Let Your Self Shine

I have always loved this quotation by Marianne Williamson. It is from her book, A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles. Now, before your read it, let me ask you this: Are you letting yourself shine, or are you holding back? Are you keeping yourself down so others won't say anything? This happens far too often, and far more than we realize. Think about this as you read this passage.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?

"You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Let your light shine. When it comes time to leave this planet, be able to say, 'I am all used up. I have given my best, and left a path for others to follow. I was a shining example for my children, friends, colleagues, and the world.'"

~Dennis