Legacy

I have been thinking about legacy lately. Our actions matter and what we choose to do builds our legacy. When we focus on our legacy and doing good for humanity, wealth and success will follow. However, to be true to one's legacy one has to stay authentic and true to oneself. This takes assertiveness. After half a century on this earth, I feel that I have finally earned my right to speak out and stand up. I feel that I have something to say and am no longer concerned about optics and image. I want to be heard and make a difference. I am angry about a lot of problems we have in our society and can no longer stand by silently. I have no choice other than to lead the change effort and build my legacy. I do not want people to perceive me as being angry for the sake of being angry because that is not the truth. I am not Don Quixote. However, even Buddha was angry about the suffering of others. Even Buddha got angry when he was hit three times. I have been hit many times in my life and I am tired of it. I am tired of not having a voice and not being able to create positive change on grande scale.

Dr. Ramon Lopez-Reyes, my training analyst and teacher/mentor, once said that "individuation is a constant pain in the ass." What he meant was that once we become aware, we also have to accept the burden that comes with this awareness. Opening one's eyes to the reality around us is painful. Taking on the responsibility to do something about it and lead is not easy. It is a lonely place filled with many sleepless nights. Knowledge and understanding comes with suffering. Finding one's voice comes through trials and tribulations. One must travel the hero's journey to get there. While on this journey, one must face one's humanity and find one's purpose. A true leader returns from this journey humbled and wise. He (or she) becomes the "Innocent Fool" manifesting the Self level archetypes: King, Sage, Magician, and Fool. He is able to take charge and make a difference in the world with wisdom while also laughing at himself. He becomes an existential hero. That is, an existentialist who fights for the freedoms and rights of others without any expectation of reward or salvation. He becomes a servant leader show has no other choice other than to lead. I truly feel that I have returned from my journey and am ready to lead. I am not asking for anything in return. I am only asking to be heard.

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