After time to reflect on who you want to be more like or what you
want to learn from someone and why, then call, make an appointment and go over and ask for their help. You will
discover their outview on life, whether they would be willing to talk with you, to share their knowledge and know-how
with you and if they would be willing to give you more information on what you need for a benefit in your life.
Let that person know what you like about them and that this
is an area in your life you want to expand. Ask if they would take a time to meet with you and if so, where they would
want you to meet with them if they are not comfortable meeting in their home or yours.
Let them know you want them to share some things that would help you in
meeting a crisis time in your life if that's the case or that you want to round out your life with some life-experiences you
have yet to discover.
Perhaps one hour a week for a month or some such time as that would meet
the request.
Also, you may want to make a list of people you have met who
impress you in some way with their knowledge or ability. Don't be afraid to ask for the time and for their gift of knowledge.
People who care enough about life to experience many different talents and gifts, are usually generous and are blessed
that you would consider asking.
Perhaps you want to learn to crochet and they do it well. Ask if
you brought your needle and thread if they would take a bit of time to show you 'how-to'. If this happens to be an older
woman, think of how thrilled she will be to share what she knows with you. And by receiving her instruction, you will
make a friend in the process. This type of mentoring enlarges both of your hearts.
Some people are involved in your life in some capacity that
may be only a brief contact every once in awhile. Just because you don't know them well personally is no reason to X
them off your list as a potential Mentor. In fact, they may be just what you need.
Mentors must be people who are not selfish, ego-ridden or mean-spirited
or you will close yourself to them instead of receiving from them. So look for the generous hearts, the ones who smile
and have a good outlook on life. Remember, these are people you want to emulate, not folks that you have to guard yourself
from.
In realizing we are touched because of a Mentors imprint in your life, and because they exemplify a
trait which will make a deposit of something good in you, consider the traits that you lack in or need.
Reach out for Mentors who are strong in areas we want to be strong in.
If you have never considered the type of people you are drawn to, think of the similarities of each
of these people who make a difference in your life today and why.
Always say "Thanks" is some way to a Mentor if you possibly can. Perhaps
its an organization you could address or a group of people which made it happen. It would be great if you could make
a personal contact and it may take a little while to find an address, a phone number or an email address. Be willing
to always be thankful for those who are kind in your behalf in any way.
AN ASSIGNMENT TO PREPARE YOU.
Your first assignment is to express your thankfulness to any person who has ever dealt you a kindness
in any way and remember with a Thank You if you did not do so before. Send by snail mail, email
or you give it verbally in person or by phone. This will help you develop an attitude of gratitude.
This process is three fold.
1. First, bring back the memory and tell them how it made
you feel
2. Second, thank them for making
it possible for you.
3. Third, tell them you have never forgotten how they touched
your life and because of their deed of kindness you will never forget them.
As you make each contact, check off each name with the result of that connection with how it made you
feel.
Upon your experience, how important is it that you view helping others today ? Is there any way
you could offer a helping hand to make life better for another ?
Would you find a joy in helping others to succeed in life and would you consider after your being helped
by a Mentor that you could become one?
Do you find that you have so much to do and just don't know how to get it all done. Do you hope your
Mentor helps you make some decisions with new goals to reach ? She will if you will ask.
QUOTE TO REMEMBER: "I am important to someone when I make the conscious decision to allow good
thoughts to become good actions in helping others. Therefore I am making a decision to allow acts of kindness and
thankfulness to be part of who I am". Marcia Kendall
It's time to go on to Step Two when you have finished.
