Wherever I go is where I lead

Hurting myself hurts others; kindness to myself is kindness to others

A powerful rule in life: wherever I go is where I lead; what I say is significantly less important than the place from which I say it.

If my intention to help others leads me off a cliff, I lead others off that same cliff.

Hurting myself hurts others.

But the inverse is also true, and this opens an incredible opportunity:

If I am kind to myself, I am kind to others.

Not, "if I am kind to myself, I can then be kind to others." If I am kind to myself, I am kind to others. I have led others to be kind to themselves. Wherever I go is where I lead.

If my intention today is to lead others — my kids, my co-workers, my friends, my spouse — to peace, hope, and growth, then my first priority should be to receive these things myself.

I cannot lead others to peace by over-working. I cannot lead others to healing by straining. I cannot lead others to a place other than where I am.

Wherever I go is where I lead.