“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?’… 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.” – Marianne Williamson
When I first heard this quote, it hit me straight in the heart. I knew without a doubt that it was true. Even though I had no idea what I wanted or how it would happen, I feared shining bright. As I continued to embark on my personal journey and see my dreams coming alive, Marriane’s words remained swimming in my ear. Louder and louder I’d hear, “don’t be afraid to shine bright”. My first reaction was “I am not scared, why would I be?” Then underneath the layers of my own being, I knew I was afraid. Deeply scared to take the steps because of vulnerability and judgment. What will they say? What will come out? Who am I?
Things came full circle for me last year when I was asked by my former employer to attend a private committee meeting. I figured it would just be an hour of my time. I took my seat at the front as the featured speaker was announced. It was Marianne Williamson! As I sat there and listened with gratitude and awe, I had an a-ha moment. Marianne an author and speaker I genuinely admired was a reflection of me and I was a reflection of her. She was not “other” she was me in a different form. From that day, I began playing big, believing in myself and knowing that my purpose on this planet is to shine bright. I am ready to shine bright and I am ready to give others permission to as well! Here are a few key ingredients to start shining bright and living your life’s purpose.
1.Be patient with the process.
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Winston Churchill
Learning about yourself and figuring out what you want and what to do next comes from a deep knowing within you. This deeper knowing is not on your physical timeline. That means things may take longer then you want. It may even feel like nothing is happening at all. Yet, if you are patient with the process and have the courage to both take action and listen you will benefit greatly.
2. Take risks.
“What If I fall oh my darling what if you fly?” – Erin Hanson
Taking a risk means you are taking a leap of faith. You have no idea what the outcome will be and yet it is worth it for you to try. The truth is you don’t know unless you try and feel it firsthand. Throughout our lives we are taught to protect ourselves. Taking a risk can feel like we are going against what we learned, however in order to transform your life you need to do something new. In order to make a change for yourself or other’s you have to be that change. The outcome may surprise you, teach you and impact others in ways you have never imagined. In fact once you face your fear, you think, oh that wasn’t so bad after all. What’s your fear? How can you take steps towards facing it?
3.Trust in your unique ability.
“Each of us is a unique strand in the intricate web of life and here to make a contribution.” – Deepak Chopra
Do you know that you are one of a kind? That you are not meant to be, feel or resemble anyone but yourself? No one is better, smarter or more profound then you because no one else can ever be you. Recognize that you are here for a reason and the only person that can take that away from you is yourself. Whatever you may be dreaming of for yourself know that your unique contribution is a necessary puzzle piece in the web of life.
4.Consider your impact.
“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Have you realized how you being yourself and stepping out can impact others? We often forget through the fear we experience that there is another huge piece to shining bright. That is, the people we will touch by doing so. The lives that will be changed by feeling you, hearing you and seeing you come into the light. It doesn’t matter what your dream is, it will not only change you but it will change the world.
