humanizing a hero

I have many heroes, heroines, teachers, and role models. They inspire me and help me to see what’s possible.

Recently, I’ve seen aspects of a role model that I, frankly, don’t like. But does that mean she ceases to be a role model? Not necessarily. I can’t expect my heroes and role models to be perfect any more than I can expect myself to be perfect.

Sometimes the people we admire most show us who we can be but sometimes, I suppose, the people we admire most can show us who we don’t want to be. And isn’t that valuable too?