Welcome to another captivating episode of Our Story Your Story, where hosts Shelley Carney and Toby Younis take us on an exciting journey through the themes explored in Chapter 12 of “A Gypsy’s Kiss.” In this episode, they discuss the power of mentorship, gratitude, overcoming challenges, and finding strength in supportive figures.
Watch the video or download the podcast episode.
The Power of mentorship is an incredible force that can profoundly shape and transform lives.
Mentors play a pivotal role in guiding, supporting, and inspiring individuals on their journeys of growth and development.
A mentor’s influence can extend far beyond specific skills or knowledge; they often instill confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in their mentees.
Through their wisdom, experience, and encouragement, mentors provide valuable insights, constructive feedback, and a safe space for exploration and learning.
Whether in personal or professional spheres, the power of mentorship lies in its ability to empower individuals to realize their full potential, overcome challenges, and achieve remarkable heights they might not have reached alone.
The impact of a mentor’s guidance can ripple through generations, as those mentored often pay it forward by becoming mentors themselves, continuing a powerful legacy of support and inspiration.
In Chapter 12, we see the significant impact of mentorship on Toby’s life. He reflects on Uncle Carlos and Uncle Mundy’s roles as supportive figures.
“Carlos and Mundy had the most influence on my years between my father dying and going off to college. They were the ones that filled in with all the interesting pieces of life that my father couldn’t.” — Toby Younis
Toby recalls how Uncle Mundy taught him about photography and provided his first 35mm camera, igniting his passion for the craft.
“Mundy was more technical. He helped me get my ham radio license. He taught me how to use transmitters and receivers, big military ones that he bought for me. He got me into photography. He gave me my first 35-millimeter camera and taught me how to use it.” — Toby Younis
Mentorship played a crucial role in shaping his interests and honing his skills.
Gratitude and paying it forward are integral components of the mentorship journey, creating a powerful cycle of positive influence.
As mentees benefit from the guidance and support of their mentors, expressing genuine gratitude becomes essential in acknowledging the impact of these transformative relationships.
By showing appreciation for their mentor’s time, wisdom, and dedication, mentees not only foster a deeper connection but also affirm the value of mentorship itself.
However, the beauty of mentorship lies in its ripple effect: the act of paying it forward.
As mentees grow under their mentor’s wing, they are inspired to share their knowledge and experiences with others, becoming mentors themselves.
This perpetuates a virtuous cycle, spreading the seeds of encouragement, knowledge, and support to new generations, ensuring that the profound impact of mentorship endures and positively shapes the lives of countless individuals along the way.
Throughout the episode, Toby expresses deep gratitude towards Uncle Carlos for his support and guidance. He emphasizes the importance of repaying such kindness and discusses the concept of paying it forward.
“Whenever you see these stories that are the genesis for Campbell’s Hero of a Thousand Faces, they know they’re the heroes. Miguel doesn’t know that yet, but he learns from all the people that are willing to help him be a hero. And I suppose someday you hope that you get to pay them back.” — Toby Younis
By sharing his experience, Toby highlights the positive ripple effect that gratitude and kindness can have in people’s lives.
Overcoming challenges and moving forward are central themes in the hero’s journey, a timeless narrative archetype that resonates deeply with audiences.
The hero’s journey often depicts a protagonist facing numerous obstacles and adversities, both external and internal, on their path to achieving their goals or fulfilling their destiny.
These challenges serve as transformative experiences, testing the hero’s character, resilience, and determination.
By conquering these hurdles, the hero evolves and gains valuable insights, ultimately becoming a stronger and wiser individual.
The hero’s journey reminds us that life is a series of challenges, and it is in our ability to confront and surmount them that we find growth and progress.
As we navigate our own hero’s journey, we learn that setbacks are not failures but stepping stones to success.
Embracing the spirit of perseverance, we move forward with courage, knowing that each obstacle presents an opportunity for personal development, and the journey itself becomes a testament to our strength and indomitable spirit.
Toby shares a personal struggle with astigmatism, discovering that wearing glasses allowed him to excel in activities like shooting.
“The first day I was on the shooting range, the range officer noticed that I was off target. So, he’d come over and he said, Are you seeing that target? I’d say, yes, Drill Sergeant, I am. He calls Sergeant Barinki over and he said, this man is not seeing the target. Sergeant Barinki says, do you wear glasses? I said, no, I don’t wear glasses. He said we’re going to have you checked. They took me off the field, I went to the office of the optometrist on base, had my eyes checked, and three days later I had glasses.” — Toby Younis
This experience illustrates his resilience and adaptability.
Overcoming challenges and embracing change are essential aspects of moving forward.
Finding strength in supportive figures is a transformative experience that can shape the course of one’s life.
Supportive figures, whether they are family members, mentors, friends, or even fictional characters, offer a profound sense of comfort, encouragement, and belief in our potential.
These individuals stand by our side during both triumphs and trials, providing a safe harbor where we can express our vulnerabilities without judgment.
Through their unwavering support and genuine care, they empower us to tackle challenges, conquer self-doubt, and embrace our true selves.
Moreover, supportive figures often become beacons of inspiration, guiding us toward our aspirations and goals.
Their positive influence resonates deeply, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to reciprocate the same level of support to others.
In times of uncertainty, the presence of supportive figures becomes a steady anchor, reminding us that we are not alone in our journey and that together, we can navigate life’s twists and turns with resilience and courage.
Toby fondly remembers his uncles, Carlos and Mundy, as positive male influences in his life. Carlos’s skills as a car repairer, fisherman, and gardener and Mundy’s teaching of various skills have left a lasting impression.
“I learned all kinds of stuff from Carlos. I know he was an expert at repairing cars. We made a boat together. He could fix anything, whatever it was. He was always over to my grandmother’s to help her fix the toilet or fix the sprinklers or fix whatever. He knew how to plant a garden. It could be a small garden or it could be ten acres of alfalfa. He just seemed to know a lot of things. I suppose 20 years of traveling in the military helped him do that.” — Toby Younis
The episode underscores the importance of supportive figures in one’s journey and how they provide strength and inspiration.
The episode “Moving Forward with Support” from Our Story Your Story beautifully captures the essence of Chapter 12 in “A Gypsy’s Kiss.” The themes of mentorship, gratitude, resilience, and finding strength in supportive figures are skillfully explored by hosts Shelley Carney and Toby Younis.
This chapter effectively portrays the dynamic of a mentor and a hero, showcasing the importance of support and guidance in life’s adventures. As listeners, we are encouraged to reflect on our own mentors and heroes and express gratitude for their impact on our journeys.
Take a moment this week to reach out to the mentors, heroes, or supportive figures in your life who have made a significant impact. Show your appreciation for their guidance, encouragement, and belief in you.
Whether through a heartfelt thank-you message, a phone call, or a small gesture of gratitude, let them know how much their support has meant to you.
Acknowledging the positive influence they’ve had on your journey will strengthen your bond and inspire them to continue making a difference in others’ lives.
Paying it forward is a powerful way to contribute to the cycle of positive impact.
If you’ve benefited from mentorship or the support of others, consider becoming a mentor to someone else in need of guidance and encouragement.
Share your knowledge, experiences, and skills with someone who could benefit from your perspective.
This act of giving back not only helps another individual on their journey but also reinforces your own learnings and growth as a mentor.
This week, approach challenges with a hero’s mindset.
Instead of viewing obstacles as insurmountable roadblocks, see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Embrace the idea that setbacks are stepping stones to success, and each challenge presents a chance to develop new skills and strengths.
When facing difficulties, draw inspiration from the hero’s journey and visualize yourself overcoming obstacles with determination and resilience.
By adopting this mindset, you’ll find the strength to move forward and persevere, no matter the circumstances.
Remember, embracing mentorship, expressing gratitude, and confronting challenges with resilience are powerful actions that can lead to transformative personal growth.
Implementing these action steps can not only enrich your life but also create a positive ripple effect in the lives of those around you.
Embrace the journey ahead with courage, and let the support and inspiration from others propel you toward fulfilling your own heroic story.
Join Shelley and Toby in future episodes of Our Story Your Story as they continue to share inspiring stories and experience the captivating narratives of “A Gypsy’s Kiss.” Let their discussions spark your curiosity and appreciation for the many facets of life’s adventures.