Tim Russert taught us a lot about life, character and family.
There have been non-stop tributes to Tim Russert - from erudite
political friends to strangers traveling long distances to pay
their respects. He was the toughest interviewer in broadcast
journalism and few had come even close to rattling him. He clearly
understood how the media game is played. Because he knew an awful
lot more, think about what you can learn from his legacy
and then apply to your life:
1. He knew how to be a good
son, father and husband. Tim Russert loved his family and told them
so on a
As knowledge is power, try to better understand the transitions
that your own family in flux is going through now. Gather more
information about how to manage
change from the Internet’s search engines and the
self-help section of your local bookstore. Talk to friends and
family whose opinions you respect and who have gone through similar
experiences. It's an opportunity to get realistic feedback and
some concrete advice.
2. Tim Russert never forgot
where he came from. He was proud of growing up in Buffalo, his
blue-collar origins, delivering newspapers as a boy.
You, too, can dig deep and find your roots. Listen to your inner
voice. What does it have to say about who you are, what you want,
how to care for your family relationships and still nurture
yourself? Set some concrete and specific long-range goals about
what you need for you and what you want to accomplish for your
family. Identify short-term objectives as you work toward achieving
them, step by step.
3. He did his homework -
researching every subject he covered so that, when it came time to
go on the air, he was very well prepared.
It is often said that history is prologue. How can you prepare
for what lies ahead? As you look back in review, how have you dealt
with major changes in your family life? Think about what has worked
in the past. Take the specific strategies that you learned from
those experiences and, once again, apply the most effective ones to
the challenges you are facing today. A positive attitude will
motivate you to stay on track and ultimately reach your
goals.
4. Tim Russert was a man of strong faith and felt
confident about himself. Look at the many ways you can continue to
build on your internal and external assets. Evaluate your basic
character
strengths and how they have benefited you in other circumstances.
Are you fiercely curious and determined to find a solution, no
matter what? Discover the resources, such as caregiver programs or
support groups, that will help in your decision making process as
you deal with the specifics of the family problems you are
handling.
5. He was a role model
extraordinaire - so many in the media gave testimony to how he was
their cheerleader and shaped their careers. Co-workers felt close
to him, identified with him and his values. He was authentic,
nurturing and encouraging.
When you are facing what may be a difficult time for your own family, do you also recognize the importance of support? Discussions with friends and family can clarify your needs as you work through this process of change. Getting a second and objective opinion - from a family therapist, gerontologist or life coach - will provide you with further insight, direction and encouragement.
There was a massive outpouring of emotion and much admiration
for Tim Russert at a time when family values have taken a back seat
to more immediate gratifications. See this as a teachable moment.
Character matters, as does your family. The country responded to a
man they didn't necessarily know but whom they saw as
representing them, their struggles and possible solutions to
their problems. People felt as if they could depend on him, just as
your family does on you. You, too, represent hope for your family
and for the future of our country.
© Her Mentor Center, 2008
Click here to see all our
blogs.
They are authors of a forthcoming book about
Baby Boomers' family relationships and publish a free
newsletter, Stepping Stones, through their website. As
psychotherapists, they have over 40 years
of collective private practice
experience.
