I’m grateful for the wisdom of the elders. I respect their experience and honor their intentions. Also, I wonder what life would be like if we found our way without programming, prejudice, bias, or judgement from well-intended but imperfect leaders, guides, or teachers that sometimes stifle expansiveness into conformity.

What if no one taught us certain sizes or shapes were more desirable, that certain colors, accents, or beliefs were more acceptable, that dancing, singing and affection could only be expressed within specific cultural constraints? What if no one told us our dreams were impossible? What would we be if we trusted and followed our own innate divinity instead?

I recently received a profound message from Heaven. I immediately, almost reflexively, wondered if others had heard or said similar things or if there was a reputable or authoritative source I could quote. 

“You don’t need someone else to reiterate what I tell you,” a voice said. “You have every right to receive it and reiterate it on your own.”

There must be balance between wisdom and freedom—between experience and naïveté—and we are here to help one another. As we pass from novice to master, from apprentice to jourey[wo]man, from protégé to mentor, it is important to remember that sometimes the child is the teacher and the elder the student. We take turns teaching one another .

As we help, let us temper our wisdom and experience with humility and wonder in ways that allow others to unfold their limitless potential. Let us inspire, empower, encourage, and love.