Writer Dani Shapiro recently posted about mentoring on her website that echoed many of my own sentiments on this topic. This particular quote from her article really spoke to me:
We need those who are able to remind us to become who we are.
This has certainly been my own experience of giving and receiving mentoring–mentors encourage and support others (and sometimes kick our butts) so that our truest selves feel safe enough to come out of hiding.
As a mentor, I am a confidante, cheerleader, soul keeper and creative partner.
The mentors who have graced my life have seen who I really am long before I could see it or feel it myself. They have held me accountable to realize my goals and dreams. Their patience, encouragement and support have been true lifelines.