I love this topic! I’m a leader, but I think the only reason I’m a good leader is because I can follow. There are times when I’m in a setting and there are quite a few drivers. In those instances, I find that I’m able and content to let them lead. I don’t feel like I must always have the reins- but I make sure I speak up when I need to.
I think what’s often missing is that people want to lead but not follow. Leadership that’s inclusive and kind (and consequently, strong), requires people who’re able to follow. Otherwise, it’s impossible to listen to or empower others.
My hope is to keep growing my ability to follow and to lead. Growing in humility isn’t easy – feels counterintuitive, even, but is a necessary lesson.
So, there are one or two more recent live performances that I’ve been to, but the one that I want to talk about is the U2 concert I attended in Singapore on 1 December 2019. It was just before the travel lockdowns started with COVID, and it was my last trip for quite awhile because of the pandemic. I had for the longest time, wanted to go for a U2 concert. When I found out U2 were coming to Singapore, I knew I had to! This felt right.
There was a huge setback because my friend was at the last minute unable to come for the concert because she was recovering from an illness. Another friend took her place, and that ended up working out fine. Getting to Singapore was a bit of a struggle, though. My flight, which ordinarily would’ve taken an hour ended up taking 6-7 hours, thanks to some bizarre weather conditions, that I later found out, had affected other flights too.
Whatever the hiccups, I was in the Singapore National Stadium well ahead of time. Sound levels in the stadium were beyond anything I know. I can’t remember if it was my watch or my friend’s that showed ‘danger levels’ for sound exposure. It was thrilling. And the stage – my goodness, the stage was set up in true U2 style.
It felt almost like I was having an out of body experience. The tunes that were sung were all well-known. Everyone sang along. People screamed, danced, and sang their hearts out. The atmosphere was sizzling with the heat of U2’s magic. It was amazing.
I don’t think I’ll be going for another concert like this again. As much as the music pumped the ferocity of the blood running through my veins, I was painfully aware that my body was different, thanks to the progression of my long term illness. There were things I struggled with, which I wished I didn’t. Still, I’m thrilled to the bone that this was the concert that I managed to get to. If it’s to be my last big concert, this was simply the best way to go!
U2 was magic on that hot, sticky night in Singapore. The colours of the lights from the stage warmed my body. The tunes they churned gladdened my heart like an old friend popping by for an incredible chat. I’ll never forget this out of the world experience.
What’s a job you would like to do for just one day?
I’m not brave enough to do this, nor am I willing to give up anonymity, but if I could do something for just one day – it’d be to be a lead singer of a famous band and do a concert. I love the energy I see from the stars that do this. I love the lights and the grandiose arrangements of the sets. I love the way they connect with people- so many people, at one go. This is the best part, I’d think. So yes- to doing this for just one day! Then I’d like to crawl back into my life- with my pooch, family and friends and a whole lot of quieter creature comforts.
Describe one positive change you have made in your life.
I started walking some years ago- and it’s been a really good thing. I take my little dog with me now, and we go to lovely parks. I enjoy the timeout in the mornings – and it does wonders for the mood (and health!). Love it.
Grace for the soul 