About PeopleJam | Ad Network | Newsroom | Interested in joining PeopleJam as a Business Partner?
Copyright 2008 PeopleJam, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of use | Feedback | Newsletter
Be A Line Leader
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
For a good majority of my life I was a follower, especially in high school. I dressed like my friends, I did the same things they did, and I certainly never ventured out from the crowd. Basically my entire identity was not my own; it was something I adopted off of someone else in order to fit in.
In reading that quote I realize that the days of following others to fit in are LONG GONE. The one thing that is so clear to me now is how important it is to explore, to take chances, and to put myself out there.
Of course, I still get a little scared now and again. But instead of falling in line I ask myself the following question, “Do you have more to gain from doing this or more to lose?” Nine times out of 10 I find that I have more to gain. In going where there is no path I learn, I grow, and open myself up to amazing potentials. Besides, it’s much more fun to lead the line then be stuck at the end. The view is better any way.
Being a line leader and creating the path has some great perks.
Add To:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter and we'll keep you updated with fresh new content.
Nice. Where would you like to be a leader, Pam? How can we support you?
RR, what great questions -- thank you so much!! I would love to lead a movement where everyone every where begins to understand and live the concept of being enough. When I came to realize what being enough meant, it caused a huge shift in my thinking and in my actions. My wish is that everyone, every where feels it for themselves!
How you all can support (thank you for asking), this may sound a bit fluffy, but it comes from deep in my heart...by being your authentic selves no matter what... by feeling, knowing, breathing, eating, and sleeping the thought that you are enough. (If you have not already begun to do so.) Key here too, is reaching out when the feeling of not enough creeps in.
RR, thanks again for the great questions. Now, here is a question for you...what paths do you wish to create for others to walk down?
Pam,
Your vision is great, and perhaps the best thing about it, is that as you nurture and support people into honoring their authentic self, you create a world of line leaders. What an awesome image that creates!
Peace and Light,
Teri Johnson
Spiritual Life Coach
Guiding You Into Authenticity with Grace
Thank you, Teri. You are such a dear, sweet soul and I really value your input. It takes one line leader to know another. ;)
Hey Pam,
I love your story. Your Emerson quote reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, from Joseph Campbell:
"You enter the forest
at the darkest point,
where there is no path.
Where there is a way or path,
it is someone else's path.
You are not on your own path.
If you follow someone else's way,
you are not going to realize
your potential."
Choosing between social acceptance and authenticity can be difficult. The former seems welcoming and safe, the latter lonely and mysterious. But as you've found, your true power lies in your authentic self. Thanks for the reminder.
5 Comments