How Will You Start This New Week? Who Influenced You?

Each of you have someone in your life that was influential in molding, growing, and leading you to be the man or woman you are today. For some, this process was positive with a multitude of happy memories, with learning curves along the way. Then there are those who read this and shake their heads because the person most influential in their life didn't express love and concern in healthy or productive ways. I'm thankful to have positive and happy memories.

Were all the lessons easy? Of course not. There were times I required stern discipline and guidance. Our parents, or the adults raising us, do their best, with the resources they have to grow and mold us into the individuals they believe we should be after graduation. I'm thankful for having handfuls of adults investing in my life, and that of my sister and cousins. While each of our parents had different styles and rules, the lessons taught and learned while at my Gram's created a common bond.

It's the mixture of all these wise people, with their different ways of expressing love and direction, that are responsible for the crazy way my brain thinks at times. This is something I'm thankful for. As a child, and especially a teen, I didn't celebrate or have feelings of thanksgiving after being disciplined because I broke the rules BUT today, these are some of the moments I'm most thankful for. My parents saved us from traveling down the wrong road and to put others first. 

My list of naughties isn't too exciting in comparison to some of the things I hear today, but for me, and the times I grew up in, they were troublesome. One time, instead of going to the movies, I crossed Bridge Street in Oswego to get pizza at Cam's. After getting caught, reviewing the reasons for the rule, and stacking wood for a week after school...I realized the rules aren't meant to restrict us...they help to keep us safe. Would I cross Bridge Street again to get the pizza? Probably, but I'd use my allowance to buy gloves for stacking the woods while out. The lesson I did learn that day, my parents and family in general disciplined us because they loved us that much. Love is an amazing bond and foundation. 

As you start this work week, who was influential in making you the man/woman you are today? Why this person? Is there one instance you can share?