Now we are really in the thick of things… The past 8 weeks have been fluff work compared to this list. How to really approach this subject matter without doing some of the other lists first? In order to land on a truly comprehensive list of actual people I admire it would be helpful to isolate the personality traits, accomplishments, etc that I admire first, and then begin to think of living examples of those characteristics.
That being said, I think I can make a list of people who stand out to me as people I admire, and why. Perhaps it will help drive the future lists as well? I also must apologize for the overdue / last minute nature of this list. I was a bit selfish yesterday, and used what could of been some rare free time alone at home for a trip out to have some fun with Travis.
In no way can this list be complete, but here goes…
People I admire most:
- Your Mother (Briana Douzart) – For the constant inspiration, support, skillful containment of my traveling focus, and ability to be exactly what I need at any given moment. Especially the fortitude to stand me down when I am dead wrong, which is not an easy task. She is the perfect companion for me. And also a GREAT mother to you!
- My parents – primarily for putting up with the difficult experience of getting me through my first 18 years. A true testament to unconditional love, because I provided many conditions for which love could have ended…
- Pandit Rajmani Tigunait – Really difficult to express why in a sentence, but for me I feel that the most admirable trait from my teacher are those one-to-one moments when guidance is really needed. He always has the right solution for the problem at hand. And it’s always the practical, achievable type of solution.
- Father Wayne Rocha – My first spiritual teacher and mentor. What a great mind and presence he had. I will always appreciate how he helped me demystify spirituality. A process which helped prepare me for this path that I have found today.
- Luke Ketterhagen - The man is simply a beacon for how a normal American man should live. All I have to do is sit with him to be reminded of how I can be a better person.
- Travis Head - One of my best friends and favorite people. What a great listener.. He’s also funny as hell!
- My Aunt Jeanette – For her wisdom at a time when all of the authority figures in my life were trying to convince me that I was on the wrong path. Thanks to her perspective as a mother who experienced the growth and development of 7 of her own, she recognized my phase as what it was, a phase…
- Mike Eiermann - What a kind, compassionate, and hard-nosed business man all in one package.
- David Oreck - What an example of the American Dream. Remind me to tell you stories of how he turned adversity into the ultimate opportunity.
- Tom Oreck – Tom is a philosopher in businessman clothing. He took his father’s vision, and put it into such easy to understand and adopt language. I admire his ability to create and foster a model corporate culture.
- Rolf Sovik – The Rolf I admire is this humble, impressive man who knows so much about his chosen field, but somehow manages to have an ability to connect with the “regular person” in all of us.
- Job (from the Bible) – Read the story. I cannot improve upon, or add anything to it.
- St. Thomas the Apostle – Don’t buy into the idea that being a “doubting Thomas” is a bad thing. I feel that Thomas was the brightest one of the bunch. He had an opportunity to know something rather than feel obliged to simply believe something, and he took advantage of the opportunity. Never let a believer make you feel ashamed for doubting. It is natural, healthy, and ultimately leads to realization of truth. Be a proud Doubting Thomas, just like your dad!
- Mother Theresa – Read her story Bolden, no better teacher of compassion, courage, and determination.
- Warren Buffet – The second wealthiest man in the world gave away nearly everything in the name of charity. And what’s more, he inspired a few others to do something similar! How can you not admire that?
- Barak Obama – For being what seems to be a politician with personal convictions, and not being afraid to speak to (and stick to) those convictions. I’m not sure what sort of president he will wind up being, but it’s just refreshing to have a politician out there who backs up his controversial statements with confidence instead of political maneuvering.
- Steve Jobs – I do belive that things should “Just work” and that people should “Think Differently”.
- Seth Godin – What a great mind, and lucid writer.
- Gever Tully – Founder of the tinkering school. Love the concept! Kids should be put in dangerous situations. Danger is a great teacher.
- Dale Merceron – Like a second father to me. Has an amazing wit and was not afraid to use it on others. I guess you could say that a lot of my sense of humor was formed from oddball experiences with Mr. Dale. He is also a very endearing person. If you don’t like Mr. Dale, there is something wrong with you.
- Bannyuy Justine – Of all of the many people I met in my travels to Cameroon, he was the only one who really understood what the work is all about. I was proud to have him as a colleague, and am proud to have him as a friend.
Those are the big ones. I will make a mental note to return to this list from time to time to add more people and thoughts in the moment. For now, this presents a decent view of the sorts of personalities that I appreciate. I am really interested to see what type of person you grow into, what your values will be, and where your path with lead you.
