Monday, June 11, 2012

Let Your Light Shine!

We live in a world that often gives off mixed signals.

We begin our lives as babies, fully embracing ourselves and knowing intuitively that we are each born with a light that is meant to shine.

Then, somewhere along the line we are taught that allowing our light to shine is wrong because it’s boastful, egotistical, or showing off.

We read books that instruct us to love ourselves, embrace and celebrate ourselves, but at the same time we are told that it’s nicer to be modest.

Society also tells us that in order to ‘fit in’ we all have to be the same.

So we take our light and conform it to the masses.

And before we know it, our own unique light begins to turn into something monochromatic.

Eventually, during our move into adulthood, we learn how to reclaim our light. But then the issue becomes a contest for whose light is brighter.

We become insecure because we feel that either our light is not bright enough, or that perhaps our light is too bright; taking away from someone else’s.

So again, we slowly begin to pull in our light. But this time we do it so that another’s light will shine more.

What I think it all comes down to is that we believe there is not enough light to go around, so we feel like we have to compete for it.

But what we fail to realize is that the light doesn’t come from us, but rather through us.

So in reality, the light is not ours to begin with.

As a child, I was always taught to be modest and pull back; allowing others to have the spotlight.

But I’ve learned something in my middle age.

Life is like a big crystal chandelier. And each one of our lights is needed for its totality.

Therefore, if we deny our own individuality, we are denying each unique prism of light that gives sparkle to this world.

So don’t ever withhold your light in apprehension that you might be taking away from someone else’s. Instead, allow it to shine brightly. And have no apprehension in allowing others to shine brightly too.

Because light begets light.

Be proud of who you are, your individuality, and what you contribute to the chandelier.

And don't be modest.

Shine on everyone!