Throughout our lives, we’ve been taught to follow directions. Games like “Follow the Leader” and skills such as reading instructions and recipes are examples of how we’re trained in these essential qualities from an early age. Whether it’s building with LEGOs, making crème brûlée, or designing a spaceship, following directions is crucial.

As we reach high school, we start receiving advice from adults on wisely choosing who and what we follow. They often use phrases like, “If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?”

Even our vehicles’ side-view mirrors give us subtle warnings! “Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.” While this warning is primarily for our awareness when changing lanes or backing, it also makes us mindful of tailgaters following too closely.

Applying similar advice to the people we idolize, the movements we join, and the entities we “follow” on social media might save us from other types of harm. Leave yourself room to filter, hold ideas loosely, and always have an exit strategy.

Be mindful of who and what you’re following.

I’m Andy Andrews…

Today’s Peace of Wisdom can be found by not following too closely!