In the quiet moments before dawn, when the world still sleeps, true leaders rise. They rise not for glory or acclaim, but because something deep within them knows that this day, like every other day, holds the potential to change a life, to heal a heart, to sow an impactful seed, to build a bridge, where others only see chasms.
Today, February 20th, we celebrate National Leadership Day, but the truth runs deeper than any date on an annual calendar. Leadership isn't just a title bestowed or a position purportedly earned; it's the sacred responsibility that lives in the marrow of one’s bones, waiting to be awakened with simple actions we decide to engage in during any given day.
Think of the graves that hold not just dead bodies, but unexpressed or unrealized dreams. Think of the symphonies never composed, the innovations never sparked, the healing words never spoken; all because someone waited for permission to lead, for the "right time to…." that never came until it was too late. The richest place on earth isn't a diamond mine or a golden vault; it's been said to be the graveyard, where countless gifts were buried with those who never dared to share their gifts with the world due to fear or whatever other excuse, they used to hold themselves back from achieving significance to enhance their and other’s lives.
However, you, yes, you were not created to carry your gifts to the grave. Let me repeat this to you in another way; breaking it down further so you can comprehend and feel these words with every bit of your being. “You, yes, you who are reading this blog post were not placed on this earth to let your gifts die within you without sharing them with others to bless their lives and even your own.” Take a cognizant moment to Meditate on what was written before you continue.
Your leadership isn't measured by the size of your office, the number of degrees you hold, or the digits in your bank account. It's measured in the trembling voice that finds courage because you stood beside them helping them build confidence, they did not know or think they had but was in them all along. It's in the child who sees what is possible because you dared to dream and share your vision and/or voice to make a difference and they watched you prevail. It's in the colleague who finally believes in themselves because you, the leader believed in them first when no one else around them ever did. Any act of courageousness opens doors for opportunity not just for oneself, but for those standing by around on the sidelines seeking a way to show up for themselves after enduring so much.
Leadership is the mother who teaches her children to stand up for the bullied, even when it costs them popularity. It's the janitor who creates such dignity in his work that he inspires executives to be better human beings to everyone they encounter, not just the higher-ups. It's the quiet accountant who speaks up against unethical practices, even when her voice shakes. These are unwavering leadership heroes who are paving the way for another person who will be a witness to their actions and take a similar stance when need be. Look around someone is silently watching you. Will they admire or despise your actions?
The Crossroads
We stand at a crossroads in human history right now. Our actions today echo into a future we'll never see, touching lives we'll never know. Every thought, every choice, every word, every silent moment when we choose to act or remain still; these are the threads we weave into humanity's fabric and into our very own legacy.
This isn't about building empires or climbing corporate ladders. No, this is about the courage to be the light when darkness is creeping in and feels so overwhelming. To be the hand that lifts when others push or keep theirs down. To be the voice that says "enough" when injustice masquerades as tradition. If we don’t stand up and lead now, then when? Life does not seem to be getting any easier; especially in this country that we call the “United States of America.” Each day that passes has the “United” looking like the “Distant, Divided, Disconnected and Disjointed” States of America with no compassion.
Our ancestors didn't survive unimaginable hardships for us to play small another moment. The generations yet to be born don't need us to be perfect, they simply need us to be courageous. They need us to create a world where leadership means serving humanity with positivity and strength, not dominating it and being rude or alienating people. Where success is measured not in dollars, but in lives touched, in the hearts healed, and where bridges of compassion are assembled even while building or growing businesses, careers, potential opportunities you name it. You get where I am coming from there is a way to be a strong leader without isolating everyone.
The time for waiting is over. The time for "someone else will do it" has passed. Your leadership skills are needed in whatever environment you find yourself in. Not tomorrow, not when you feel ready, not when you have the perfect plan. It is needed Right Now!
Because somewhere, someone is waiting for the hope that only you can inspire. The path that only you can illuminate. The change that only you can spark to emerge.
This is your moment. This is your call. This is your time to rise and shine your light brightly on your environment, this nation and the world for that matter.
Let those who come after us say; of our generation that when darkness threatened, we became the healing light that was needed due to continual negative fatigue on so many levels to make changes that helped people live more civilized, decent, and sustainable lives. When division grows, we can all move mountains to bring us closer together as one loving nation. When fear paralyzes us, we can always decide to move forward with courage and compassion. When everything around us looks bleak, we can choose to have faith that our higher power is working things out for the greater good of every man who calls on him/her and believes this to be true.
The Power of Leadership:
Your leadership journey and legacy begin with a single choice: Will you carry your gifts to the grave, or will you share them with a world that desperately needs them in any or every area of your life?
Rise-Up, Leader. Rise! Your time to shine is upon us. No more chains, no more excuses, no more waiting until. The time to lead is NOW! Your shoulders will hold not only this generation up but those that will come after us.
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