It’s crucial to understand that you may not receive the support you seek from your loved ones as you embark on your leadership journey. You might hear things like: “You can’t do this. You’ve never been capable of such feats. You’ve always been the odd one in the family, the jester. How embarrassing!”
Keep in mind this fundamental truth: if you follow the advice of your parents without question, you may find yourself repeating their patterns.
If this is the path you wish to take, consider parental advice with gratitude. However, if you, like many, feel a surge of panic at the thought of living a life similar to your parents, it’s vital not to follow their guidance. Instead, mentally thank them each time they try to steer you down the avenue they believe to be true—acknowledge their energy and send it back to them.
Visualize collecting their energy into a small sphere and channeling it back to them. They may lack the vitality you possess, and your silent support will be felt, even if unbeknownst to them.
Change can be challenging, especially with the weight of external influences upon us. Our families, motivated by love, often act to protect us, even when their words come across as harsh. However, as you step into your leadership role and unveil your charisma, your family will begin to see a different version of you. Their perception of you will evolve. If, in the past, you were viewed as weak or in need of care, you will transform into someone they now recognize as strong. The narrative is indeed malleable.
I have experienced this transformation in my own life. Growing up, I struggled with severe stuttering—a challenge I had to overcome alone, even without the assistance of those who claimed to be experts. My family, too, could not provide the support I needed; I faced this battle alone for nearly a quarter-century. Yet, I persevered and pulled myself from the depths of despair. When I eventually shared my progress with my relatives by showing them videos of me reciting poetry in various languages, their reaction was awe: "God, what a beautiful voice you have!" In that moment, I looked directly into their eyes and confidently responded, "But I have always had a beautiful voice. It’s surprising to hear that now." The people who had known me for so long were taken aback, not by pity, but by genuine astonishment.