unaware of the things she had done. To this day, she remains my role model. :-)
ReplyDeleteMonica
Absolutely. I think role models come in all shapes and sizes. You're never to old to have a role model or someone you admire. Sometimes I think that's one of life's greatest treasures: People that have an impact on our own lives.
ReplyDeleteOh, definitely my folks. They're the kind of people who are so friendly and outgoing, and just make you feel good by being around them. They are in their 80's, but they have people coming to visit who are younger than I am (46)! No matter how old I get, and even when they're gone, their lessons will be a part of me.
ReplyDeleteBeth
I think it's a great thing to have a role model. I have several, who each possess one attribute or another that I want to have eventually. I aspire to be classy, friendly, warm, spiritual, balanced, organized, and an easy-going mama. Thus I need several role models!
ReplyDeleteI did! My father!
ReplyDeleteThe way the man lived his life and his views on society were those of a very smart man!
My dad has since passed away, but i do continue to live my life the way he lived his, I try to think of him in everything I do.
Role models are important and I have a few I think of when situations arise and I am not quite sure how to handle. I think each part of your life cycle there are people that you can learn from.
ReplyDeleteAdults need role models as much as children do. I believe this very much so. You have your own identity, but I need guidance and validity.
ReplyDeleteMy parents, especially my dad.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm okay with it. :)
XOXO
My main role model was my dad, but he passed in 1990. Now, it would be Beth's dad, who retired when he was 55, and has lived a blessed life with his wife since then :o)
ReplyDeleteI have role models for sure, but what I struggle with a little bit is the difference between a role model/someone with qualities I want to adopt, and someone who has differences I admire but that wouldn't necessarily make me a better person if I tried to adopt them. Does that make any sense? So while I can find something admirable in everyone I've ever met, I have a hard time figuring out whether I should try to adopt their admirable characteristics or if our differences are both good. I guess that's one of the lessons I hope to one day learn from life, knowing when to be humble and recognize a need to change and when to recognize my own self worth different as it may be from someone else.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I should also let you know, my "Women Doing More" blog is slowly dying, I think. I love the idea, but it's a lot more work than I anticipated with a lot less impact than I had hoped it might have. So be it. I'll probably keep posting on occasion when I find something really great, but if and when you feel like taking my button down, I promise I won't be offended :)
I have a few role models...some are still here and some have passed on...but I still try to make them proud of me....now I wish that I could make ME proud of me.
ReplyDeletelove ya,
carlene
I have all kinds of role models and they constantly change and I am always on the look out for new ones. You never know when you can learn something from somebody!
ReplyDeletexx
lyb!