There are countless people that I encounter - many of them real, some characters in books or TV/movies. This year I want to focus on why I like/respect these people - what are their characteristics that I respond best to...
Chris - great sense of humour but more than anything...I loved how he could always find something positive even in the face of horrible situations. He wasn’t overly sweet or annoying, he would just guide me to find something that went well. We worked together in a tough situation and the perspective shift that he taught me saved me.
Leslie - although a character in a TV show...I love her work ethic. I love her determination to always do better. I love her love of binders. While I know it’s a bit unrealistic to work the hours that she does, I want to remember the idea to work hard for the sake of making something better
Marissa - I only met her briefly but she was one of those people you just know are nice. Someone accused her of always “trying to sell ice cream” meaning that she was constantly trying to make people happy - they were saying it like a bad thing. I think the contrary - I liked her disposition. One day we met someone who was that “I don’t eat McDonalds because of the corporation, blah, blah”. I wanted to punch her jin the head but Marissa was able to just congratulate her on convictions. I think it’s great that she’s selling ice cream.
Obama - I will admit that I don’t know a tremendous amount about the former US President. But I recently saw a speech of his and there were a few things that struck me. I loved how he acknowledged that there was room for improvement and wasn’t afraid to poke fun of himself. More than that, I loved his line - “don’t be perfect, be better”. So often I strive to try and be perfect and when I can’t be, I simply stop doing the activity. I quit. I love the mentality to just try and be a little bit better...I’m not going to get to perfection, I just need to be better.
Dr. Ameen - Just a kind-hearted, hard working, no complaining always doing right by the patient surgeon. Great attitude, polite, realistic. Instead of resting, he would go into the hospital to do physiotherapy with the patients. It means something that he was so adored that people came from far, and brought their family just to see him.
Cait - although she is my sister and can drive me crazy...she's also sort of a superwoman. She juggles her job, two active kids and manages to find time for herself. In the past few years, she's lost a lot of weight...get this...through diet and exercise. And she doesn't even diet - she just makes healthier food options most of the time. She still eats junk-food sometimes...but tries to eat healthier most times. And she spins. Not sure I can get down with the spinning but there is no reason I can't adopt her "exercise by doing something that you enjoy and eat healthier most of the time" approach.
Carla - I don't know this person...she's a contestant on a TV show I watch. I admire her desire to stay calm and focused. I admire her desire to not speak ill of others. She seems to be one of those people who is universally liked and respected by others. She admits her mistakes, can even laugh at them, and then tries to improve.
Nizar - his attitude is amazing. It's always, "how can I help", "what can I do". Nothing ever seems to get him down for long. He shakes it off and moves on. He is respected by others for this attitude. He constantly thinks of others. He's not afraid to stand up for what is right, have difficult conversations and work hard.
Stacey Abrams - I just finished this Ted Talk. I found her humerous and clever. I don’t know the whole story of her failed campaign but I loved her take awash of always know what you want, how you’re going to get it and why you want it. The warnings to be aware of the obstacles of finances, fatigue and fear hot a little close to home as well. I loved her attitude about, getting up and trying for your dreams again.
Yousef - that man adores his wife. He loves his family with all his heart and it's admirable. He's hardworking and loyal. I think he struggles a bit with who he is but he truly makes the best of it. It's impressive that he speaks so many languages, but what's even more amazing is that he possesses the patience to teach others. He's just a good person.
