As part of the 60+ crowd and especially being at least partially 'awake', I certainly see things much differently than those younger than myself and those older. I believe the hardest part for most folks is to accept that what we have come to believe and accepted as truth, is really "other matter", yes, an illusion... be it an advantage or not, we not only have free will but we also all have egoes which get in the way alot.
My take as an advanced youth is that if your following someone or a particular plan, it's probably not your path, at least not all of it. I don't think we were intended to all be headed for the same destination, otherwise why would we all be individuals even though all a small part of ONE. WE expand in all directions just as the universe does. So I play the game but with my rules and try not to follow, or lead anyone. Give up meat, carbs, sweets... I think not. If that does me in, then so be it. Part of my path is to absorb as much info as I can about whatever topics cross my path or peak my interest. I take it in, file it, digest and maybe edit, then discard or leave it filed for future reference to future input. I can apply it or not. Should I loose the file in my vast array of memory, oh well guess I really didn't need it.
One truth I have come to believe (though my ego is still skeptical), all the answers are within us if we can unlock them. If we cannot unlock them then it isn't time yet. There are entities more advanced than we may be at any given time, some good some have chosen less benevolent paths. My choice is to not play their game at least not by their rules. If your going to follow them, you follow their rules...