I’ve spent most of life trying to be someone else; to find acceptance, validation, praise. When I realized that I wanted something different, I then became interested in people whose lives I admired. I thought that if I mimicked them and knew all their secrets, I’d have all the answers.
Now, I’m aware that following behind in someone else’s footsteps isn’t the answer either. But it seemed so much easier to follow what had already been laid out than finding my own path. A true teacher eventually sends you on your way. They recognize that having followers is a detriment to the growth of those they truly wish to support.