00: Fire the Gatekeepers

They whisper, "Not yet. Wait your turn. Play it safe." But safe never changed the world. And I was born to shake mountains, not count the pebbles at their feet. Welcome to the Rebel Poets Rising podcast. Dearest Rebel, ever notice how the voices around you get louder or negative right before you're about to do something bold? You know the ones those voices demanding you ask nicely. Wait your turn. Prove you're ready. The ones who've appointed themselves judges of your leadership journey. See, they mean well these voices of caution, but here's what they don't understand. The world doesn't change while you're waiting for the perfect moment. It changes because someone. Maybe it's you decided that safe wasn't good enough anymore. Every second spent seeking permission is a moment of impact lost. Every time you wait for approval, you silence the very voice the world needs to hear. Think about it. Every leader you admire started before they felt ready. Every moment and movement began because someone stepped forward as others stepped back. It's likely your instincts are telling you something right now, a nudge to lead, to speak up, maybe to start. Here's the thing, it's not misguided. It's not wrong and it is absolutely not waiting for a permission slip. This means firing the gatekeepers holding you back is imperative. Your leadership isn't a request. It is not up for review. It is not waiting for a green light from the powers that be. It's a declaration. So Today, I'm declaring for myself no more permission slips, no more polite waiting, no more dimming the flame because it makes others uncomfortable. Here's my question for you. What would you do today if you finally fired your gatekeepers? Because let's be clear, safe, never change the world. This is the heart of why the rebel poets rising exists. It's for you, the leader standing at the edge of your next bold move. For those feeling the all too familiar push and pull between staying safe and unleashing their full impact. More than just poetry, this is a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings. Every week, I'll be bringing the rising to you with creative prompts, a little bit of rebel wisdom, and stories that remind you why Define the status quo is needed now, more than ever. I am your not -so -subtle voice that says, "Yes, to Define it all, will you unleash that passion from inside of you, while others continue to tell you to wait, steady the boat, and get back in line. The Rebel Poets are rising because your passion isn't possible. It's inevitable. So rise now. I'm your host, Kate Harris, and this is Rebel Poets Rising. The Rebel Poets Rising podcast is a production of Istoria. To learn more about Astoria and the Istoria Studio, visit Istoria.com. For more Rebel Poet resources, visit RebelPoetsRising.com.