Tuesday 8 February 2011

Letting your light shine

Ah, Lovelies! I have many posts buzzing around in my head, just waiting to be written. But I'm weary tonight. Today has been a *little* tiring on Planet Baby with getting Joshua outfitted for his new school uniform. Hmm, waiting in a long queue with the three pixies wasn't exactly my idea of a fun morning. Jiggling an 18 month old on one's hip who wanted to get down and run away and protested loudly at his inability to do so was *tricky*. Fortunately, the lady helping us made it as painless as possible. But then we had to queue again to pay the annual levy. By this stage, let's just say the pixies weren't *entirely* cooperating with one another. And I was reminded, yet again, that trying to write a cheque with my right hand whilst trying to wrangle a certain Quicksilver in the other is a *challenge*. Even foolhardy!

Fortunately, that was followed by a gorgeous few hours having lunch at a dear friend's place where I *think* we actually managed to finish the occasional thread of conversation (we were outnumbered - 2 adults v 5 under 6). Oh, and I should report, so far, Barry's brilliance has worked. I schooled the neighbourhood children in the imperativeness of properly locking the gate. So no escapes by Quicksilver Sam. Not today anyway!
Ah, the sparkling possibilities!
So, weary as I am, I thought I'd share something with you that really resonates with me. I only wish I could remember it all the time.
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’s 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. 
Marianne Williamson
Whilst my faith is important to me, I don't think you have to be particularly religious in order to relate to this. It's that whole concept of being 'on one's mettle', of remembering to be the best we can be. Irrespective of the circumstances in which we're placed. I've 'played small' for a lot of my life. But finally, after 40 years to work it out, I actually *get* this concept. Putting it into action is my challenge. But I think it's a road worth walking.

Do share with us what you think about this quotation. Do you *get* it, too? Or do you think that while it's fine in theory, living life like that is another matter entirely? Jump in and comment - the more the merrier! 
Photobucket

19 comments:

  1. Ooh, I love all of it. It would make a perfect poster to hang on the refrigerator to look at in the morning. Everyday sparkles :) XoL

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  2. Hi Jane,
    love this quote, and yes it is something we forget to do more often, life by our strengths rights? I'm glad for reading it, thanks!
    big hugs,
    Maureen

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  3. A lovely post. (Such a beautiful photo too). I love the last line. I think that is so true. As we break free from our fears we can't help but impact on others. Nice work Ms Jane.

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  4. Wohooo! Jane, thanks for the reminder! I used this empowering quotation to kick-off my creative writing classes many, many moons ago. Thanks for refreshing my memory; it's been too long.

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  5. This is one of my favourite quotes and I've shared the first two lines in 'significant' conversations with 'significant' people many times.

    Reading it today reminds me of sitting in a car in downtown Buenos Aires with a young man who had captured my heart. I shared this quote with him and we discussed how it related to our lives.
    He owned his own Biochemical Company and was shooting for the stars, I was a visitor to his country bedazzled by their sparkle.

    If I'd been braver and truly believed that the first two lines of this quote applied to me I know that I would be typing this from Argentina vs Noosa, but know too that the choices that I made and the path that I took were the right ones and I am happy with both.

    Felicity x

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  6. I've never read this quote before Jane, and I love it. It really speaks to me...

    Loved having you and the pixies over yesterday, just lovely to see you.

    x Sarah

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  7. So lovely Jane. I'm not an out there talk about my faith kind of person either, but I totally relate to your lovely quotation. Isnt' it trying to juggle errands with three impatient children? Oh my! Glad you survived the ordeal. xx

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  8. Dear Jane,
    Again, you are always so inspiring. I love the image (I would, wouldn't I?) and always love hearing what it is really like with three small children with all the love and none of the gloss.
    Warmly,
    Anna

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  9. so love this. It has taken me a long time to understand this. to know that really I am the one who stops me from achieving what I want. to also think - how dare you not be awesome, you have divine potential and go for it. Make it happen and believe in yourself. hope this makes sense - super tired and should not be commenting - but just had to xx

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  10. Love it and wish I could feel it. But, thank you for sharing and being inspiring xo

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  11. I'm not religious but I totally get it! I love "We are all meant to shine like children do" :)

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  12. Oh Jane, what a beautiful post, quote and photo. Thank-you for inspiring me today!

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  13. I love this beautiful quotation... Maybe it's a confidence thing... but I do think my fear is being inadequate. Just sayin'. x

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  14. Ah, ladies, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. I need to be constantly reminded of it, I must say. And I was delighted to have the chance to use that photo - one of my all time faves (thanks, Bron, for introducing it to me). J x

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  15. LOVE that quotation..is very "The Secret" in fact..watching the documentary I think one of the lecturers actually quoted parts of it?
    Hope all is well lovely..sorry I dont swing by much...Im struggling to really be able to do with with all my fellow bloggers...but am trying. x

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  16. Hi Sweetie I somehow missed the whole 'The Secret' thing but it is a goodie, I agree. No worries at all - you are a busy mum and blogger - I think you're doing a fantastic job of juggling it all ☺. J x

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  17. This quote is amazing and I am one that has only recently had the insight to recognise that a lot of my life has been lived in fear. I am going to stick this quote on my fridge as Laura suggested and also into my diary. Thank you for sharing. x

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  18. hi Jane,
    hope school is going well for you, at least now you may havee a little less stress whilst out.

    i am not religious but i do get it, it's great to remember these words as we do tend to forget the importance of it.

    happy day to you sweet lady ♥

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  19. Ah, Emma, once we get a new printer (long story), I intend to do that too. I'm so pleased it hit the mark for you.

    Thanks, Cathie - it's fab to hear from you again. The original version I found left out the religious bits (which you could do as well, of course) but the lawyer in me thought I should use the full version ☺. J x

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Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, you gorgeous soul. You've just made my day! J x

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