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Role models are meant to inspire us and show us what's possible. Mentors are meant to lead us and guide us. And while it is a wonderful blessing to have such people to look up to, it is important that we realize our own uniqueness.
As student in elementary school we are given breaks throughout the day for recess - designated play periods, paired alongside blocks of time for learning. We become conditioned to a certain schedule as children, and the routine provides its own sort of comfort, whether we thoroughly enjoy ourselves or not.
Interestingly enough, whether we realize it or not, as adults we are given expectations and parameters as well from the society we situate ourselves in. And while these societal "rules" can provide comfort to some extent for most, ideal contentment for a handful, they can be absolutely wrenching for others. As Anna Quindlen alludes to in today's quote, we should not try to be exactly as everyone thinks we should be -
following the trail that someone else as left for us. Instead, we should follow our own path.
We can use that trail provided by our role models and mentors as a starting point or as a checkpoint, but we must be brave enough to charge out on our own, let our hair down and be ourselves - our authentic selves. Ironically enough, it is easier to follow to the "T" the path that someone else suggests we travel than it is to find the courage within ourselves to simply be our best selves. Because when we follow the "rules" we can blame someone else if it doesn't feel right or we can feel a faux calm upon doing what is needed to be accepted. Neither should be
a behavior to fall prey to. Instead we should accept who we are individually and not apologize for finding contentment in a life that others may not understand.
Speaking of letting go of perfection . . . this week's post from the archives helps to quell our need to be perfectionists . . .
Whether you are celebrating Mother's Day this weekend or simply happy to see the weekend arrive, I hope you have a wonderful time. Perhaps the weekend will include a viewing of The Great Gatsby or maybe just quiet time at home to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Whatever you have up your sleeve, I wish you an enjoyable time. Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter and until next week, I will see you on the blog.
-Shannon | 
