How I Learned to Lead My Own Life.

A reflection on the power of choosing your own path.

For centuries, people have wondered — what makes life worth living? How do we find meaning, joy, and purpose in a world that keeps changing?

I often think back to my mother’s voice telling me, “Don’t be an Aadu (a goat) that follows blindly. Be the leader of your own life.” I didn’t understand it then, but her words stayed with me, shaping me long before I understood their significance.

Being the leader of my life means creating my own path and taking charge of my direction. But I wasn’t always bold. As a child, I followed rules closely, seeking guidance and approval, unsure of my own strength. I remember crying when my cousin joked about an approaching storm, reflecting my anxiety growing up in a dysfunctional environment without a father figure. My mother, though, was steady and wise. Her strength was deep, her mind free from pettiness.

I am grateful to have been her daughter. I believe there’s a reason for everything — a karmic thread connecting us all, a divine dance of learning and love across lifetimes.

My purpose feels clearer now. Years of learning resilience, leaning into my inner strength, and exploring the subconscious have shaped who I am today. Grounded in my values and open to growth, the spirituality I grew up with has become a quiet companion — making learning lighter and understanding deeper.

I find joy in the simplest moments: the heartbreaking beauty of a full moon hanging low in the sky, silent and mysterious, suggesting a promise of some kind,... and the sweet kiss of my dog’s affection!

I’ve come to see that sorrow and joy are not opposites but companions in this unfolding journey.

Today, I lead with my heart.
Yes — I lead.
I walk my path with clarity, courage, and calm.