Be the Candle That Lights Another

“Do not explain your philosophy. Embody it.” — Epictetus

The Obstacle

We are preoccupied in our lives.
Focused on all the things that need to get done.
Work.
School.
Home.
Chores.
Parents.
Parenting.
Partners.
Vacations.
Aspirations.
Dreams.
Projects.

There is so much to keep us busy that our thoughts drift constantly inward. What best serves US?
What should we do?
Say?
Think?
How should we act?

We measure our time, performance, and productivity, and we forget how we impact others.
The lessons we leave.
The tone we set.
The effect we have.

The Gift and Opportunity

Certain people in our lives shape who we become.
How they carry themselves.
How they lead.
How they treat others.
These lessons are likely not taught with direct intention. We simply take a piece of that person with us and bake it into who we are.

Great coaches, parents, teachers, mentors, bosses, they show us what leadership looks like without announcing it.
They leave lessons by how they show up. With how they treat others, work, inspire, and lead.

If we step back and view our own thoughts, words, behaviors, and actions through the lens of how they impact others, we can set intention.

We become more aware.
More intentional.
More steady.

We can leave a mark that ripples though lives and time far beyond our own.

One candle can light many.

The Practice of Self-Mastery

• Look beyond yourself and notice who you are with and what you will leave with them.

• Notice your words, your tone, and the silent lessons.

• Speak and behave as though you are a leader, do not complain.

• Remain calm, focused, and intentional.

• Be the person you want to be around.