On the eve of becoming a published author, I have spent some time reflecting about my participation in this anthology and exactly what my teenage self would have been willing to listen to and soak up the information from. I chose to write my chapter in the book about emotions I experienced throughout my teenage years and early 20s. Thinking back, I am reflecting on what would have been most important for me to have that I didn't necessarily feel like I had to get me through those tumultuous times. Having the blessing of "hindsight" I believe one thing that I would have greatly appreciated was someone that was a close friend or even a person I admired to simply listen.
Often times, young people have the misconception that a good friend or mentor is someone that "gives good advice" when in fact, what I have learned now, is a good friend and mentor is someone that listens to you and helps you seek the best solutions for your life simply by asking questions and inquiring about the path you are lead towards. As I have grown in age and into my profession, I have become acutely aware of how unhelpful "friendly advice" can truly be. It can often cause us to question our path in the interest of other's dreams for ourselves and can cause us to lose sight of the vision of what we, as individuals, believe is the path to carve out our futures. Those of us that seek others approval of our chosen path are often disappointed by the responses we receive and attempt to alter our own dreams and visions to fit others thoughts. In the end, when we do this, we are left feeling empty, angry and unfulfilled. We are trying to fit jigsaw pieces into a puzzle that have been uniquely made for us as individuals.
Having a mentor help you find our own way through your path of life is important. There will be times, as a young person and even as a fully mature adult, that you struggle, stumble and fall. In those times, knowing you have support and the company of "good listeners" is reassuring that you will always find your way back to the path specifically made for your footprints. When you find that path, your prints will fit and your heart will feel full, blessed and happy. The journey of finding that path can be filled with many emotions but in the end, the journey is what leads to fulfillment.
