NOTHING CAN DIM THE LIGHT THAT SHINES FROM WITHIN

When I was in college studying music and training to be a music therapist, my professor took me aside after one group therapy sessions that I led for my colleagues. At the time we had to practice preparing and leading therapy groups using songs and music to provide music therapy. My professor used the typical sandwich method where he praised some of my skills in the beginning and end of our meeting, but the crux of his message was what he said in that serious tone, “Miriam, I want you to focus on your leadership skills.” And then he proceeded to discuss certain things I had done in the session to show that my leadership skills needed fine tuning.

There are many courses on leadership and management and although I haven’t taken any particular “leadership” course, I’ve come a long way in this area as a music therapist and as a human being.

The first time I realized I was becoming a “leader” was when people would call me for advice on things that I’d gone through with my children. These were followed by other instances of my sharing and guiding and hopefully inspiring others with my thoughts, ideas and actions. By the time I  became “admin” of a whatsapp group, I was like, hmmm, this leadership thing is just no big deal or NBD as they say these days on social media.

But, seriously, what makes a leader? Does it count that we have x number of followers on Facebook and Instagram? Does it matter how many people like or love or emoji-care our comments? I mean, what exactly is leadership?

And how can all of us use that definition to help us move forward in 2021? We know that 2020 was lousy in so many ways. We also know there were many silver linings in 2020. But, how do we prevent us from being stuck in that overall negative frame of mind?

Or: How do I, Miriam, move forward in the best possible way in 2021? Notwithstanding what happened on January 6, it can be a good year. Never mind what missteps I made yesterday, today can and will be better. Saying these things to myself is one way to lead myself towards confidence and better days. I think they are known as affirmations.

But back to leadership: What’s that anyway? Leadership  is the ability, willingness, and preparedness to inspire others. Effective leadership is based in original and borrowed ideas that are effectively communicated to others in a way that motivates them to act in ways aligned with the leaders’ and their goals. Leaders inspire through a can-do attitude.

The best and most memorable leaders I’ve had in my life were those who inspired me to maximize my own creative potential while being part of the team. That’s the model used when I taught in high school and where I work currently in healthcare using music therapy to provide end-of-life care. And that’s the model I’ve used in my family and community relationships. Positivity and can-do attitude helps.

I think if each one of us motivates to change that direction with positive affirmations for ourselves every single day, we can move forward. Today will be the day that each one of us will view ourselves as a leader in smiling, modeling positive attitude, sharing positive thoughts and seeing the silver lining.