Gratitude, Our Quiet Strength

 

A Celebration Beyond the Turkey

In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is approaching. For many, it is a date marked by turkey, crowded tables, and football games. But for those of us who arrived from other countries, this celebration carries a deeper meaning: it is an invitation to pause and recognize that we do not walk alone.

Gratitude as a Way of Living

Gratitude is not just a polite gesture or a repeated word. It is a way of seeing life. It is recognized that every step we take is supported by others:

•           By those who welcomed us to a new country.

•           By those who offered us advice.

•           By those who invited us to their table.

•           By those who listened when we needed it most.

November Reflection

In the United States, during the month of November many send messages of thanks. But the question arises:

What are we grateful for? Why do we give thanks?

When a person expresses gratitude, they focus their attention on the aspects and people who were positive throughout the year. Gratitude helps us appreciate the benefit or help someone gave us and values the time and dedication it took to accompany us.

The Outcomes of Gratitude

Those who practice gratitude continuously:

•           Improve their work performance.

•           Develop a more optimistic outlook.

•           Strengthen their interpersonal relationships.

•           Show generosity, compassion, and openness to connect with others.

Grateful people walk with a different kind of light. They may not possess material wealth, but in every friendship, in every family embrace, in every day of work, they discover an invisible treasure. By valuing themselves, they build an inner home where hope dwells. That is true abundance: the spiritual wealth not stored in chests, but in the heart.

Today I Want to Give Thanks

•           To those who welcomed me as family, even though we do not share a last name.

•           To those who taught me that dignity is recognized in every person, regardless of language or history.

•           To those who accompany me on this journey, reminding me that life is celebrated in community.

Gratitude as Light, Gratitude as Home

    As evening falls, autumn leaves swirl like memories that never fade.

    A lit candle illuminates the table, reminding us that gratitude is also light in the darkness.

    The smell of mashed potatoes with gravy mingles with shared laughter, while the whisper of Thursday American football on the television becomes music of belonging.

    On this Thanksgiving Day, I celebrate not only a feast. I celebrate the fact that every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every open table, is a bridge that leads us to hope.

    Gratitude is not stored away; it is shared, multiplied, and becomes home.

    And in saying “thank you,” I discover that I am here, sustained by memory, by community, and by the promise that we never walk alone.

Closing Reflection

    For me, gratitude is not only about the table in front of us—it is about the journey that brought us here. From farewells in Guayaquil to new rituals in Chicago, every candle lit, every meal shared, every word of welcome has become part of a larger home.

    This Thanksgiving, I remember that belonging is not given once—it is created again and again, in every act of kindness. Gratitude is the ritual that turns migration into memory, and memory into hope.

Happy thanksgiving everyone!

 

 

References:

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (n.d.). The science of gratitude. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/listen-first/super-skills/gratitude.html

Sana Mente Mental Health Movement of California & Health Education Council. (n.d.). The importance of giving thanks. https://www.sanamente.org/alza-tu-voz/la-importancia-de-dar-gracias/

Palomo, S. (2022, May 8). Why is it important to be grateful and what are its benefits? Porque Quiero Estar Bien. https://porquequieroestarbien.com/bienestar-emocional/fortalecer-la-mente/por-que-es-importante-agradecer-y-cuales-son-sus-beneficios

Jefferson Center. (2025, July 29). Why practicing gratitude is important and the best ways to do it. https://www.jcmh.org/es/why-practicing-gratitude-is-important-and-the-best-ways-to-do-it/

Let me know if you'd like these formatted visually for your blog Kambiemos, or if you want to include them in a bilingual reference section.

 

La gratitud que nos sostiene

 

Una celebración más allá del pavo

En Estados Unidos se acerca el Día de Acción de Gracias. Para muchos, es una fecha marcada por el pavo, las mesas llenas y los partidos de fútbol americano. Pero para quienes llegamos de otros países, esta celebración tiene un significado más profundo: es una invitación a detenernos y reconocer que no caminamos solos.

La gratitud como manera de vivir

La gratitud no es solo un gesto educado ni una palabra repetida. Es una manera de mirar la vida. Es reconocer que cada paso que damos está sostenido por otros:

•           Por quienes nos recibieron en un nuevo país.

•           Por quienes nos ofrecieron un consejo.

•           Por quienes nos invitaron a su mesa.

•           Por quienes nos escucharon cuando más lo necesitábamos.

 Reflexión de noviembre

En Estados Unidos, durante el mes de noviembre muchos envían mensajes de agradecimiento. Pero surge la pregunta:

¿De qué estamos agradecidos? ¿Por qué damos gracias?

Cuando una persona agradece, centra su atención en los aspectos y personas que fueron positivos durante el año. La gratitud nos hace apreciar el beneficio o la ayuda que alguien nos brindó, y valorar el tiempo y la dedicación que tomó para acompañarnos.

 Los frutos de la gratitud

Quienes agradecen de manera continua:

•           Mejoran su rendimiento laboral.

•           Desarrollan una visión más optimista.

•           Fortalecen sus relaciones interpersonales.

•           Muestran generosidad, compasión y apertura para socializar.

Las personas agradecidas caminan con una luz distinta. Tal vez no posean riquezas materiales, pero en cada amistad, en cada abrazo de familia, en cada jornada de trabajo, descubren un tesoro invisible. Al valorarse a sí mismas, levantan un hogar interior donde la esperanza habita. Esa es la verdadera abundancia: una riqueza espiritual que no se guarda en cofres, sino en el corazón.

Hoy quiero agradecer

•           A quienes me recibieron como familia, aunque no compartamos apellido.

•           A quienes me enseñaron que la dignidad se reconoce en cada persona, sin importar su idioma o su historia.

•           A quienes me acompañan en este viaje, recordándome que la vida se celebra en comunidad.

 Conclusión

Al caer la tarde, las hojas de otoño se arremolinan como memorias que no se pierden.

Una vela encendida ilumina la mesa, recordándonos que la gratitud es también luz en la oscuridad.

El aroma del puré con gravy se mezcla con la risa compartida, y el murmullo del fútbol americano en la televisión se convierte en música de pertenencia.

En este Día de Acción de Gracias, no celebro solo un festín. Celebro la certeza de que cada gesto de bondad, cada palabra de aliento, cada mesa abierta, es un puente hacia la esperanza.

Porque la gratitud no se guarda: se comparte, se multiplica, se convierte en hogar.

Y al decir “gracias”, descubro que estoy aquí, sostenido por la memoria, por la comunidad, y por la promesa de que nunca caminamos solos.

¡Deseo que todos pasen un feliz Día de Acción de Gracias!

 

Referencias:

Naciones Unidas: Oficina de las Naciones Unidas contra la Droga y el Delito. (s.f.). La ciencia de la gratitud. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/es/listen-first/super-skills/gratitude.html

Sana Mente Movimiento de Salud Mental de California & Health Education Council. (s.f.). La importancia de dar gracias. https://www.sanamente.org/alza-tu-voz/la-importancia-de-dar-gracias/

Palomo, S. (2022, mayo 8). ¿Por qué es importante agradecer y cuáles son sus beneficios? Porque Quiero Estar Bien. https://porquequieroestarbien.com/bienestar-emocional/fortalecer-la-mente/por-que-es-importante-agradecer-y-cuales-son-sus-beneficios

Jefferson Center. (2025, julio 29). Por qué es importante practicar la gratitud y las mejores maneras de hacerlo. https://www.jcmh.org/es/why-practicing-gratitude-is-important-and-the-best-ways-to-do-it/

 

 

How to Regain Motivation When Everything Feels Hard

 

We’ve all had days when our strength seems drained, and our goals feel distant. Motivation fades, and the road ahead looks uphill. But the good news is that motivation isn’t lost, it can be rebuilt. Here you’ll discover effective strategies to regain that energy and keep moving forward.

 

1. Reconnect With Your Original Purpose

When everything feels hard, try to go back to the beginning. Ask yourself:

• What inspired me to take the first step?
• Who do I want to become when I achieve this?

Write down your answers and place them somewhere visible. They’re your fuel to keep going.

 

2. Small Steps, Big Results

Lack of motivation often comes from feeling overwhelmed. If your goal seems huge, break it down into simple tasks.
Example: If your goal is to run a marathon, start by walking 10 minutes a day. Each completed step gives you a sense of achievement and renews your energy.

 

3. Surround Yourself with Positive Messages

Motivation feeds on what you consume: words, images, conversations.

• Listen to inspiring podcasts.
• Read books that lift you up.
• Avoid environments that drain your energy.

Remember: what enters your mind shapes your attitude.

 

4. Celebrate Every Milestone

Don’t wait until the final goal to feel proud. Every small achievement deserves recognition. This reinforces your commitment and reminds you that you are making progress.

 

5. Have a Personal Phrase to Motivate Yourself
When doubt creeps in, repeat:
“I can do this, one step at a time.”
This simple reminder helps keep your mind focused on the positive.

 

Conclusion

Regaining motivation isn’t magic—it’s action. Start today with one small change and watch your energy return. The change begins with you.

 

 

References:

Clear, James. Hábitos Atómicos: Un Método Sencillo y Comprobado Para Desarrollar Buenos Hábitos y Eliminar Los Malos. Paidós, 2023.

Covey, Stephen, et al. Los 7 Habitos de La Gente Altamente Efectiva. FonoLibro Inc, 2007.

Duhigg, Charles. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. Summary. Soundview Executive Book Summaries ; Distributed by Books24x7.Com, 2012.

Dweck, Carol S., and Pedro Ruíz de Luna González. Mindset: La Actitud Del Éxito. Editorial Sirio, 2017.

 

Cómo recuperar la motivación cuando todo parece difícil

 

Todos hemos tenido días en los que las fuerzas parecen agotarse y las metas se ven lejanas. La motivación se desvanece y el camino se vuelve cuesta arriba. Pero la buena noticia es que la motivación no se pierde, se reconstruye. Aquí descubrirás estrategias efectivas para recuperar esa energía y seguir adelante.

 

1. Reconecta con tu propósito inicial

Cuando todo parece difícil, vuelve al origen. Pregúntate:

• ¿Qué me inspiró a dar el primer paso?
• ¿Qué persona quiero ser cuando logre esto?

Escribe esas respuestas y colócalas en un lugar visible. Son tu combustible para seguir avanzando.

 

2. Pequeños pasos, grandes resultados

La falta de motivación suele venir del agobio. Si tu objetivo parece enorme, divídelo en tareas simples.
Ejemplo: Si tu meta es correr una maratón, empieza por caminar 10 minutos al día. Cada paso completado te dará sensación de logro y renovará tu energía.

 

3. Rodéate de mensajes positivos

La motivación se alimenta de lo que consumes: palabras, imágenes, conversaciones.

• Escucha podcasts inspiradores.
• Lee libros que te impulsen.
• Evita entornos que drenen tu energía.

Recuerda: lo que entra en tu mente influye en tu actitud.

 

4. Celebra cada avance

No esperes a la meta final para sentirte orgulloso. Cada pequeño logro merece reconocimiento. Esto refuerza tu compromiso y te recuerda que sí estás avanzando.

 

5. Ten un frase corta y personal

Cuando la duda aparezca, repite:
“Puedo hacerlo, un paso a la vez.”
Este simple recordatorio te ayudará a mantener la mente enfocada en lo positivo.

 

Conclusión

Recuperar la motivación no es magia, es acción. Empieza hoy con un pequeño cambio y verás cómo tu energía regresa. El cambio comienza contigo.

 

 

Referencias:

Clear, James. Hábitos Atómicos: Un Método Sencillo y Comprobado Para Desarrollar Buenos Hábitos y Eliminar Los Malos. Paidós, 2023.

Covey, Stephen, et al. Los 7 Habitos de La Gente Altamente Efectiva. FonoLibro Inc, 2007.

Duhigg, Charles. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. Summary. Soundview Executive Book Summaries ; Distributed by Books24x7.Com, 2012.

Dweck, Carol S., and Pedro Ruíz de Luna González. Mindset: La Actitud Del Éxito. Editorial Sirio, 2017.

 

Cuando el silencio pesa:

Una carta sobre la depresión

Hay días en que el sol parece olvidarse de entrar por la ventana. Otras veces sentimos como si las estrellas estuviesen iluminando hacia el lado opuesto de nosotros. No es que esté nublado afuera, ni que la noche sea demasiado oscura: es que algo dentro de nuestra mente y nuestras emociones se ha nublado. El cuerpo se mueve, pero el alma no avanza. El café se enfría sin tomarse. El espejo no devuelve nada. Y el silencio... pesa.

La depresión no siempre grita. A veces se disfraza de cansancio, de apatía, de una sonrisa que no llega a los ojos. Y otras veces, somos nosotros mismos quienes la disfrazamos. Aprendimos a sonreír para no preocupar a los demás, a decir “todo bien” cuando por dentro algo se rompe. Nos volvemos expertos en ocultar lo que sentimos, como si mostrarlo fuera una carga para otros. No es solo tristeza. Es una ausencia. Es estar rodeado de gente y sentir que no estás presente. Es mirar el calendario y preguntarse cómo se llegó hasta aquí.

Y a veces, la tristeza nace de la nostalgia. Últimamente he visto muchos reels que dicen: “Te despiertas y todo fue un sueño. Tienes 7 años. Es la cena de Navidad con tu familia.” Ese tipo de contenido nos toca en lo más profundo. Nos recuerda lo que fue, lo que ya no es, lo que tal vez nunca volverá.

Roque Schneider decía: “La distancia produce nostalgia, y la nostalgia es la ausencia presente de alguien.”

La distancia del tiempo pasado también produce esa nostalgia que nos hace traer al presente recuerdos que ya fueron. Están allí, a veces para hacernos sonreír, otras para lamentar lo que no hicimos.

La nostalgia puede ser dulce, pero también puede doler. Arrastrar el pasado, revivirlo sin procesarlo, puede hacernos sentir primero tristes… y luego, si no lo soltamos, esa tristeza se agudiza. Se convierte en depresión. Porque añoramos algo que ya pasó, o deseamos cambiar algo que no podemos.

Estar pasando por una depresión no se trata de debilidad. Se trata de una batalla silenciosa que muchos libran sin que se note. El cuerpo también habla: insomnio, fatiga, falta de apetito, irritabilidad, pensamientos oscuros. A veces, el cuerpo es el único que se atreve a decir lo que el alma calla.

Buscar ayuda no es un acto de debilidad. Es un acto de valentía. Hay caminos: terapia, medicación, comunidad, fe, arte. A veces, el primer paso es simplemente hablar. Decir “no estoy bien” puede abrir una puerta que parecía cerrada.

 

Cinco formas de acompañarte en la lucha contra la depresión

La depresión no se combate con fórmulas mágicas, pero hay gestos cotidianos que pueden abrir grietas en la oscuridad. Aquí comparto cinco formas que pueden ayudarte a reconectar contigo mismo:

1.  Camina, aunque sea lento

El cuerpo necesita moverse para que el alma respire. Una caminata diaria, aunque breve, puede ser un ritual de reconexión. El ejercicio libera serotonina, esa molécula que nos recuerda que aún hay luz.

2.  Escribe lo que pesa

Llevar un diario no es solo para poetas. Escribir lo que sientes, sin filtros, puede ayudarte a entenderte y liberar lo que te ahoga. A veces, al releer, descubres que has avanzado más de lo que creías.

3. Escucha música que te abrace

La música tiene el poder de tocar lo que las palabras no alcanzan. Hay que ser cuidadosos: evitar canciones que describan tristeza puede ayudarte a no hundirte más. Escucha melodías que te conecten con momentos de paz, o que simplemente te acompañen en el silencio y te inspiren a ser mejor.

4. Busca la naturaleza

Estar entre árboles, sentir el sol en la piel, escuchar el viento… todo eso nos recuerda que somos parte de algo más grande. La naturaleza tiene una forma de sanar sin decir nada.

5. Habla con alguien que te escuche

No estás solo. Hablar con alguien de confianza—un terapeuta, un amigo, un mentor—puede ser el primer paso para salir del aislamiento. Expresar lo que sientes es un acto de valentía.

Ritual de cierre

Esto lo aprendí de mi hermana. Ella siempre dice que, por muy nublado que parezca, en todos lados hay luz. Me recomendó encender siempre una vela para recordarme que incluso en la oscuridad hay fuego: fuego de amor, de amistad, de alguien que te quiere y desea que estés bien. O simplemente de alguien que anhela que ese mal momento que estás pasando termine pronto.

Recuerda que incluso en el silencio, hay memoria. Que incluso en la tristeza, hay posibilidad.

Y recuerda: no tienes que sonreír si no puedes. A veces, mostrarse vulnerable es el primer acto de sanación.

Si algo de esto resonó contigo, elige una de esas cinco formas como tu primer paso. No para curarte de inmediato, sino para comenzar a acompañarte a ti mismo con más ternura. Trátate bien. Porque si te miras sin piedad, reflejarás a una persona rota. La primera persona que debe preocuparse por ti… eres tú.

Gracias por leer. Gracias por seguir. Gracias por existir.

Con afecto,

Winston

 

 

Referencias

 

“Cinco Formas de Superar La Depresión (Para Adolescentes) | Nemours Kidshealth.” Edited by Lisa M. Buckloh, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Aug. 2022, kidshealth.org/es/teens/depression-tips.html.

Schneider, Roque, and María Antonieta Villegas. “Pequeñas Pero Grandes Cosas.” O Valor Das Pequeñas Cosas, 12th ed., San Pablo, Buenos Aires, 2005, pp. 50–50.

Uclahealth. “7 Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature.” UCLA Health, 14 May 2025, www.uclahealth.org/news/article/7-health-benefits-spending-time-nature. 

When Silence Weighs Heavy:

A Letter About Depression

There are days when the sun seems to forget to come through the window. Other times, it feels like the stars are shining in the opposite direction from where we stand. It’s not that it’s cloudy outside, or that the night is too dark, it’s that something inside our mind and emotions has become overcast. The body moves, but the soul doesn’t advance. The coffee gets cold, without being touched. The mirror reflects nothing. And the silence… it weighs heavily.

Depression doesn’t always scream. Sometimes it disguises itself as fatigue, indifference, or a smile that never reaches the eyes. And sometimes, we’re the ones who disguise it. We’ve learned to smile so others won’t worry. We get used to saying “I’m fine” when something inside us is breaking. We become experts at hiding what we feel, as if showing it would be a burden to others. It is not just sadness. It is an absence. It’s being surrounded by people and feeling like you’re not there. It’s looking at the calendar and wondering how you got here.

And sometimes, sadness is born from nostalgia. Lately, I’ve seen many reels that say: “You wake up and it was all a dream. You’re 7 years old. It’s Christmas dinner with your family.” That kind of content touches something deep within us. It reminds us of what was, what no longer is, and what may never return.

Roque Schneider once said: “Distance produces nostalgia, and nostalgia is the present absence of someone.” The distance of time gone by also produces that kind of nostalgia, which brings memories into the present. Those memories sometimes make us smile, or sometimes make us mourn what we didn’t do.

Nostalgia can be sweet, but it can also hurt. Dragging the past behind us, reliving it without processing it, can first make us sad… and then, if we don’t let go, that sadness deepens. It becomes depression. Because we long for something that has already gone, or we wish to have the power to change something we cannot change anymore.

Going through depression is not a sign of weakness. It’s a silent battle that many fight without anyone noticing. The body speaks too: insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability, dark thoughts. Sometimes, the body is the only one brave enough to say what the soul keeps quiet.

Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an act of courage. There are many paths toward healing: therapy, medication, community, faith, and art. Sometimes, the first step is simply speaking. Saying “I’m not okay” can open a door that once felt permanently shut.

 

Five Ways to Fight Against Depression

Depression isn’t healed by magic formulas. But ordinary gestures, quiet, consistent, human, can begin to crack open the darkness.

Here are five ways that may help you gently reconnect with yourself:

1. Walk, even slowly

The body needs to move so the soul can breathe. A daily walk, even a short one, can become a ritual of reconnection. Movement releases serotonin, a molecule that reminds us there’s still light.

2. Write what you are feeling

Journaling isn’t just for poets. Writing what you feel, unfiltered, can help you understand yourself and release what’s suffocating you. Sometimes, when you reread it, you realize you’ve come farther than you thought.

3. Listen to music that embraces you

Music can reach places where words cannot. Be mindful: avoiding songs that dwell in sadness can help you not sink deeper. Listen to melodies that connect you to peace or simply accompany you in the silence.

4. Spend time with nature

Being among trees, feeling the sun on your skin, hearing the wind, all of it reminds us that we’re part of something bigger. Nature has a way of healing without saying a word.

5. Talk to someone who listens

You’re not alone. Speaking with someone you trust, such as a therapist, a friend, or a mentor, can be the first step out of isolation. Expressing what you feel is an act of bravery.

Final Thoughts

I learned this from my sister. She always says that no matter how cloudy things seem, there is light everywhere. She encouraged me to light a candle to remind myself that even in the darkness, there is light, and there is fire: Fire of love, of friendship, of someone who cares and wants you to be well. Or simply of someone who hopes this hard moment you’re going through will end soon.

Never forget that even in silence, there is memory. That even in sadness, there is a possibility. And remember, you don’t have to smile if you can’t. Sometimes, showing vulnerability is the first act of healing.

If any of this resonated with you, choose one of those five ways as your first step. Not to heal instantly, but to begin walking beside yourself with more tenderness. Treat yourself kindly. Because when you look at yourself without mercy, you risk seeing only the broken parts. And the first person who should care for you… is yourself.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for staying. Thank you for being here.

 

 

References:

“Cinco Formas de Superar La Depresión (Para Adolescentes) | Nemours Kidshealth.” Edited by Lisa M. Buckloh, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Aug. 2022, kidshealth.org/es/teens/depression-tips.html.

Schneider, Roque, and Maria  Antonieta Villegas. “Pequeñas Pero Grandes Cosas.” O Valor Das Pequenas Cosas, 12th ed., San Pablo, Buenos Aires, 2005, pp. 50–50.

Uclahealth. “7 Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature.” UCLA Health, 14 May 2025, www.uclahealth.org/news/article/7-health-benefits-spending-time-nature.

 

What if the true leader is the one who speaks the least?

 

A reflection on leadership that inspires without dominating

You don’t always need a loud voice to lead. Sometimes, all it takes is a look that conveys respect, an attitude that inspires trust, or a presence that unites without imposing. This text is an invitation to rethink what it means to lead and to recognize that the most powerful leadership can be the quietest.

Good leaders and bad leaders

Leading a group of people is no easy task, nor is it something just anyone can do. Throughout life at work, in family, in church, or in social movements we encounter figures who mark our lives in a good way, but also in a bad way. Some lift us up, make us feel better, capable, part of something greater. Others, on the contrary, dim our light, degrade us, make us doubt our capacity and worth.

Today I want to reflect on the essential difference between leading and dominating. Because a good leader doesn’t need to shout to be heard, nor humiliate to be respected. A good leader builds bridges, not walls. Great leaders don’t stand out for their arrogant authority, but for their ability to foster trust, build strong relationships, and communicate their vision clearly.

And in these times, when ego often disguise authority, it’s urgent to reconsider what kind of leadership we’re cultivating and what kind we’re tolerating.

Qualities of a good leader

A good leader isn’t defined by their title, but by their ability to connect with others authentically. They don’t need to impose their voice, because they know how to listen. They don’t seek to shine alone, because they understand that true success is built as a team.

            Here are some qualities that distinguish leaders who leave a lasting impact:

• Empathy: Understands what others feel and acts accordingly. Cares about the stories behind each person.
• Strong communication: Creates dynamic and effective channels among all group members.
• Consistency: Words and actions align. A leader doesn’t demand what they’re unwilling to do.
• Shared vision: Inspires collective goals while respecting every voice.
• Humility: Acknowledges they don’t know everything. Learns, makes mistakes, and accepts feedback.
• Ability to elevate others: Celebrates others’ achievements and help to develop new leaders.
• Generosity toward beginners: Gives the opportunity to those just starting out, showing trust and support.

I’ve met leaders whose mere presence was enough to inspire. They didn’t need to raise their voice. Their respect was evident, and their impact, lasting.

Features of a bad leader

A bad leader doesn’t always yell, but their silence can be just as destructive. They don’t always humiliate directly, but their indifference can make others feel invisible.

Her are some signs of toxic leadership:

• Egocentrism: Everything revolves around their image and control.
• Lack of empathy: Sees people as functional pieces.
• Inconsistency: Promises support but disappears when needed.
• Fear of others’ talent: Undermines those with potential.
• Atmosphere of fear: Installs fear as the norm.
• Lack of accountability: Doesn’t recognize his/her own mistakes or consequences.

I’ve seen how a bad leader can extinguish the spark in someone who was just beginning to believe in themselves. That’s why it’s so important to talk about this. Because leadership isn’t just a matter of style it’s a profound responsibility.

Final reflection

Leadership isn’t about standing at the top it’s about knowing how to walk alongside others. It’s not measured by titles or authority, but by the mark we leave on those around us.

Now more than ever, we need leaders who listen, who support, who uplift. Leaders who aren’t afraid to share the spotlight, who acknowledge their mistakes, who make room for those just starting out.

And we also need to learn to say “no” to leadership that dims our light. To those who sow fear instead of trust.

Because all of us, at some point, lead. Sometimes without even realizing it. And every gesture, every word, every decision can be a seed of transformation or a shadow that spreads.

Sometimes, the best leader doesn’t carry the title of “director” or “manager.” They’re the people whose presence and kindness help the team work in harmony. Who inspires without needing hierarchy.

We don’t want leaders who are feared and hated. We want leaders who are respected and loved. Who inspires admiration, not fear. Who builds connections, not barriers. Because respect born from kindness and consistency lasts far longer than that imposed by fear.

The question is: What kind of leader do we want to be? And what kind of leadership are we willing to follow?

If you’d like to share your thoughts, comment below. I’d love to hear how you’ve experienced leadership and what kind of leader inspires you to be better.

 

 

 

References

“Aprende Cómo Ser Un Buen Líder e Impactar Positivamente En Tus Equipos de Trabajo.” Cómo Ser Un Buen Líder: Consejos Clave | Bupa Latinoamérica, BUPA, www.segurosaludglobal.cl/agentes/capacitaciones/como-ser-un-buen-lider#:~:text=de%20s%C3%AD%20mismos.-,Caracter%C3%ADsticas%20de%20un%20buen%20l%C3%ADder,de%20las%20que%20estamos%20hablando. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Beyond by esade. “▷ Las 10 Características de Un Buen Líder | Esade.” Leadership with Purpose: 10 Claves Para Ser Un/a Buen/a Líder, 2 Sept. 2024, www.esade.edu/beyond/es/caracteristicas-buen-lider/.

ExpokNews. “¿Tu Jefe Es Un Mal Líder? ¡Ponlo a Prueba!” ExpokNews, 14 Nov. 2022, www.expoknews.com/6-caracteristicas-de-un-mal-lider/#:~:text=1.,ciegos%20gu%C3%ADan%20a%20los%20ciegos.