Most people hold in high esteem, family, finances, careers and education. To attain the highest levels of what is closest to our hearts is to gaze at our reflection of who we were and who we need to become. A lack of leadership has created communities of individuals who are entitled, blame and exercise ignorance.

Our lives are primarily spent at our jobs, on paths of higher learning, with family and in the solidarity of self-reliance. Would it be fair to say that we have been conditioned in the four areas of life for status, to make a living, to provide, all while blindly following a system where we are being led instead of leading.

Everything in life matters as each piece is added to the whole. It is irresponsible to say some things matter while others do not. All experience lifts the veil to self-knowledge, and we cannot understand anything without understanding all sides of what we are encompassed in. In order for us to gain knowledge one must stand under the very thing they are looking to understand.

We are presented with opportunities to lead everyday, and there are many faces that leadership possesses. Leadership must be guided and influenced because it has to be chosen with free will by each individual, otherwise, we cannot pass into its threshold. The body is the shell and storehouse, while the mind is the operating system.

The internal faculties within us like, our intuition, silence, breath work, active listening, perception, attention and reasoning are some of our intangible abilities that lead us to higher versions of ourselves and truth, so that we in turn can lead others to their truth also.

There are many attributes of leadership beginning with courage, intentional service, ownership, internal process, commitment, honesty, responsibility, vulnerability, discipline, discomfort, awareness, the people business, growth and engagement. The journey of life is the same for all of us, and this can be recognized once it’s realized that what is inside of us is all the same.

If we cannot lead ourselves, we cannot lead others and move into our positions of influence. Leadership happens in every avenue of our lives, every relationship, every adversity, and waits for us when we stray to get back on its path to lead the way.

Through ownership and self-discovery we are able to discipline our thoughts to guide our body into acts of power that influence hearts. Leadership is all about the people’s business starting with ourselves first.

Our legacy is in who we become and how many people we extend value to in the process. One small act of leadership at work, school, with family and especially ourselves has the ability to unlock untapped potential and understanding.

What better gift to leave behind to the world, our communities and children that will pass the test of time. Our conversations are vital to creating the lives we would love and the place where we live and dwell. Without leadership chaos persists.

Letroy Woods can be reached at Letroywoods@gmail.com.