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!