Molding the Mentor Mind

           

Some young people will take you right to the rocky edge of your emotional cliff. There is always hope on the horizon.

          All of us have had someone walk into a room and our first thought upon seeing them is:

"Oh no! There goes my day!" 

With that thought we have already set our selves up for a negative experience. The atmosphere around us might as well be supercharged with negative molecules that are destructively contagious. Your mind has been molded into a cynical and pessimistic embodiment of hostility. You might as well hang a shingle on your forehead that says: "Hater!"
          There is a better way. You better find a better way or you will not make a very good Mentor. Long term perseverance is the best indicator of a successful mentoring relationship. There will be some young people that you will not be able to mentor because of volatile personality traits. However, in the vast majority of relationships you will find some rocky roads. You obviously do not expect life to be perfect and that applies to your mentoring life. Look into the potential of the person you are mentoring and you may see a different person.
          I'm sure you have heard of the expression "a diamond in the rough."  When you get a glimpse of somebody that has previously caused an unpleasant experience in your life, start looking for diamonds! Your thoughts can be influenced by your perceptions. Your thoughts can control your interactions with people. Your expectations can shape your thoughts. You will smile a lot more if you put this concept into practice. Imagine yourself saying: "Oh boy! Here comes another diamond!"
          Each child you mentor represents a future diamond. It takes time to make a diamond and they are molded through pressure, stress, and hard times. Expect the best when you meet the worst. Mold your mind into gem making motor, you will be a successful and smiling Mentor!

Thanks for your time. 
Go do something nice for somebody.

Bob Kuebler
Founder / Mentor Force

Mentor Force is an organization of initiators.
We help young people who are at risk of leading impoverished and violent lives.
We teach teachers, mentors and youth leaders how to build healthy relationships that make young people feel valued. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the benefit of being guided by a Mentor. If we can help you reach your potential as a Mentoring organization please contact us:  716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com We do school assemblies and conferences.