Role models inspire us to be the person we want to be!
When I was a little girl, I grew up with one television. It was a big brown box which took a prime position in our living room. There was a huge antenna which came out of the back. When the reception was interrupted, I would dance around the room with the antenna in my hand waiting to get a clear picture. Often someone would shout “that’s it, don’t move”!! I would find myself standing there with an arm in the air and balancing on one leg. Ah the good old days! LOL
Back in those days, we had four channels of TV. Basically, you watched what was on and that was that! We did not have the array of choices which we are blessed with today. Today, we are immersed in channels, choices and role models. We don’t even need the TV, they are all over social media.
When I reflect and think about who my role model was, there is only one person who comes to mind, my mum! She was the only woman who had an influence on me, oh and Kylie Minogue! How could I forget her!! LOL
Kylie was on one of the few programmes I watched on TV, you know the one – “Neighbours”!
My mum served me as my role model, she was inspiring, courageous, positive and strong. She found strength even on difficult days to show up for us. It was through her that I learned how to be resilient, determined and hopeful. She encouraged me to dream and aspire to do good in the world. It was through her that I learnt compassion, empathy and developed a passion to serve.
Role models play a role in your life, they influence you to be just like them more often than not, they inspire and guide you in a positive way! Just as Kylie inspired me to sing!
However not all role models have a positive impact. Role models also make mistakes. Unfortunately, these mistakes are documented across social media and no longer on just four channels of an old TV.
It is therefore important for you to ask your children who they admire and why? Try to find out their thought process and what the reason is behind their choice to “follow” a certain person. Ask them why they enjoy watching non stop episodes of a Youtube channel?
Now that social media is accessible to every child on the planet, it is important to be mindful of who is influencing them. Kids are like sponges and you want them to absorb information which promotes a healthier mindset and mental wellbeing.
Here are some positive qualities of a role model which have been shared through stories and experiences:
- Showing up with passion and dedication
- Those who stand by their values and beliefs
- Individuals who show commitment and loyalty
- Someone who is selfless
- Someone who has faced their fears or overcome adversity
- Someone who has been resilient
- Someone who promotes a better world and kindness
- Someone who has faith and hope.
A role model could be a member of the family, a neighbour, a teacher, a parent, a stranger, a superhero or a character in a children’s book. It really doesn’t matter who they are, as long as the message they send is one of positivity and the greater good!
Be a role model for someone to make this world a little better than it is today!
