Growing up, we all had someone we looked up to. Maybe it was a parent, a coach, a teacher, or even a character from a movie. For me, it was my older cousin—he wasn’t perfect, but he carried himself with this quiet strength. He worked hard, treated people with respect, and never gave up, even when life knocked him around. I didn’t realize it back then, but just watching him taught me more than any textbook ever could.
That’s the thing about role models—they don’t have to be famous or flawless. They just need to live in a way that lights something in us. They show us what’s possible, even when we can’t quite see it for ourselves. They remind us that we can rise, fail, learn, and try again.
In a world filled with noise and comparison, having someone to look up to—someone real—can ground us. It’s not about copying them. It’s about being inspired to become the best version of you.
So if you’ve got someone who’s been that light for you, let them know. And if you’re in a place to be that for someone else, lean into it. You never know who’s watching, or how much they might need you.
The world could use more good examples.
Building Strength At Home 
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