Nothing serves as better motivation than seeing others you admire doing great things. I was blessed to grow up in a home with a Mother and Father who both did great things on a regular basis.
My Mother had ten children and was a devoted full-time Mom who had one of the hardest jobs in the world. She was the chauffer, the diaper changer, the cook, the maid, the accountant, the tutor, the nurse, the referee, the stylist, the laundry service, the therapist, the negotiator, the Dad whisperer…she did all of those jobs and many more and still found time to always serve in callings in our church, she managed to write and publish an amazing book on the history of the tribes of Israel, she sculpts beautiful statues that get bronzed, she writes amazing poetry, she sketches beautiful drawings, she has written and published lyrics for songs, and she will kick anyone’s behind at Jeopardy that dares to take her on…which all of us have learned is not a wise thing to do… She taught me that a woman can do anything and everything in life. She is the OG Wonder Woman in my life, and this last week she celebrated her 77th birthday.
Then there is my Father. My Dad put up with ten screaming children wreaking chaos and havoc at all times on his life. He put up with more cars getting ruined by teenagers learning to drive, and the angst of dealing with five daughters who were all prolific daters as teens. He worked incredibly hard every single day, first as a Special Agent for the F.B.I. and then as head of International Security for several large corporations around the world. Then he’d come home from the office and work his tail off at home. He taught through example the value of staying focused and getting things done. He taught me to work first and play second. By example he taught me I should always act with integrity and always stand up for what’s right even if at times I it means I need to stand alone to do so. And he always made sure to serve faithfully in every calling to serve extended by our church. He is always there when I need a shoulder to cry on and he is the world’s best listener and advice giver. He is my hero, and this weekend he will celebrate his 81st birthday.
My parents aren’t the only ones who have provided motivation for me by doing great things. Other members of my family and so many friends have as well. And tomorrow I get to celebrate a great thing my daughter-in-law Alexis has accomplished as I get to present her with her Master’s Degree in Accounting at the Commencement ceremony at Utah Valley University. Alexis is not only graduating with her Masters, but she is also eight months pregnant with her second baby, so any young women out there wondering if you can finish your education while working a job and being a mother, the answer is YES! And I couldn’t be more proud I am of Alexis for this great accomplishment.
When we do great things in life we should remember that we aren’t just benefiting ourselves, we are benefiting others by way of the example we are setting for them so they too will be motivated to do great things. KEEP DOING GREAT THINGS!!!
Happy birthday Mom and Dad and congratulations Alexis. Thank you to all of you for being such a motivating influence in my life. 🙂 I love you all tons!
~Amy Rees Anderson (author of the book “What Awesome Looks Like: How To Excel in Business & Life” )
