Becoming A Mentor
Most often, we think of mentors in terms of successful, professional adults taking disadvantaged youths under their wings, encouraging them to pursue higher education and attain lofty career goals. Yet, anyone, old or young, formally educated or street smart, can be a mentor. We all can, and should, be mentors and we can mentor anyone of any age, gender, race, or socio-economic background.
Simply defined, a mentor is a wise and trusted person. We all have wisdom to share and we should feel honored when someone trusts us enough to ask for our guidance. We then have the opportunity to trust in ourselves and our judgment. We come to know that we have the innate good sense to impart our life experience (no matter how long we've lived) and the knowledge we've gained to be of value and service to others. We can help someone discover themselves and their potential, show them their own brilliance, and guide them in defining and achieving any goals they may have. Mentoring allows us to expose others to new experiences and introduce them to new ideas. In turn, we discover and learn new things about ourselves.
Many of us mentor others even when we're not aware we're doing it. The grandmother who teaches a child how to knit is a mentor, for she not only teaches stitches, she passes on her knowledge of an age old craft and encourages a child to be creative. We may even think of our own children as our mentors, allowing us to view life from the beginning, bringing out our silly side, and showing us how to love unconditionally.
There are many kinds of mentors and though we may feel intimidated by the responsibility, it is a role we should embrace. We are here on earth to learn and to pass on life's lessons to others. Whether we mentor someone throughout their life with guidance and counsel or for just a moment by letting someone confide in us, we are doing a valuable service. When someone reaches out, take their hand. They are saying that they trust your wisdom.
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