The Transformative Power of Mentorship: A Journey of Spiritual Awakening
The old wise dog and the young pup.
If there’s one thing I’ve come to understand about mentorship, it’s that the words we speak—whether as a mentor or a mentee—hold immense power. Our words have the ability to uplift and breathe life into others, or to unknowingly stifle their growth. Whether we realize it or not, each of us plays the role of a mentor. Our actions, our words, and our presence shape the world around us in ways we can scarcely comprehend.
Looking back, I realize that mentorship has been an integral part of my life’s journey. My first mentors were the people closest to me—my parents, siblings, and caregivers—who, through their actions and words, unknowingly shaped my early beliefs about the world. Later, teachers, family, friends, and colleagues helped me navigate through the chaos of adolescence and adulthood, offering me lessons that I would carry for years to come.
As children, we often learn by simply watching the people around us. We absorb their actions, their habits, and their values. We form perceptions of what is “right” or “wrong” based on what we see and experience. But what happens when a child is passed from one home to another, or grows up in an environment where stability is scarce? How does one find their spiritual anchor in a world that seems uncertain?
In my teenage years, I sought mentors in the media. I admired the characters in movies—the jocks with their perfect physiques, the straight-A students with their perfect lives, the families who seemed to have it all. These external symbols of success became my guiding lights, my measuring sticks for what a “successful” life should look like. I believed that success meant having a perfect body, a perfect family, and a life free from struggle.
But as I moved through life, I began to feel disconnected from this ideal. My body didn’t look like those movie stars. I struggled in school, failed relationships left me feeling invisible, and my family wasn’t as close as I wished they were. As I entered college, I couldn’t understand why I didn’t fit the picture of success I had been chasing all these years.
In my confusion, I turned to paths that didn’t lead to growth. I tried to find belonging with the wrong crowds—those who were living in rebellion, avoiding responsibility, and numb to the deeper questions of life. I thought, “If I could just fit in, if I could just be the person everyone wanted me to be, maybe I’d find peace.” But peace was always elusive. I was empty inside, living for the approval of others rather than for my own inner truth.
Then something profound happened that changed the course of my life. After I graduated college, I had the incredible opportunity to travel the world with my mentor, Ret. Lt. Colonel Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch—a woman who would go on to help me see myself in a way I never had before. She wasn’t just a mentor in the traditional sense. She was a spiritual guide, someone who saw me for who I truly was beneath the layers of insecurity, confusion and trauma.
Through her gentle yet firm guidance, she began to teach me and when I challenged her because I thought I knew it all then she turned out to be right. She would simply reply, “thats why you are the young pup and I am the old dog.”
Through our many conversations, I began to understand that my sense of self was not tied to external achievements or the approval of others. She showed me that true success wasn’t found in what we accumulate in the material world, but in the peace and purpose we cultivate within ourselves.
She asked me simple but profound questions: “What do you want from life? How do you define success?” For the first time, I was challenged to look beyond the surface—to examine the desires of my soul, not just the ambitions of my ego.
Her words shifted my perspective. She taught me that success is not external—it’s internal. It’s not about how much money you have or what kind of car you drive. True success is about living a life in alignment with your soul’s purpose, and learning to love and accept yourself fully.
I remember one conversation in particular. We were sitting together, sipping coffee on a quiet morning discussing the topic, and she said, “For me, success is sitting right here, surrounded by the people I love, feeling the warmth of this moment. I could have no money and still feel rich, because I am rich in values, culture, and in tradition.” Her words struck me deeply. I realized that for all my striving to fit into society’s image of success, I had neglected the deeper truths of who I was and what truly mattered.
Success isn’t about having the world love you; it’s about loving yourself—truly, deeply, and unapologetically.
I will always have a special place in my heart for my mentor. I will forever be grateful for the wisdom and investment she made in me, all because she believed in me. I will keep her great legacy alive through the many stories and lessons, her and I shared together. I love you Consuelo. Thank you.
In the years since that conversation, my definition of success has evolved. It’s no longer about striving for perfection or seeking approval. It’s about cultivating health—not just physical health, but mental and spiritual well-being. It’s about cherishing relationships—building deep, meaningful connections with loved ones, sharing love and wisdom. It’s about learning, growing, and being open to the wisdom of others. It’s about being debt-free—not just financially, but spiritually, letting go of the burdens and expectations that no longer serve me. And it’s about giving, contributing to the world with kindness and compassion.
What I now understand is that our spiritual journey is one of constant evolution. The lessons we learn, the people we meet, the experiences we face—they all serve as opportunities for growth. In both the highs and lows, the good and bad, we are shaped into the person we are meant to become.
I would not be where I am today, or who I am today, if it weren’t for the lessons I’ve learned from the mentors who have guided me along the way. Some mentors have come into my life for a season, others have stayed longer. But each one has left an imprint on my soul, helping me find clarity and purpose.
Mentors are not here to give us all the answers. They are here to guide us, to challenge us, and to help us find our own truth. And sometimes, that truth lies in letting go of the external definitions of success, and embracing a life that is truly aligned with our deepest values and spiritual calling.
As I look back, I am filled with gratitude for the mentors who have helped me walk this path. They’ve shown me that true success is found within—in the love we give ourselves, in the peace we cultivate, and in the way we show up for others. This is the success that transcends material wealth. It’s the success of the soul. And this, I now know, is what truly matters.
If you're reading this and feel the pull to redefine your own life and your own sense of success, I invite you to pause and reflect.
What does success truly mean to you?
Are you living in alignment with your deepest values?
Is there a mentor, a guide, or a community who can help you find your way?
Take a moment to listen to your inner voice. Trust that your journey is unique, and you are already on the path toward spiritual fulfillment. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, who see your potential, and who empower you to embrace your truest self.
Remember: You are your own greatest mentor. Look within, and begin the work of self-discovery. The world is waiting for you to shine.