Disclaimer: I usually keep my blogs light and happy but this one is different. It reflects the pain I have felt. If you are looking for an easy happy ready, skip this blog.
I was born in the one of the most beautiful cities in India – Chandigarh. In my growing years, I had access to tree lined cycling tracks covering the length and breath of the city. It was extremely good for me cause I loved to cycle. Cycling was my outlet, my expression, my love.
It was in those years that I chanced upon the book, “My journey back to life” by Lance Armstrong. As expected, I fell in love with the book and with the gentleman who had overcome cancer to become the World Cycling Champion. I was well into adulthood when news broke that Lance Armstrong had admitted to doping allegation against him. He admitted that he had been using performance enhancing drugs for a long part of his cycling career.
As a fan, I was deeply shaken by this news. Someone, whom I had idolized for years turned out to be human just like me. Someone whose footsteps I had dreamed to follow, had dark secrets hidden in his closet. Someone whom I had loved, was not deserving of my love in the first place. Since this event in my life, I don’t think I have ever believed in the rise of any sportsperson or author or musician or actor or politician or businessman. I have followed their journey but have always stood on the guard rails believing that they don’t deserve my love. It is best to save my love than spend it on someone unworthy of it. And sadly no one in the world seemed worthy!
I would not say this was the only incident that turned me into a bitter cynic who was constantly expecting the worst out of people. There were many more that are best left in silence. When you are at an impressionable age many things can impact your attitude towards life. Fortunately, I found my way back into love and life but it has taken me years of working on myself and seeking answers to esoteric questions to be able to do so. I have restored my trust in God as well as humanity and have managed to fall in love with the whole world, not just the celebrities.
I wanted to write this blog to say something to the Influencers of today.
“You have no idea how many people are looking up to you and basing their hope and trust on you. You have a huge responsibility to uphold their trust. The real danger of failing is that the ripples of loss spread far beyond what you can perceive . These ripples sow the seed to mis-trust and hate that become the weave of the society. I, like million other fans, never wrote to Lance Armstrong about my heartbreak. He will never know the amount of real damage he caused not only to his career, his sport, but to humanity itself.
So my dear Influencer, if you want to be in the limelight, remember that many susceptible youth are putting their faith in you. Live up to their faith by staying true to your actions even when the lights are off. ”
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