  Hello, Lovely Soul Drop! How are you? Until about two days ago "bellwether" was the last name of that sheep in Zootopia and that was it, no other meaning to it. Thanks to my new habit of looking into the Merriam Webster's word of the day I learned that bellwether means "leader" or "trend setter" and it comes from pastors choosing one
of their sheep to become the leader or guide of the rest. Funny, huh? For those who have watched the movie the character makes a lot more sense now.
Why am I speaking about sheep now? Well, as it tends to happen to me, animals as well as nature make me think about our life and the roles we play within society. Sheep are known to be followers but even among them, one will be the leader. They will guide the rest and help the pastor keep the order and harmony within the group.
Are you a follower? Are you a leader? If you were to ask me, I would say I am both. One key to be successful within our society is to know how to adapt ourselves to the different situations we are faced with. Sometimes we'll be the pastor, guiding the entire group. Others, we'll be the bellwether and serve as a guide for the rest of our group but still follow the pastor, and sometimes we'll be normal sheep following the rest. There are even cases in which the situation makes it so that there aren't leaders or followers!
What should you take into consideration in order to communicate better and decide which role you should play?
If you are to stand out to become the leader, why would you do so? In some situations we might feel the urge to stand up and become the leader of a group, which might be great! As long as we know what is motivating us and that motivation is positive. For example, if you want to be the leader only because you're used to being the leader even if in this particular situation you do not have something special to offer to the group or a clear idea to guide them...this would be the wrong choice. Leaders must be confident and to be confident enough you have to have a clear idea of what's going on! If you do not understand the situation it is better to follow someone who does, even if you are a figure of authority to this group. Become the bellwether and let them know you are not suited to entirely guide them this time, that's alright!
What is the energy of the group? Every group is different and their behavior will shift according to the situation they are in. Before taking any decisions about your role in a particular group, you have to understand what is needed to achieve the team's goal. Are they confident assertive people with a lot of knowledge about how to handle the situation? Then this group can act without a leader. Do they look confused and scared, no one is taking the lead and you have enough knowledge to guide them? Take the lead yourself! You might even find a group with two or more "pastors" various "bellwethers" along with the followers. Each group you join by choice or by chance will require various things in order to function and achieve their goals, be aware of them and take the most useful role.
What are your abilities? How do you know which is the most useful role and the one you can work the best as? You check both the dynamic of the group and match it to your own set of skills. Some people will never take the lead role, they work much better at other kinds of tasks and that is perfect! I know today's world is telling everyone that they have to be leaders when in reality anyone can become a leader and that doesn't mean they have to! How can your abilities help the group achieve their goal? This must be your focus to be an active member of your community, your family, your workplace, any group you might find yourself in!
 Remember every member of a group is very important! You are important, act confidently and follow your instincts. Whether you lead, you follow, you help others, or you are being helped the most important thing is that you are staying true to yourself and to your values! Never, ever, be a mindless leader or follower. You have the potential to change this world as long as you stay mindful. Not every situation requires the same tools or attitudes, they just require that you try your best! That will be more than enough.
Here are the podcast episodes of last week:
Let's Connect Monday: Be Still! https://anchor.fm/bellemoon99/episodes/Lets-connect-Monday-15--Be-still-ef5u4d
Let's be Kind Thursday: Feel Away! https://anchor.fm/bellemoon99/episodes/Lets-be-Kind-Thursday-14--Feel-away-efa61t
With all my love,
Bel.