Vani stared at the amazed faces in front of her. She knew that her ideas had not gone down well with her employers but she was determined to stick to her stand. She could see the ridicule gathering in some of the faces and she mentally squared her shoulders at the battle that lay ahead of her. Her request to her employers to sponsor the education of children who belonged to employees from the lower income strata had shocked the board of directors. Their company was into profit making and not philanthropy. Even her colleagues had warned her that her job would be at stake if she were to approach the directors with this suggestion. But, in spite of their ridicule, Vani decided to go ahead and fight for what she felt was the right thing to do….

Like Vani, you all have the opportunity of doing something that no one has done before. An opportunity to take the road less travelled, even if it leaves you wide open to barbs and ridicule.

How many of you take it?

It’s not easy in this fast paced material world to hold on to your spiritual values and commitments; to add moral colour to the world you are inhabiting. But this is the most important thing you need to do if you want to lead a meaningful and enriched life.

The challenge is difficult. You may have to take a stand for what you believe in, even if it goes against popular opinion.

You may have to consider turning down or leaving a job if it forces you to compromise your integrity and honour.

You may find yourself in a situation where your sanity will be called to question in defending and supporting someone or something that the world does not value.

To be a spiritual trail blazer, you will need the moral fibre which will give you the strength and the courage to step out of the beaten path and face up to the fear, insecurity, self-doubt, ridicule and criticism that will inevitably follow.

You may even need to sacrifice your popularity in the effort to honour your principles and integrity.

But, remember, all these sacrifices pale in comparison to the larger good that you will do to yourself by leading a life that will set the standard for others to follow, be it your children, your neighbours or your colleagues.

So, forget the herd mentality. Distinguish yourself from others by your ability to do things differently. Be a spiritual trailblazer.

This week, take a careful look and see how you can make a difference to the lives and situations of people around you.

For example, if your neighbourhood is infested with environmentally harmful plastic bags, start a cleaning drive. Stand up against those people responsible for cluttering your environment.

Try to speak the truth as much as possible even though you may risk alienating or hurting the people you care about.

Don’t compromise on your values. Try not to associate with people whose values and beliefs don’t honour yours.

This way of life is tough and arduous but then, whoever said life is meant to be easy!

Raise yourself in your own estimate. Don’t be part of the crowd.