Mentors.

They come in all shapes and sizes. Most often our first mentors are our parents, then teachers and coaches. We are relational beings and everyone can reflect on a list of people that have had an impact on their lives. Whether the relationship is informal or formal, those moments, when one that has gone before, can pass on wisdom to help us steer clear of pitfalls are precious gems. My pursuit of formal mentors has fluctuated over the years and currently investigating establishment of a Personal Board of Directors. I have found great benefit from listening to those that are a few steps ahead of me. Excuse me, I have some thank-you cards to write.

Do you have mentors in your life? How do you seek out mentors? What life categories do you pursue mentors and do you need to add more? What was a mentoring relationship that didn't turn out as planned and how did that affect your thoughts about mentorship? How can you express gratitude for those that have gone before and reached back to help you up?