WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS?

Someone once asked me who my role models were, and to be honest, I had a hard time answering.

I couldn’t think of very many famous people of my generation who I aspire to be like.

I struggled with answering this question because, to me, a role model doesn`t necessarily mean a famous person. Fame doesn’t equal success. There are many successful individuals who aren’t famous. Life lessons can be learned from anyone.

I have had encounters with some famous people who I looked up to when I was a child, but when I met them in person years later, they were unfriendly and standoffish.

As a result, I lost respect for them; the public image they portrayed masked the real version of themselves.

Like them,

I had been masking my personal struggles with body-image, self-esteem, and bullying, and I didn’t have the strength to share this with others.

I was ashamed of my obstacles and thought I was the only one struggling with these issues.

I was too focused on being the perfect version of myself and forgot that perfection doesn’t exist.

Years later, I would discover that many of my friends went through similar struggles but no one spoke up and shared their stories.

It takes courage to speak up and share your inner voice.

For many years, I didn’t have the inner strength to do so.

My soul craved a role model who shared their journey and was not focused on the superficial aspects of life.

Someone to tell me I wasn’t alone on my walk.

I was searching for role models who embraced their imperfections and were comfortable enough to be vulnerable with others. However, at the time, there weren’t many who did.

I needed others to look up to who not only shared their successes but how they overcame their struggles as well. At that point in my journey, having someone who had already gone through obstacles and persevered would have been a source of hope on a darkened path.

You never know who is looking up to you and could benefit from hearing your story.

I have only, for a very short period of time in my life, (one where I don’t remember) not had important people who were younger than me to look out for. I have never had it any other way, so I don’t really know how NOT to think of others.

As an eldest child, you are a leader and teach by example as your younger siblings are always watching and learning from you (either what to do or what not to do).

If you have arrived at a successful point in your life, you should remember your past and think of the obstacles you went through to get there.

Two of the most important lessons I have learned on my journey are to persevere and to talk about issues.

I am not perfect, have obstacles on my path, and make mistakes.

Talking about difficult subjects, digging deep, and being real – can be uncomfortable sometimes, but it’s important to talk and not be silent. I would rather have disagreements with people and talk, than say nothing.

After a long process, I found my answer to the question “Who are your role models?”

To me, my role models are individuals who have the courage to be real, to be vulnerable, to be themselves, and to share their journeys.

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By Arianna Merritt . First Published in Island Gals Magazine . 2013 . Volume 3 . Issue 1

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