Making the Decision to Change

This is the fifth of a 5-part newsletter series that focused on Walking the Path – A Leader’s Journey. I homed in on Penny, one of the main characters of the story. We now know that Penny has been ostracized by most of the people in her community. Her physical deformity makes her different. Now that Penny is 18, she is concerned about how she will take care of herself. Although living with her mother and cousin are great, the expectation is to leave the home and marry or work (or both). Penny has not been able to hold a steady job because of her disability. She is now faced with some important decisions to make.

Throughout the book, we learn how Penny hides herself away from the other people in her community. It’s easier to remain hidden than to confront the people that criticize and mock her. However, her cousin Liz is determined to cross over the mountains with John. As Penny saw it, she had two options. She could stay isolated from society and live with her mother for the rest of her life. Or she could risk her own life and take on the challenge of crossing the mountains with her friends.

If you had to make the decision of living in fear of the known (isolation) or the unknown (risk of death), which decision would you make?

Not the Norm

The decisions that each character faces may not be the norm when considering the decisions we face in our own lives in the 21st century. However, we often face challenges that feel equally monumentous, overwhelming, or scary.

Do you remain in a place of familiarity despite feeling unvalued?

Will you risk doing something outside the scope of your safe place in order to grow, feel appreciated, and experience the life you only dreamed of?

There is no easy answer to these question.

Stories Help You Think

My story is a fable. Given that, you must recognize that not all fables have a happy ending. Don’t expect Walking the Path – A Leader’s Journey to be like any other movie or heroic tale.?

Let’s look into the story.??

From last week . . .

“Didn’t you ever think that there was more to life?” John asked. This was more of him thinking out loud than an actual question. “I feel like I could do more with my life. I should be doing more with my life, even if that means exploring everything we don’t know. Just to explore and map the unknown seems like a better life than just working on the farm.” John became quiet as he sat on the floor of the tree house.?

“How do you think I feel?” Liz said. “My parents are dead. I’m an only child. I’ve been living with my aunt and cousin since I was a little girl. And Penny’s mom is always working. What do you think I have here in the valley?” Liz paused. “All I have is you and Penny. And I don’t want to lose either one of you. So, if you want to go exploring, I want to go with you.”

The story continues . . .

“But it’s going to be dangerous,” John added. “We are not going on a casual hike. This is an adventure into the unknown.”

“Yes,” Liz continued. “It is going to be dangerous. We know nothing of what’s beyond those trees.” Liz pointed out the window of the treehouse. “But it’s important for me to help you. And that’s what I want to do.” Liz looked at John and smiled. “And you know I’m good with a bow. I can help.”

“And what about you?” John asked, looking at Penny. “Are you sure you want to come along? You would be leaving your mom and your friends.”

“I don’t have any friends,” Penny replied sharply. “Look at my hand.” Penny stuck out her left hand so that John could have a clear view of it. Her fingers were deformed, some attached to each other.

The site made John want to turn away, but he held his nerve. He pushed any discomfort down and looked at Penny’s hand for as long as she held it out.

“I didn’t know,” John started. “How long . . .”

“Since birth,” Penny said. “How often have you ever seen me outside, or hanging with Liz and the other girls?”

John thought about it. “Not much, I guess.”

“My whole life I have been teased and ridiculed for something that is not even my fault,” Penny said. “Do you know how that feels? Liz is the only friend I have. If she goes, then I’m going too.”

“If you’re coming with us,” John said, “you have to pull your own weight. Is your hand going to get in the way?”

“I’m not useless,” Penny glared at John, a bit annoyed.

“That’s not what I meant,” John said quickly. “I mean . . .”

“I can cook,” Penny said. “And I have a friend who can help us as well.”

“No!” John said. “I can’t have anyone else knowing about this.”

“Relax,” Penny said. “My dog, Benji. He can catch us a rabbit without any problem.”

John laughed. “Well, I guess we have a team,” he said.

The Next Challenge

?John, Liz, and Penny decide as a group to take actions that will forever change their lives. It was wise for them to decide to work together, even though they know the adventure they now pursue will challenge them mentally, physically, and spiritually. It is a risk worth taking, as all other life options seem to lead to dead ends themselves.

Thanks for reading this series of articles. I hope you grab your copy of Walking the Path – A Leader’s Journey today.

?About the Author

Dr. Keith McNally is host of the Question Guy Podcast! He is also the author of Walking the Path – A Leader’s Journey. Additionally, Dr. McNally is a content creator and ghostwriter.?Walking the Path is a guide to impact leadership through a social consciousness model. If you need to step up your leadership impact or are looking for someone to help you write your leadership story (in book format), he’s the guy! In fact, he’s The Question Guy!?