“Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend.”
Albert Camus AUTHOR AND PHILOSOPHER
Are you a leader or a follower?
I still remember my parents words in the back of my head to be a leader not a follower and it makes complete sense when you’re trying to raise children to stand up for themselves and not get caught in the riff-raff of the crowd.
I’ve gotta say I’m a little of both. At first glance I’d say I’m a leader in my work and my home life managing the many hats I wear but if I look closer, I think I’m actually more of a follower or maybe right in the middle. What about you?
I couldn’t have been happier when my husband said “I think all of the kids will go on a hike with us if we leave now”. I was shocked and leery at the same time and I didn’t want to dare ask them for fear that they would say no, so I told him to ask. They are daddies little girls and my son had his girlfriend with him so I take a back seat when she’s around which is how it should be. Plus, I adore her, so there’s that.
I put my shoes on so fast, when I’m usually slow as molasses on a weekend when I have time to dawdle. I always curtail my excitement because if they even remotely feel it, they might change their mind in a nano second or so I think, so I pretend to be impartial while I’m secretly ecstatic. Any chance to be with my kids is my greatest joy and of course as a health and wellness professional I’m over the moon everyone is exercising and out in nature together which is a double bonus.

I started out with a bang taking the lead at the front of the pack, listening to their footsteps from behind and their happy chatter but soon I noticed my husband is lagging behind with our dog Hunter who might as well be a mule; so I stop, give him a treat and spur him on with the hope that he’ll join us.
I step it up and catch them one by one I and now I’m smack dab in the middle and what a perfect place to be well unless you’re a middle child I hear.
I get to watch their stance, their gate, their swing and any manifestations that show up in their body that could be a result of some of their physical ailments. One prances and bounces with her heel never hitting the ground, one plants their heel into the ground, one turns her feet out like a duck as she moves and one is running the beach in Malibu so I can’t get a glimmer of her. 2 of them have their shoulders back and two of them thrust their hips forward with rounded shoulders. Oh I’d love to align them but will wait for the chance that they might ask me why something is hurting and I can point out my observations at a time that might actually be useful to them.
I ponder whose traits resemble my husband’s and which ones got mine as I listen intently as words drift back and words travel forward. There’s nothing of importance in their discussions or maybe it’s that it stops when they notice my presence. It’s fun to hear them talk about what they’ve been up to, where they are going next, work, travel, grievances, hopes and dreams.
They are back in their lives full throttle ahead, back to work life with a hybrid approach traveling for work and on the wedding going circuit. One of my daughters boyfriend is in Croatia for a bachelor party. “Wow” I say, “that sounds like it should be a honeymoon”. They laugh and agree. They must have about 12 weddings planned this year since most of them were cancelled last year between the 4 of them. One of my daughter’s will be in Connecticut at the same time her boyfriend is in Idaho for a wedding. Another one of my kids will be in Italy, another in Washington, Turkey, and the list goes on and on. It’s enough to make my head spin. Can you blame me? Never mind my concerns of carbon emissions or Covid, so we barely touch on that because I’m a guest in their world right now. They tell me how exhausting and expensive it is and that they’re coming back next time as Ollie our cat. It does sound pretty good but instead I say “I’m coming back as one of you”. Again, they laugh and say, “you would hate our life” and I laugh because it’s true. While I like to travel a bit that would throw me over the edge. Besides, someone in the family has to make up for the carbon emissions! Here’s a great article on flying and carbon emissions that is useful for all of us to read.
For the rest of the walk I stayed middle ground neither leading nor following and enjoying hearing about their lives that are so far from any of my past experiences but I enjoy being part of their world not separated from it . And even if I don’t quite get it all, it doesn’t matter… because they matter so much to me more than anything and that’s all that counts.
The key to a mother’s heart is time with her 2 legged and 4 legged kids walking the path with her.
Cindy Georgakas



Hunter was so happy to find a friend Bandit on our walk who was a mutt just like him. It always blows me away how many fathers they can have in just one litter.
You may have many best friends, but your Dog only has one
unanimous
Happy Monday Yall!
It’s amazing to me how many people are back fully in their lives with restrictions lifted. We’re beginning to hear numbers increasing and people who have gotten their vaccines getting Covid as well. It’s here to stay vaccinated or not vaccinated and yet the symptoms are less with milder side effects. While I’m happy to be out and about and seeing clients hands on again, I am taking all of the necessary precautions with longer scheduling times, disinfecting the room, wearing a mask etc.
I know lots of people are tired of it all and throwing common sense to the wind. All I know is we had so many fits and starts, I’m not believing anything. Thanks so much for stopping in and sharing our hike today. I’d love to hear your thoughts on where you line up in being a leader or a follower if you care to share.
Have a wonderful day and remember it’s Monday so make sure to move your booty in one way or another as either a leader or a follower or a little of both.
But now I salute you who follow me……Thank you❣️
Stay blessed and safe in all ways!
Amazingly written…loved it👏👏👏
aww thanks so much💖
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We’re all supposed to be followers before we can be leaders, and roles switch with circumstances. It was great reading about your trek. I’m glad you got to spend quality time with your family. Have a great weekend, Mam! 🙂
That’s actually interesting and i can see this. Oh glad you enjoyed it Anisha!!! it’s was really lovely! Thanks a lot💖💖
Lovely post 💚
I think I can be both, I like to be a follower in some situations whereas it’s the opposite in others
Thanks a lot and I so agree with you and a great place to be. Have a great day💖
Thank you! You too 🤍
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You’re welcome too.. 💖💖
Interesting post… Good writing ✍️
Why thank you and I appreciate your visit!🙏🌷
Aw this was a sweet write! I have no idea what I am, I don’t want to be either 😂 Have a fantastic weekend, Cindy!💕
oh thanks.. U are making me laugh.. what are you afraid of? 🤣🤣🤣 you don’t have to answer just have a good weekend and I will too.. 💖🙏🙏🙏
Of course! Haha, I seem to have more questions than answers myself🥺😂 Aw thank you!🤗💕
hahahhaah… Me too.. we would make an interesting team.. 🤣 Welcome❣️❣️
It’s an interesting thought 😂but scary too, can you imagine a world with only questions and no answers?🥺
Oh boy that’s true too!!!❣️❣️❣️
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I’m so glad you got to spend time with your two legged and four legged family members!
thanks so much, it was fun!💖
I love your quote about your dog being the only best friend. I prefer the middle myself. I much prefer working with others rather than being out on my own.
Glad you liked that one Dwight. I agree… too bad middle children don’t feel the same. It’s always great to see you here… thanks!💖
Thank you… my pleasure Cindy.
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[…] Are You a Leader or a Follower? […]
Yaaa present I’m follower will become leader soon
Thanks for letting me know. and maybe you will be both💖💖💖
Both though though responsibility is better.
thanks for sharing 💖
We need to be leaders and carry the responsibility …
That too!!!!
Thanks for sharing!!!
Am I following you because I need to travel and you can lead me!!! 🤣🤣🤣💖
It will be my pleasure to meet you here and guide you anywhere:)
Awww you are very sweet.. hmmmm I’ll sleep on the where part.. 🤣💖💖💖
Thank you so much for the complenment:) It would be very interesting to watch you sleep on that part:)
I’m a follower
Thanks for sharing… are there any areas where you are a leader? I bet with you family maybe?
Yes with my siblings and parents I’m a leader, with my husband a follower. As a writer, I’m a lone wolf. With my son, I’m trying to be a leader but he sometimes treats me as if I’m his little sister, and he is only 6. However, my leadership skills come out when he needs help or comfort.
I thought with the breadth of work you do you would fall into both roles. I can see that and as for your son that will keep changing for sure. They are the wild card. Thanks for clarifying. 💖
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Wow… Beautiful post Cindy
soooo much ap;preciated.. 1💖👏
Hello everyone I am new here
Hi Welcome to our community. So does that mean you are a follower? 🌷
I’m a human.
I like that… 💖 Then you’re most likely both
Hahah…..Thanks
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Your kids are the best. How wonderful to all be together walking on a lovely hike. You are so right about time together instead of things. So glad you had your kids home, what a blessing indeed, my friend. Sending you lots of love and hugs, Joni
Thanks a lot Joni. We did have a great time and I’m blessed we enjoy each others company so much. Things can be replaced but people can’t! Thanks so much for the love and hugs and more to you💖💖💖🌷
Yes, that is a blessing indeed. You have such a beautiful family and they obviously love you to pieces. Sending my love back. ❤️🤗❤️🦋
awww you are so sweet… we keep it real and move through things very quickly but head on with bumps and embrace clean up the issues that come our way which is so important. Thanks so much and to you too!💖
Love you my bright light friend. ❤️🤗🦋😘
oh thanks much and you 💖💖💖🥰🌈💃
Interesting piece, I am kind of a little of both 🤔🤔. Thank for sharing your mum-family moments…
I think I responded but I’m finding you in Spam. thanks a lot.
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This is so beautifully written, Cindy.
Thank you so very much Kally!❣️❣️
Beautiful post
Thanks so kindly! 💖💖💖
I am both… well written, clear and concise
Nice and I think most of us are. Thanks so much for your kind comment and visit 💖
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I loved this so much. So much to unpack. First, we always took our kids hiking and they always loved it simply because it was 1 on 1 attention from mom and dad focused on them having a good time. We could have been doing anything, but since I love the mountains, so do they 🙂
Second, if you go, they will follow. SO TRUE! I was recently with some mountain guides, and one guy had a technique for getting his clients to get back up (after having a break) and start going again – he would walk around the corner so he was out of sight. That always got his clients up and moving as they wanted to stay with their guide.
Third, knowing when to lead and when to follow is an art and a science, and I think you have that balance down pat. Way to go Cindy!
Oh Alisen,
I’m truly happy to hear this. Yes, lots to unpack for sure which you did so nicely.
Oh I commend for for setting that example and that they all love the mountains. What a great habit to instill and memory.
I love that mountain guides approach! Anything to keep people moving is a smart thing to do!
I like how you said that “knowing when to lead and when to follow is an art and a science,” which is so true. Thanks for noticing that as I do work on it daily and it’s like the Yin and Yang of life continuously moving in and out of honor of the other in the empty spaces and the full. I really like the reflections you inspired in me this morning. I hope you’re well. I’ll visit soon… been immersed in life.
Blessings of love💖💖💖
I can tell that you are actively working on the leading and following. As a mom, we are forced to lead EVERYTHING for a very long time. It’s hard to then re-learn how to let go, and let others lead. It’s good to be mindful of this, as the more we moms can let go, and let our kids take the lead, the happier we will all be. Blessings to you!
it’s sooooo true and such a gift!💖💖
Beautiful❤ It took me years to embrace my leadership qualities.
I love that you persevered! Congratulations💖💖💖
Good
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