Two of my chosen paths in life lead to a strange destination, even more for someone like me who to needs to be continually open to challenges. As a parent and as a health coach my success is judged by how well those I care about and work for no longer need me. I actually am successful by working myself out of the job! Seems like a ludicrous lifestyle.
Those who are parents will understand how we work for, love, forgive, hope, teach, provide for, lose sleep over, guide and nurture our children. Only to be successful by them taking flight on their own. Each day you see the little steps toward that goal, but the clock can't go backwards.
I was this close () to becoming a school teacher, but chose personal health over education. However again the goal of both is the same. To help the person realize potential, to see they are worth every bit of the effort, and to have pride in who they have became. It may begin as baby steps, which can suddenly break into a full sprint to them becoming more than yesterday, and of course more than I will ever be.
First to provide facts and the process. Where and how to sort facts over agenda. Second to provide ways to make the process work better and better for them. Not to simply fall back on what I would do, but what do they wish to see done, to grow the process. New tools to use in life, new ways to see things, new windows of opportunity. The better the mentor is, the higher level those around them reach.
Of course I should not piss and moan, boo hoo my job is sad, because it works both ways. Students are the best teachers I have ever encountered. And children? Children require one to grew up, ready or not.
Many of us would find it easier to cut off your right arm, than to disappoint an eager mind ready to learn. I used to wonder "who counsels the counselors?" It seems it it those who need us are the ones keep us in line, and educated. Counselors, parents, and educators grow and become more as they give and help others grow. As they grow we grow, so on and so on. One of the few positive loops in life. If you are a mushy gushy romantic, you see it as near perfect love. Many of those special memories in life is when a parent or mentor passes the torch to you. You were blind, but now you see, and as of that moment you stand as a equal to one you admire. They earned their status, you have earned yours. Enjoy the rights and privileges of your new position.
Some accomplishments might seem trivial, a drop in the bucket, but the bucket of life contains many drops. Life gets even better when you get to pass the torch on yourself, and when it is your job, it is one of the few times you wish for a forest fire.
The Original 
