Today marks Veterans Day in the United States, an occasion where we honor and thank the men and women who have served in the military. Since it is a day where we reflect on service, duty and heroism, it is also a good opportunity to think about who our own everyday heroes are.
Throughout your life, you have looked up to and been inspired by many people. Some you have known personally – parents, siblings, teachers, firemen, policemen, neighbors – while others you have admired from afar – athletes, writers, entrepreneurs. Who has influenced your life in a positive way? Who has motivated you to be a better person or expand your horizons?
Heroic Journal Writing
1. Spend five to 10 minutes free-writing in your personal journal about the most important and influential people during the course of your life so far. Record names, short memories and musings on why each person has played a significant role in your development. If you had to choose one personal hero from this list, who would it be? Select just one person to write about in this exercise.
2. Imagine you are presenting an award to your hero and must give a speech describing his or her contributions to the world. Make a draft of your speech, using the following categories to help guide your journal writing:
• Personal life: Family, friends, community, hobbies and interests
• Professional life: Work, education, accomplishments and contributions
• Character and personality: Values, personal style, philosophy toward life
• Your story and connection: How he or she made an impression on you
3. After you have finished writing your tribute, reread it and reflect on the values and lessons you have taken to heart from this positive mentor. How would you like to follow in his or her footsteps? How would you like to play a similar role in someone else’s life? Write for five more minutes on this theme. If your personal hero is still living, consider picking up the phone to say “thank you” or sending a copy of what you’ve written in your journal.
Who is your personal hero? What makes this person so influential and important in your life? Share your story in the comments.
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