They say, “Never meet your heroes.”The idea being that the folks we put on a pedestal often don’t shine as brightly up close.We’ve all heard the stories — the awkward celebrity encounter that leaves the admirer deflated and disappointed.

Be gentle but firm with dogs and kids.

(Raising good kids and good dogs isn’t all that different.)

Work hard. Then wake up the next day and work harder.

(A strong work ethic is one of the best ethics to have.)

Think of something bigger than yourself.

(A simple kindness can go a very long way.)

Pray before you eat, and take off your hat when you do.

(Be thankful for what you have — and respect where it comes from.)

Give thanks for the simple things: green grass, fat cows, just enough rain, spring wildflowers, and the sunset each evening.

(Gratitude changes attitude.)

Listen to the guidance of God — and to the good counsel of folks who’ve “been there” before you.

(Some people are just wiser than you, and that’s okay.)T

ell the truth — but tell a great story, too.

(I rode got on a bull once… that’s the truth — but the story is way better. Ask Michael!)

Make good decisions when sorting the herd.

(This applies to cows… and to friends.)

Celebrate your friends' successes, and be humble in your own.

(The right kind of pride — and the right kind of humility — are both becoming rare.)

Speak and act like your momma’s always nearby — no matter how old you are.(Someone who admires you probably is nearby. Your words and attitude carry weight.)

And always do the right thing, even when no one’s watching.

(An honest person doesn’t care who’s looking… and doesn’t need to.)

Imagine, we could all be someone's hero and a hero worth meeting!