Follow The Leader

I have never been much for authority figures. I do not like taking orders. Giving them to others is not much better. A person should march to the beat of their own drum. In an ideal world people would listen to their instincts and do what is right. Sometimes though we may get lost on the way to our destination. This is a time when it becomes easy to influence society's lost sheep.

Take a look at the self-help section of your local bookstore. Plenty of authors offer the "perfect" plan for your life. No matter where your difficulty may lie there is a book just waiting to set you back on the right track. Peek into the pages and you will discover words of wisdom and gems of advice. As you scan the shelf you must begin to wonder? How could these writers know me when they write for the masses?

They cannot be a substitute for one-on-one therapy or counseling. Books such as these, by their very nature, must be written as broadly as possible. These books must appeal to a mass audience in order to sell the greatest number of copies. No matter how specific the malady the book will suggest that many segments of society can relate in some way. In this way the publisher hopes to sell as many copies to as many people as possible.

If a person becomes desperate enough they will seek solace in a group of like-minded individuals. This is how cults are formed. One person declares themselves the "savior" and offers to lead the group to -- heaven, nirvana, Starbucks, take your pick -- if the followers would only promise their undying obedience and loyalty. And much of their life savings. If only people would remember that old adage about absolute power.

This type of movement can be seen in various seminars for corporations or modern religions like Scientology. A person or group insists that they have all the answers. No one has all the answers and certainly not me. Beware of these groups who attempt to outline your life and control your behavior. If someone says that they are God please run away as fast as you can in the opposite direction. Anytime your money or unquestioned devotion is required for assistance you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I certainly went through a period when I was trying to figure out just who I was and what my purpose might be. I looked toward people I knew and even people I had just met. No one really held any answers for me. I was hoping I would find someone worthy of following. I felt lost and confused. In the end I did not find that person and I am glad for that. Who is truly worthy of following and what person really wants some kid following them?

In the end I discovered the one and only source of truth in one's life. It is difficult to accept and even harder to listen to. The source is your own heart. A friend once told me that the head will lie yet the heart is incapable of deceit. Within ourselves is the ability to determine just what is right and good. We often have other more selfish ideas which makes it harder to listen to that inner voice. The way to truly listen is to stop fighting ourselves and accept the truth of what is. Let your heart lift the burden your shoulders know too well.