The world needs guides.

“I fear going down the path to become a [dream job title] because there are already so many people out there doing it better than me.” Have you heard this refrain? Have you said it?

A version I’ve thought repeatedly is, My writing isn’t great. There are so many other writers publishing meaningful work with big audiences. And, there’s enough content in this world. What could I ever add?

Then, I was struck with a thought beam in meditation the other day: The world needs guides. Each of us is a guide in our communities — our energy affects those around us. Living with courage and pursuing a path that’s aligned with who we really are (even by taking a small step) helps to guide others by transmitting empowering energetic frequencies.

The world benefits from having many guides with different voices. Guides who look, act and create with their own styles. Having a vast array of guides makes subject matter more inclusive. More people can be a part of a subject if they see guides who they resonate with. #Representation, baby.

So, whatever your style of guidance, however you display yourself authentically, step into it. The excuses (“there are so many others doing it!”) keep you small. Grow, expand. And you’ll guide others along the way.