By Sunny Simon
Most people have a superhero or a strong role model. Who is the person you look up to and admire? For me, it’s Carol. Ever since I met her over 20 years ago I decided I want to be like her when I grow up. My dilemma is I don’t think I’ll ever catch up. Although I keep evolving, she is still light years ahead of me.
What’s so special about Carol? In addition to being the most positive person I know, she is incredibly resilient. Although I suspect she is not perfect, I am at a loss to identify her human flaws. She is “Carol the Wonder Woman” as my group of friends affectionately dubbed her.
Just the other day she did a back summersault flip off her patio (a purely freak accidental happening) and sustained some serious damage to her body. She is now safely out of the woods and in a rehab center. When I call her to check in, is bright and cheerful as if she were sipping cocktails on the beach in Malibu rather than drinking watered-down hospital broth. Carol views her rehabilitation as a fascinating learning experience. I’m sure when she is released the staff will present her with a Miss Congeniality trophy as they say tearful good-byes. She is the kind of person you want to hang out with in the hopes her admirable qualities will rub off and cling to you.
Here’s the thing about hanging with positive people. They do make you better. When I first met Carol we worked in the HR department of a telecommunications company. I studied her as if she were a science project. Each morning I watched her step through the office threshold and beam her dazzling smile at everyone she encountered. She reminded me of the Edith Wharton quote: “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror.” Somehow, she is both.
Carol’s office was a revolving door. Managers sought her out for advice and counsel. Observing them leave I could sense their burdens lifting. For two years I watched, learned and became a better version of myself.
So who are you hanging out with these days? Is there a Carol in your life? If the answer is yes, continue to kindle the relationship. Need a positive role model? Be optimistic. Send out bright vibes and extend your love outward. The positive energy you create will attract exactly the kind of person you want as a role model.
Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com
