The contest assignment is to write about the 5 people who most influenced my life in a positive way AND up to 5 who influenced me in a negative way (which turned out for the greater good). So, here goes:
My Most Positive Influencers:
My Dad: Doesn't every little girl think her Dad is the best? Well, mine was... for the short time he lived. He died when I was 12, so my experience was short and sweet. I remember my Dad as calm and patient. I believe I inherited those traits from him. I have an innate ability to discern the difference between inconvenience and crisis, and it has made a huge difference in my life... even through actual crisis.
My husband: Sadly, my husband (the love of my life) died 3 years ago. His unconditional love has been an eternal gift to me. In spite of the loss, how can I not feel blessed knowing I had 30 years with someone who thought I was perfect. We all know I wasn't... but he made me believe it was so.
My 6th grade teacher: Mrs. Kartevold was the most feared teacher in the school. She was tough and didn't put up with any nonsense. Turns out that was the year my Dad got sick and died. That was when I learned a person can be stern AND compassionate. I wrote to her many year later and thanked her. It was an exciting day when I received a reply from her saying she remembered me and appreciated knowing she helped me through a difficult time.
My first boss: Dean Richardson not only hired me with no experience, except typing skills, but promoted me into a job I asked for even though a woman had never held that job in the entire industry... ever! He instilled me with confidence and the determination. It has carried me through more than 40 years in business.
4-H: This isn't technically a person but this organization had the most profound impact on me during my youth, when I desperately needed it. This is where I first learned the importance of taking pride in whatever I did and gained a lot of confidence through my success.
My Most Negative Influencers (who taught me valuable lessons)
My Dad: This may seem contradictory since he was #1 on my Positive List. As wonderful as my Dad was, he died without a .Last Will & Testament. That is not a good thing when you have two little children! My Mom had died 5 years earlier. I won't go into the complications this caused but I am now a super advocate for having a Will and keeping it updated. If you don't have a Will... stop reading NOW and call an attorney to prepare one immediately!
My Mom: It hurts me to put her in this category. She died when I was 7 so I can't say she had enough influence over me to be in the positive category. She probably did. I just don't remember it. What I do remember is that she was an alcoholic and that, ultimately, led to her death. I vowed NEVER to become an alcoholic and put my kids through what my brother and I went through.
My Mom & Dad: You are probably wondering why I listed them together when I listed them individually. The fact they both died while I was a child had a more profound affect on me than anything else in my life. As an adult, I have always been an advocate for parents spending time with their kids while they can AND encouraging adult children to have patience with their parents because they still have them! No regrets later! What a blessing.
Liars: This isn't one person. They are everywhere. I absolutely hate liars and I don't want to be one of those people. I have discovered it is hard for people to get mad at you if you just tell the truth. People even help you with a solution to a problem if you are honest with them.
Lazy People: I don't mind helping those who truly need help, and are willing to participate in helping themselves through a difficult situations. But, I can't abide people who are constantly blaming other people for their problems and expecting someone else to bail them out. I have learned taking responsibility for your own problems is very empowering.
Life is Good!
Carol K. Williams,
Real Estate Copywriter * Real Estate Photographer * Agent Mentor
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