if that's how it begins and ends, maybe I don't have much value left after all this. I found myself unexpectedly in a leadership role within a community group, where everyone seems to have an opinion on my identity. they compare me constantly to past leaders who have been around for ages. their comments haunt me every day.

it's not like I asked to be in charge, it just kind of happened overnight because people saw something in me, or maybe just needed someone. now it feels like I have a spotlight shining on every move I make. I’m doing my best to keep things on track but can't help wondering if I'm becoming the "default leader" typecast they've placed before my feet.

even some comments make me question who I really am or where my value truly lies: "he reminds me of Dave," or "Lisa used to do things that way too." no offense to Dave or Lisa, they were great at what they did but I'm not them. I wish people could see past the shadow of prior leaders and notice what unique flavors might contribute from me instead.

establishing my own ground feels nearly impossible when surrounded by comparisons and assumptions regarding those who've come before me. it makes me second-guess whatever original thoughts spark within these contexts made for others. maybe it doesn't matter if I carve out new roads, pave pathways between foundations already built again previously established alongside endless expectations. I feel like I’m just trying to define myself in a space that feels so confined by their perceptions. it's exhausting...

Stories in the same category