These have shaped me in positive ways

Traits are those recognizable features that shape who we are and how we behave. I had a dad who never believed in what was impossible. However, I never saw much meaning in what he was doing. All I saw was a man working himself out with little apparent effect, not realizing the significance of his efforts.

If there is anyone who believed rain would fall during the dry season, it was my dad, even when there were no signs. My dad was known for his hardworking spirit, combined with optimism. I can recall many occasions when he was tried, but he always overcame. One thing I love about my dad is his optimistic attitude. During my childhood, I often questioned why my dad wasted his efforts on numerous endeavors he had hopes for.

Back then, he was a manual worker, and he only saw money when he saw work. The pressure was excessive on him, providing for the family and trying to secure our future. Regardless of the challenges, he always remained positive, taking on extra manual work just to meet our basic needs.

It was from him that I learned that with hard work and optimism, anything can be achieved. There have been many instances in my life where I would have given up, but I always remember how my dad maintained a positive attitude during difficult times. His life taught me to always have a positive mindset, even in the darkest times.

Source

I'm grateful he was my dad, and inheriting such a trait is something to be proud of. This trait is one I would like to pass on to my kids in the future, teaching them the importance of hard work and having a positive mindset, which are qualities that can lead to success in any endeavor.

EMPATHY
My mom is a woman who showed empathy, and this was felt by those around her. Her willingness to assist others has also had a significant impact on me. Speaking of one trait I got from my mum, I would say it's a sense of empathy and kindness.

I remember back in the village when a woman lost her child and others were coming in to console her. She was chasing every single person off her compound, responding that they didn't know what it felt like to lose a child and were only offering lip service. My mom got the news on her way back from the market and rushed to her house.

My mom was shocked to see the woman accepting her and not sending her away like she did to so many others. My mom was able to console her and made her understand why she needed to be strong. It was later my mom heard from others that the woman accepted to listen to her because she was the only person who understood people's situations and was ready to offer kind words genuinely.

After that incident and many others, I knew I had the trait but only needed to make it felt by others. Empathy has helped me build strong connections with the few people I have met with different life situations. It has helped me in so many ways. People love and cherish my personality. It is a trait I would like to pass on to my children in the future.