'Our deepest fear'

Yesterday I wrote about how inspired I was by Nelson Mandela. I discovered that a quote often attributed to him in his inaugural speech really came from the writings of motivational speaker and author Marianne Williamson. It comes from her book, A Return to Love.

"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, handsome, talented and 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 within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

This writing contains so much richness that there really is nothing more I can say. It speaks for itself. I take it as encouragement to be all I can be. Face my fears. Let go of all that holds me back. And just shine.

I hope you will do the same. The world needs us all to shine right now!