My Journey: The Wisdom of Rumi's Advice

We frequently look to those around us for guidance—mentors, coworkers, and friends—in our pursuit of success and fulfillment. The age-old adage, "When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home," nevertheless, rings true loudly among the multitude of voices vying for our attention. These insightful remarks, credited to the well-known poet Rumi, capture a potent lesson about the value of getting advice from people who have already traveled the path we hope to take.

Rumi's advice is fundamentally about how important it is to get advice from people who have firsthand knowledge of the issues at hand and insights that are applicable to our work. Similar to how an experienced traveler can offer priceless guidance on navigating uncharted territory, people who have taken similar journeys in their personal or professional lives can offer priceless insights and wisdom gleaned from experience.

The great poet Rumi is credited with saying, "When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home." This advice remains relevant as I reflect on my journey to become a lawyer, which was filled with obstacles, victories, and priceless lessons. These remarks have struck a deep chord with me, directing and influencing how I approach both my professional development as a lawyer and my personal growth.

A Reflection;

When I first stepped foot in law school in 2002, I started a life-changing path that would eventually lead to my 2008 admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. It was an intensely personal, passionate, and tenacious journey motivated by a deep-seated desire to use the practice of law to change the world (Selah). Nevertheless, I was fortunate to have a lot of supportive and motivating people in my path, even in the face of the demanding nature of law school and the difficulties of practicing law.

"Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise so I am changing myself." - Rumi

One such source was my mother's steadfast guidance and support, who pushed me to seek out a legal profession—a choice that would ultimately determine the course of my life. Her astute advice served as a beacon of hope for me as I navigated the challenges and uncertainties associated with obtaining a legal education.

Throughout my journey, I have been blessed with mentors—wise and experienced individuals who have generously shared their knowledge, insights, and guidance. These mentors have played a crucial role in helping me develop my legal knowledge, polish my practice, and inculcate in me the value of excellence and integrity in all facets of my career.

Of the numerous mentors who have shaped my path, one particularly sticks out: this mentor was one of my LLM professors and the reader of my LLM thesis during the thesis defense. He encouraged me to investigate the nexus between law and another discipline, in addition to providing me with invaluable legal knowledge. His foresight and direction opened up new paths for my career and personal development by motivating me to explore psychology as a liaison with my law school education and practice.

You were born with wings. Why prefer to crawl through life? - Rumi

As I think back on my journey, Rumi's profound wisdom comes to me once again. It is true that getting guidance from mentors, advisors, and people with firsthand experience can help us see the way ahead and give us the confidence and clarity we need to successfully negotiate the challenges of our chosen career.

As I continue on my journey in the legal profession, I am grateful for the invaluable lessons I have learned along the way and the guidance of those who have helped shape my path. May we all heed Rumi's timeless wisdom as we navigate our respective journeys, seeking counsel from those who have ventured forth and embracing the transformative power of experience and insight.

So, what does it mean to heed Rumi's counsel in our professional pursuits? It means seeking out mentors, coaches, or advisors who have walked the path we aspire to traverse. It means surrounding ourselves with individuals who have faced the challenges, overcome the obstacles, and achieved the milestones we aim to reach. It takes a village, and sometimes you will need to pay for that village.

Moreover, it entails discernment—a discernment born out of an understanding that not all advice is created equal. While well-meaning, advice from those who have never ventured beyond their comfort zones may lack the nuance, insight, and practical wisdom needed to navigate the complexities of our chosen path.

This is not to discount the value of diverse perspectives or the insights that can be gleaned from individuals with differing backgrounds and experiences. Indeed, embracing diversity of thought and seeking out fresh perspectives are integral to growth and innovation. However, when it comes to seeking guidance on matters close to our hearts and central to our aspirations, there is unparalleled value in turning to those who have traversed similar paths before us.

In conclusion, as we embark on our respective journeys—be it in our careers, our passions, or our personal growth—let us heed the timeless wisdom of Rumi's words. We can seek counsel from those who have ventured forth, who have navigated the highs and lows, and who can offer us the guidance, support, and inspiration we need to chart our course with confidence and clarity.

After all, in the words of another wise adage, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." and with the right guidance and support, that first step can set us on a path to greatness.