Admiration

December 29, 2025

Greetings from the devotee,

Many years ago I was reading a book that challenged me to write out a list of my ‘heroes’, which was a short collection of people I admired. From there, I wrote out the characteristics that inspired me, thought about how each was unique, and saw how they had so many things in common.

It was an exercise aimed at doing better work, focusing on the abilities that brought great things to the people I looked up to, with the hopes that if I emulated them, I might follow their success.  In truth it was helpful, at first in my career, but what really mattered lasted a lot longer.

In the years between then and now, I sometimes go back and look at that list, scribbled by my younger self. A few of the names I think I would leave off, and thankfully there are many more I would add.

This week, I was sifting through memories of the past year, polishing them like my favorite stones, lining them on the desk so I can look at them. There are moments, and people, I want to experience again, and a few that were once in a lifetime.  Like many of you, I am thinking about the year ahead, wondering a little about what it might hold, and how I can make the most of whatever comes. It helps me to look at how this year unfolded, what I enjoyed, what made me feel alive, what made me feel at my best.

Which led me back to the list.  I began writing it out again without thinking about why, just jotted down the names of people that I love being with, or who have inspired me in one way or another.  

I went back to the original list, still tucked in a book for safe keeping, the page a little tattered from being read so many times, and refolded and tucked into the book.  It was like seeing old friends. In a way it was reassuring that the things I found valuable nearly twenty years ago, still matter to me. Yes, I have added some things, I’m still learning.

I unwrapped these gifts this morning and thought about them, about the light they gave, the examples they set, the path they carved.  My first thought when I started this list was that I wanted to follow these people, and to spend more time with them, in any way I can.  The hope was that maybe some of their strengths would rub off on me, perhaps change me for the better. I realize now that sounds a little selfish, because there is more here than just admiration.  These are people, not recipes I enjoy.

At the heart of happiness is gratitude. It is a wonderful thing to have people in your life that bring you joy, or make you push yourself, or make you laugh, or think, and when I look at the list of the people I admire, I can’t help but be grateful.  And happy.

The other helpful thing in acknowledging the beauty in these people is that I begin to notice it in other people, even those whose names I won’t know.  It gives me hope.

The end of the year offers a neat bookmark for us to think about change, so does each morning, in case you miss the deadline.  Regardless of when you act on your resolutions, perhaps you’ll consider this for the coming year.  Look for people who challenge you, who inspire you, who have strengths you are developing in yourself. Look for people who have had a different life than you. When you spend time with them, notice how you feel afterward. If you feel lifted up, hopeful, lighter, stronger, these might be the heroes you are looking for.

Make a list of the people who you admire. Not simply those you envy, but who give you an example that could make your life richer.  You will also notice there are people not on the list, and perhaps you will learn where to spend more of your time, and more of your energy.  I’m already excited for the new year to begin.  I can’t wait to make my list longer. 

Hope this finds you gathering your strengths,

David

(If you are curious about some of the qualities I thought of when I considered those I admire, you can find them below.)

Patient. Kind. Generous. Friendly,  Lives with integrity.  Slow to judge. Courageous.  Slow to anger.  Quick to help. Forgiving. Resourceful. Takes risks. Fun. Empathetic. Reads a variety of books.  Expresses themselves. Finds creative every day. Always learning. Curious. Makes the interesting choice.  Passion.  Compassion. Open. Eternally eight years old. 

Copyright © 2025 David Smith