The Role Model Who Wrote My Life’s Playbook

Describe a man who has positively impacted your life.

They say every life is a canvas, and the people we meet are the colors that bring it to life. For me, one of the most vibrant and enduring hues comes from my aunt, my mom’s sister. She’s not just a relative; she’s the Mona Lisa of my life—beautiful, layered, and full of lessons that keep unfolding.

From the day I could carry a grocery bag without dragging it on the ground, she decided to teach me independence. “Beautifully independent,” she would say, handing me a list of groceries and just enough money to get by. Those market visits were more than errands—they were boot camps for life. I learned how to manage money, make decisions, and take responsibility. These were lessons no textbook could teach.

“Independence is happiness.” – Susan B. Anthony

Kindness was something I observed in her daily interactions. One incident stands out vividly. There were many poor families in our neighborhood, struggling to meet their basic needs. My aunt would quietly gather money from her savings and help them buy groceries, school supplies, or whatever they needed most. She never sought recognition; her goal was simply to ease their burdens. Through her actions, I understood the depth of kindness—not just giving, but giving with a heart full of empathy and purpose.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop

A government school teacher by profession, she handled children as if they were delicate threads in a tapestry. Watching her with them was like witnessing a maestro conduct an orchestra—discipline and empathy in perfect harmony. When I doubted my abilities, she told me, “Never give up. Life may throw lemons, oranges, or even coconuts at you, but you can always make a fruit salad.” And just like that, she instilled in me the resilience to face life head-on.

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb

What I admire most is how she valued relationships, blending them like an artist mixing shades. Though the youngest among her siblings, she became the family’s north star, the go-to person for advice, support, and the occasional mediator during sibling squabbles. I absorbed her knack for managing relationships across generations—a skill that now helps me juggle being a mother, daughter, and wife, all under one roof.

“A great relationship is about two things: appreciating the similarities and respecting the differences.” – Unknown

My aunt’s lessons weren’t taught in a classroom or written in a book; they were lived and observed. Today, as I navigate the chaotic art gallery of life, I realize her wisdom isn’t just a mark—it’s the frame that holds my picture together.

She painted life with hues so bold,
Taught me wisdom worth more than gold.
Her lessons linger, her love ingrained,
A masterpiece from her life is gained.

Thought to Ponder: What would your life look like if you painted it with the colors of kindness, resilience, and empathy? Would it be a masterpiece worth cherishing or a doodle in need of refinement?