Find Purpose through Giving and Receiving Mentorship

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” – Helen Keller

Mom gave me life and taught me how to really live it.

Dad showed me how to harness humor, love, faithfulness, resilience and gratitude.

Jack Buck taught me to listen, dream, write, believe and give back.

Dick James helped me write my first speech, deliver it and refine it.

Edie Varley coached me in my business vision, faith, persistence and patience.

Rusty Keeley believed in my story, was the first CEO to hire me and now sits on my Board of Advisors.

My wife, Beth, teaches me daily about selfless generosity, absolute humility and unconditional love.

During periods of great adversity, these people served as positive influences and a bright light in my life.

The expanded list includes so many more people, such as: Gino Cavallini, Nurse Roy, my grandparents, my five siblings, my four children and innumerable teachers, therapists, nurses, pastors, co-workers and friends. All who met me where I was, encouraged, stretched or challenged me to progress forward and ultimately, walked with me toward what was possible.

So, what does this have to do with you?

Two questions to find purpose and meaning in your life now.

It turns out that walking with a friend in the dark is much better than walking alone in the light. And there is real value in reaching out to the hand of another for assistance and being that hand for someone else, too.

I recently visited with the President and CEO of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, Becky Hatter. Becky believes entire communities, one life at a time, can be transformed through the power of positive relationships. For more than three decades, Becky has witnessed the transformative power of matching kids with adults and – through these enduring relationships – seen how not only the child is elevated, but their “Bigs” and the entire community, too.

(Becky and I visited on the most recent Live Inspired podcast. I’ve known her for 10 years, serve as a board member at BBBSEM and have long considered BBBS one of the best change agents for good of our time. Becky is one of the most brilliant, passionate and compassionate executives I’ve ever met. To hear why I feel this way and what it means for you: Check out the episode here.)

Let me challenge you to make two lists today. Start with these questions:

• Who have you looked up to as a “Big”? In other words, who mentored, inspired and elevated your life? Write the names of family, coaches, teachers, supervisors, neighbors who encouraged you to believe, do, be and achieve more.

• Who looks up to you as a “Big”? Could be family, children, friends or professional colleagues. What relationships are you actively seeking to inspire and elevate? And which ones could you be doing better? Write the names of people who are encouraged to believe, do, be and achieve more because of your mentorship, love and example.

When I completed this exercise recently, I was reminded of how many amazing individuals from all walks of life have supported me; and the sacred calling to be a “Big” for others.

My friend, counter the negativity in the news and adversity in our lives. Heed Helen Keller’s advice and walk with a friend in the dark; it is truly better than walking alone in the light.

This is your day. Live Inspired.

This article was originally published on #1 National Bestselling Author of ON FIRE and Inspirational Speaker John O’Leary’s Monday Motivation blog. John inspires the R.L. Thomas Service, Inc. and we’re honored to share his inspiration with you! Get his Monday Motivation in your inbox here and enjoy his daily inspiration on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.

You can see all of John’s Monday Motivation posts here: http://johnolearyinspires.com/tag/blog/