Let Your Light Shine

I wanted to share with you today one of the most inspiring pieces of writing I've ever heard. I first heard it through the movie Coach Carter but have since learned that it was penned by Marianne Willamson.

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.

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.

It's not just in some of us; it's 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.

I believe it should be given to every child at birth and read to them every night so it becomes ingrained in their soul and they then know it to only to be TRUTH. Nothing that happens to them in their life will ever deter them from this deep and abiding truth.

I often imagine how beautiful the world would be if this were so. We are born with a light inside of us that burns brightly. Just spend any time with a baby or young child and you will instantly feel this light stirring something inside of you. It is your light's recognition of one that is more powerful than yours, only because it is allowed to shine freely. A baby is so pure and innocent, so unconditioned and so accepting, trusting and loving; their light shines so brightly.

It is only as a child grows that the light is diminished. Diminished by circumstances, by events, by the words and actions of others until a child soon forgets how to let their light shine. The child grows into an adult and the world becomes a little darker.

To remove the darkness all we need to do is light up what is most powerful and special about us. Why do we hide it away? We feel that playing small benefits others; that we are preserving their self-esteem and sense of security. We think that it helps others to feel better when in reality it doesn't. It makes them feel as if they too have to play small. Celebrating your power does not mean that you think you are better than anyone else, it's just saying 'Hey, I'm a cool being because.... tell me, what makes you great?' Each of us have our own light of unique greatness that contributes to making this planet a special place!

You are not inadequate you are powerful beyond measure. There is a powerful light of truth and goodness that exists inside of you. If you allow this light of yours to shine brightly it will unconsciously allow others to do the same. You will allow others to begin to see their light and let it shine. You will be serving the world.

There is much about you that deserves celebrating. Do not fear your greatness, celebrate it, let it shine for the world to see. You will find that you will then enjoy celebrating the greatness of others. We all have this light, let us not darken it anymore.