How Do You Stay Focused in the Midst of Crowded Ideas?

As I walked along this beautiful path, surrounded by the uniquely pruned trees, I realized something important; an important lesson for life. The lamp seems to hang in the center, steady, as a reminder of how we move through life between the excess of opinions, viewpoints, and influences.

And just like these trees, the people about arounf us all have their own form, their own growth, their own way of seeing, meaning, thinking, each us very unique. Some are have been bent over the years, and others pruned by things out of their control. Some may rise, others may remain small.

And through all of that, the light remains, unwavering. It does not require the trees to keep it up; it has its own pole, its own roots. All it knows is to glow — to light the way for others.
Therein lies the lesson that life is trying to teach us.

There will always be voices, some positive, some negative, but we will never be out of earshot of voices. Some will attempt to mold us in their image, others will take the spectator seats, watching us find our way. However, in the way that the lamp knows its purpose, we too have to remember.

We are not here to be influenced by all the opinions that come our way. We are not out here just to be defined by circumstance. Our duty is to be light, to be solid on our mission, to be a beacon of light for others who are lost in darkness.

There will always be distractions. Doubts will creep in. Others will also ask about where we are heading. However, when you know your purpose, when you have discovered your why, you won't be searching for validation from anyone else around you. And you will shine because that is what you are here for.

So as you are living your life, just be like light. Stand firm in your purpose. Do not allow that noise around to douse your shine. Your presence is not about blending in but about shining bright to light the path of others! And ultimately, the people worth your time aren't going to be the ones who try to mold you, they're going to be the ones who use the path you shine to find their way.