As a young man leaving home for the first time in August 1975 to attend college, I knew mentoring youth eventually would be a part of life.
My young cousins stood on our front porch watching me leave. They admired me and at the same time were sad I was going away from them. I was their older cousin and a big brother figure.
Venturing out in the world to this unknown place called Minnesota I remembered the overwhelming emotions of sadness, excitement and guilt of leaving my young cousins. This was the first time in my life I truly felt vulnerable.
Cameron Conway, author of Caged: Memoir of a Cage-Fighting Poet said it best!
“Ultimate vulnerability. That’s manly.”
I remember those feelings that day in 1975. I know those feelings were instrumental in helping me mature. They also laid the foundation for me to realize my life’s purpose:
Guiding young men as they transition into manhood by helping them emotionally identify with all aspects of themselves.
Whatever path you walk I’m sure you’ve mentored someone whose life is forever enhanced!
How do you feel about being a mentor and transforming even one small corner of our world?
I’d love to hear about it!