Our Deepest Fear
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's 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'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're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
- Meditation by Marianne Williamson
They say imitation is the sincerest
form of flattery. I have to say to some extent I do agree. Have you ever
noticed how it's when you step out of your comfort zone, people around
you tend to do the same? Or if someone around you steps out of their
comfort zone it awakens something in you to do the same? This poem is
one of my absolute favourites because it embodies so much truth.
I remember when I was in secondary school and our school put on a talent
contest and I really wanted to be a part. I approached a couple of my
friends and they practically laughed in my face. I was so hurt. One of
them realised this and said, "Buki,
it's not you, it's me. I just can't imagine myself up on the stage
prancing around. But I can so see you dancing on the stage". Well she
spared my feelings at least. Without them however, I just couldn't do
it. I wasn't bold enough. Now I wish I'd just been courageous and just
gone for it. Imagine what would have happened?
For me, the most powerful part of the above poem is 'And as we let our
own light shine, We unconsciously give other people permission to do the
same. As we're liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberates others.'
In other words, someone somewhere is waiting for you to be you so they
can be them self. Isn't that something? I want to try and remember this.
I want to try and have this at the forefront of my mind because it's
easier to do somethings knowing that someone else is depending on it.
Here's to letting your light so shine.
xoxox
