Every Peak Has Its Valley and Every Ending Is Just a New Beginning
My most recent blog post, Standing Strong: Staying True to Your Path, was about the band P.O.D. and their great song “I Won’t Bow Down.” There is so much to unpack in the song, that this post is inspired by the same song. The lyric “The top of every mountain is the bottom of another” in P.O.D.’s “I Won’t Bow Down” suggests a perspective on life’s achievements, challenges and continuous cycles.
Using the metaphor of reaching a peak reminds us that achieving success often leads to the start of another journey or struggle. In other words, no matter how high you climb or how far you go, there’s always another challenge or goal awaiting you. This line emphasizes resilience and perseverance, encouraging listeners to keep pushing forward despite ongoing obstacles.
Standing Strong: Staying True to Your Path
I am a huge fan of the band P.O.D. I am also a huge fan of their song “I Won’t Bow Down.” It’s been on my list to blog about for a while and I was listening to the song today and decided it was time to ponder the lyrics. It is going to take multiple posts to analyze this song, however, because there is a lot to analyze. Click here to see the complete lyrics of the song. Click here to see the official music video of the song.
“I Won’t Bow Down” is deep and I analyze it as a very motivational piece. As P.O.D. says in the song, “No matter what they say, I wouldn’t do it any other way; Keep ’em coming, but you’ll never catch me running; ‘Cause I won’t bow down!” I love this message of resilience, independence, and unwavering confidence.
I also love this expression of the idea that, regardless of external opinions or criticism (“No matter what they say”), we need to remain true to ourselves and not change our way of life for anyone. The line “Keep ’em coming, but you’ll never catch me running” suggests a strong sense of perseverance and refusal to give up or be defeated, while “Cause I won’t bow down” is an anthem for standing firm and maintaining integrity despite any pressure or opposition. Overall, the message encourages us to stay true to our beliefs, face challenges head-on, and remain steadfast on our journey.
Leading With Perseverance
I have always appreciated the talent and music of Linkin Park. They have a distinctive sound, are innovative with their craft, and have those introspective lyrics that make you think. Emily Armstrong absolutely rocks “Heavy Is The Crown.” One lyric in the song says “You can’t win if your white flag’s out when the war begins.” This conveys a powerful message about resilience and determination. It suggests that if you surrender or give up before even facing the challenges (symbolized by “raising the white flag” which typically signifies surrender), you’re unlikely to succeed in overcoming difficulties. This reminded me of the importance of fighting through adversity instead of giving up at the first sign of trouble, encouraging persistence and inner strength to face our challenges head-on.
The next line in the song says, “Aimin’ so high, but swingin’ so low.” This line caused me to think about the contrast between being aspirational and reality. We need to aim high and set lofty goals, ), but not swing low when we experience setbacks, failures, or struggles.
Striving for greatness involves both highs and lows. Our journeys are not always going to be smooth and setbacks occur. Recognizing this can help us maintain resilience and perseverance, even when things aren’t going as planned. It encourages us to stay committed to our goals despite the challenges, understanding that setbacks are temporary and part of personal growth.
A fun connection I like to make to Linkin Park’s “Heavy Is The Crown” is to William Shakespeare‘s Henry IV, Part 2. Shakespeare’s line, “uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,” reflects the burdens and anxieties that accompany leadership and responsibility. True perseverance involves enduring these internal conflicts and continuing to carry the weight of responsibilities, even when the burden feels heavy.
Don’t Be A Team You’re Not
This weekend, my son and I went to watch Murray State play in the NCAA Men’s Baseball College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. What an incredible experience! The Racers got behind in the early innings. Then the Racers were trying to make up the deficit and my son made a great comment. He believed the team was trying to do too much at one time and he said, “Don’t be a team you’re not.”
Murray State had gotten to the college World Series by making contact and getting on base. They have speed and the tactical skills of the game. My son followed up with, “Just put it in play.” The long ball is always a good thing, but it Saturday’s case against UCLA they needed to be getting on base and moving runners.
I thought my son had made a fantastic observation! It highlighted the importance of authenticity and playing to your strengths. In a professional context, it reminds us to focus on what we do best rather than overextending ourselves or trying to imitate others. When we stay true to our core skills, values, and capabilities, we’re more likely to perform effectively and build genuine relationships—whether with colleagues on our own teams, clients, or customers. So, “don’t be a team you’re not” encourages us to embrace our unique qualities and trust in our team’s authentic strengths to achieve success.
Great Leaders Help You Through It
I love 801 Chophouse in Omaha, Nebraska. Me, my son, and one of his fraternity brothers travelled to the NCAA Men’s College Baseball World Series this weekend to watch Murray State play. We had an incredible time and I wanted to take them to my favorite place when I am in Omaha – 801 Chophouse. I really appreciate that they have explicitly identified the sign of their commitment on their website. Here it is:
THE SIGN OF COMMITMENT: A meal isn’t merely a collection of ingredients on a plate; it’s an experience encompassing every detail and element that goes into it. Our unrelenting commitment to the craft means delivering the best food, in the best atmosphere served by the best people in the industry. As we proudly say; “Only the best, of the best, of the best for you and your guests.”
801 Chop House focuses on providing exceptional quality, personalized service, and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for guests. These core values play a significant role in positively overwhelming customers by exceeding their expectations and making them feel truly valued. The combination of high standards and heartfelt hospitality creates memorable experiences that leave customers feeling delighted and eager to return.
After our awesome server had explained all the great menu items and me saying that I was a bit overwhelmed, she said, “I’m here to overwhelm you and then help you through it.” The server’s candid approach was to normalize challenges and recognize that feeling overwhelmed is normal and manageable. This reminded me that as leaders we need to normalize difficulties rather than shy away from them. This fosters a culture where concerns can be openly discussed and worked through as a community.
Our server was providing supportive guidance by offering to help navigate complex situations demonstrates leadership that values guidance and mentorship. Leaders should aim to be the “support system” for their teams and clients, helping them through hurdles. The server’s words highlight the importance of authentic, empathetic, and supportive communication—key qualities that leaders in professional service firms should embody to foster trust, resilience, and client satisfaction.
Do Not Waste Time Trying To Be Like Them
“I’m not like them.” “They’re not like you.” (Charlie Jameson) This interaction in The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry hit me like a ton of bricks. I ponder about this all the time as to why we believe everyone needs to fit into the same mold. It is so ingrained in us, however, that even someone like me who is aware of it still lets it happen. We see highlight reels of other people’s lives and suddenly believe we need to be like them. Rachel Pedersen, in her great book, Unfiltered, set us straight on this saying, “The truth is, nobody’s life can be fully represented by the highlight reel, so don’t waste time comparing yourself with one” (p. 46). See below for her complete thought on this.
“I wish I had known that most people are only showing you their highlight reel. When you look around at people on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, what you’re seeing is a carefully crafted and curated selection of their life. They’re generally not showing the blood, sweat, tears, pain, heartbreak, or days when they’re literally sitting in their closet crying because they’re worried about whether things will work out or fall apart. The truth is, nobody’s life can be fully represented by the highlight reel, so don’t waste time comparing yourself with one” (pp. 45-46). ~ Rachel Pedersen in Unfiltered
Rachel also told us, “Don’t try to be anyone else—be you” (p. 81). Which is why I go back to the quote I started with: “I’m not like them.” “They’re not like you.” This encourages us to embrace our individuality and recognize the uniqueness of others. It highlights the importance of accepting differences without judgment, fostering self-awareness and compassion. From this perspective, we learn that being ourselves involves understanding and valuing our own identity while appreciating that others are also on their own unique paths. It reminds us that genuine connection comes from authenticity and openness, rather than comparison or trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
We need to help others, young people and adults alike, to be comfortable not being like “them.” We need to continue to get better at respecting individual differences. To do this we must accept and understand that everyone is on their own journey and may have different ways of expressing themselves. Avoid comparisons or trying to “fix” them. This was the through line in The Story She Left Behind. Most people thought there was something wrong with Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, a renowned author and Clara’s mother who disappeared when Clara was a child. In reality, Bronwyn was extremely gifted and creative and just did not fit the mold that we want everyone to fit into.
Helping others embrace their true selves often begins with creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment. We need to model authenticity by be ourselves openly and honestly. When others see us embracing our true selves, it encourages them to do the same.
To Begin Again: Evolving, Reinventing, Growing, & Improving
I still have a few notes and highlights I want to explore, study, and blog about from my reading of The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry. One of the phrases that was used four times throughout the book was, “begin again.” This really resonated with me because of my belief that we are constantly evolving and hopefully growing and improving. I know I am not the same person I was ten years ago, or even a year ago. This made me think back to a conversation I had with Laura Stanifer and Jill Walker while studying one day last month at the Marion E. Wade Center. We were discussing a lecture series I had attended and I made a comment about some things I had learned and formed opinions on since the first lecture in the series in the fall. Laura and Jill commented that I was a different person now than I was in the fall. So true!
Some would push back on me and say we should not change who we are but I would argue we can’t. I would argue we change in some way every day – at least I hope so. It doesn’t mean my core values have changed, but it does mean I am learning and growing every day. Does it mean we are “beginning again?” I am not sure, but I value that idea of being able to begin again.
At the end of the book, Wynnie said, “But also, it’s about finding home. It’s about knowing where you belong and then doing something about that truth. It’s about that sometimes awful and sometimes wonderful journey that can take you in wrong directions, but then being willing to begin again and find your way.” I love this because we all have those sometimes awful moments and those sometimes wonderful moments. Whether our need to begin again and find our way comes from a change in circumstances, an inner yearning to redefine ourselves, or simply the desire to shake things up and keep ourselves relevant, a redefinition can lead to personal growth and enhanced fulfillment in both our personal and professional lives.
“You are not beginning again like a baby – knowing nothing – you are opening to the possibility that there is more to explore, take in, discover, learn, embrace.” ~ Shellen Lubin
As I stated at the beginning of this post, the theme of “begin again” came out in The Story She Left Behind multiple times. I don’t believe Henry wanted us to think about beginning again as fixing something that was broke, but maybe more about reclaiming or reinventing. In this novel, the characters had to make decisions about beginning again for our own journeys.
As the protagonist Clara struggled with her path for beginning again for her and her daughter, Wynnie, she seemed to emphasize renewal, self-discovery, and reinvention rather than fixing something that was broken. Clara’s decisions reflected a courageous step toward reclaiming her identity and embracing new possibilities, which can serve as inspiring lessons for our own journeys. We can view beginning again as an empowering choice to let go of past limitations, redefine our goals, and pursue authenticity. By embracing this mindset, we open ourselves up to growth, healing, and new opportunities, much like Clara does in her story.
Longing: The Hidden Power Behind Growth, Creativity, and Being Alive
In The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry, the protagonist, Clara, made the statement, “Longing means being alive.” This really jumped out at me because we all experience longings. I’d never really thought about how experiencing these deep desires or aspirations is a sign of vitality and emotional richness. It reinforced for me that feeling longing—whether for connection, purpose, or meaning—is an essential part of truly experiencing life. Longing reflects our capacity to hope, dream, and strive, which are vital aspects of human existence that keep us engaged, motivated, and emotionally connected to the world around us.
“I’d thought it all imaginary, but this reality was here all along.” ~ Clara
In the novel, Clara went on to say, “For me, longing itself was the answer, the movement toward creativity and meaning and, yes, love.” This was a beautiful insight from Clara. Her perspective suggested to us that longing isn’t just a feeling of desire or yearning; it’s an active force that propels us toward growth, creativity, and meaningful connections. From this, we can learn that embracing our longing rather than suppressing it can be incredibly enriching. By acknowledging what we deeply desire—whether it’s love, purpose, or understanding—we open ourselves to new experiences and personal development.
To enhance our lives, we might try:
- Listening to our longings: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to us.
- Channeling longing into action: Use that energy to pursue passions, build relationships, or explore new paths.
- Practicing patience and curiosity: Understanding that longing can lead us toward growth, even if the destination isn’t immediately clear.
- Creating meaning through pursuit: Recognize that the act of striving itself can bring fulfillment.
In essence, longing isn’t just a craving; it’s a vital motivator that can inspire creativity, deepen love, and help us find purpose. Embracing it fully allows us to live more authentic and meaningful lives. Longing really is being alive!
Embracing Wonder: Honoring the Divine in Art and Nature to Inspire Compassion and Purpose
Yesterday I finished the incredible book The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry. I am now working through my notes and highlights I made for further reflection. Patti is one of my favorite authors. I love her historical novels inspired by actual people and events.
This reflection deals with Clara recalling a conversation with her mother when she was a young girl. She and her mother were pressing flowers between tissue paper to preserve them. This is what her mother said:
“‘This,’ Mother said. ‘Art comes from the same place as this flower.’ She’d pressed the flower into my hand. ‘It is all mystery and beauty and all of this, including us, including that flower, comes from the same place.’ ‘All mystery and beauty.’”
With the description of “all mystery and beauty,” Patty was emphasizing that both art and natural beauty originate from a profound, mysterious source within us and the universe. The idea suggested that creativity and nature are interconnected expressions of something deeper—mystery, wonder, and beauty—that transcends explanation. I believe Patti, through her art of writing, was encouraging us to see the world and our creative efforts as rooted in the same divine or mysterious essence, reminding us to appreciate the wonder inherent in both art and nature.
Recognizing the divine or mysterious essence in art and nature can inspire us to act with kindness, responsibility, and purpose—striving to protect and preserve the beauty that elevates our spirits. By regularly appreciating the beauty around us whether it’s a sunset, a painting, or a song we nurture gratitude and a sense of awe. This can lead to a more positive outlook and deeper connection to the world.
Engaging with art and nature encourages us to explore our own creativity. This not only enhances problem-solving skills but also allows us to express ourselves authentically, fostering self-awareness and emotional health. By embracing the wonder inherent in both art and nature, we connect more deeply with ourselves and the world, fostering qualities like compassion, curiosity, and resilience that make us better humans.
Redemption and Maturity: The Transformative Power of Personal Growth
Last week while facilitating a student focus group on character development for a client, I encountered two descriptions of “character” that I had not ever heard previously. Those descriptions were “redemption” and “maturing.” These words really caused me to pause and think about what redemption and maturing have to do with character. My reflection caused me to believe that redemption and maturing have everything to do with character.
Redemption and maturing are deeply intertwined themes that reveal the transformative journey of character among us all. As we confront our flaws and face consequences, we often undergo profound growth, reshaping their identity and worldview. Exploring these developments offers us valuable insights into human resilience, hope, and the capacity for our own positive change.
When the student described character as “redemption,” I believe he was referring to a journey or transformation where he overcame past mistakes, flaws, or wrongdoings and achieved growth, forgiveness, or moral redemption. It implied that character development involves experiences and significant change—perhaps becoming better, more compassionate, or morally upright—after facing challenges or realizing personal errors. Essentially, “redemption” highlights themes of salvation, second chances, and personal evolution within our individual story.
“Maturing” adds an important layer to the concept of redemption related to character. While redemption focuses on an our moral or emotional salvation—overcoming past mistakes and seeking forgiveness—maturing emphasizes our personal growth, increased wisdom, and emotional development over time. When I heard character development described as maturing, I immediately thought of character as a continuum – it’s ongoing.
When I consider character development and maturing in the context of redemption, it suggests that our journey should not be just about fixing our wrongs, but also about evolving into a wiser, more self-aware individual. This maturation often leads to more genuine change, as the we internalize our experiences and become better equipped to handle future challenges with greater understanding and empathy.
I am grateful for the remarkable teenagers who inspired this discussion with their insightful perspectives on redemption, maturing and personal growth.
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