Sunday, September 1, 2013

On Allowing Yourself to Shine

This little light of mine...

Not too long ago, I wrote a post about the power of being openly flawed. There is another side to that coin: the power of being openly amazing.

When it comes to our talents, it's easy to worry what people will think if we share them. For example, here are some things I love: writing, playing my guitar, putting outfits together, volunteering, etc. These things bring me so much joy! And naturally, I want to share that joy. I want to shout about my happiness.

That's usually when the nasty little inner voices kick in.

"You can't Instagram a picture of your outfit; it's conceited." "Don't share a video of you playing the guitar; people will think you're just looking for attention." "Ooh, you probably shouldn't share another link to your blog -- it's getting a little narcissistic." "Gosh, we all know you love service projects, but isn't it ruining it if you tell people you're doing it?" "Geez, Katie? Another Facebook status or tweet about some amusing thought you had? You should probably stop talking so much."

Side note: it took me about eleventy tries to spell narcissistic.

But it's true -- it's easy to second guess our reasons for sharing our joys and talents. It's easy to think that people will assume the wrong intent, and that it's better to keep your mouth shut and keep it to yourself.

You know what? To hades with it, I say. Why not share what you love? Why not spread your joy? Why not tell people about volunteering and serving in your community? Why not put a little inspiration and happiness and love out there?

We are afraid of letting ourselves sparkle.

My Chrissy is one of my favorite examples of kicking the "play it small" habit. Even her blog name, Let Me See You Sparkle, is all about this exact idea. Let yourself sparkle! (And if you need a whole pile of warm fuzzies, check out her Instagram @chrissydelacy because she's been on a Random Acts of Kindness spree today and it is seriously warming that little beating muscle behind my rib cage.)

Let's all take a note from her book. What is it that you're good at? What is that you love? What good have you done in the world today? Share it. Talk about it. Invite people to share in your joy. Don't be afraid of being amazing, passionate and kind-hearted. False assumptions about your motivations be hooverdammed.
"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, 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 will not 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 is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." Marianne Williamson
...I'm-a gonna let it shine.


6 comments:

chrissyblake said...

Doah..... :) I just love this so stinkin much. All of it. I have the same thoughts about myself and my social media presence. To many selfies? To many food pictures? Asking for attention by posting my kind acts? But, ya know what? If I look good posting it makes me feel even better. The food I do post is the food I didn't burn. The kindness has the opportunity to inspire so many people. So youre absolutely right, shine on, Show everyone your sparkle! Don't be afraid to be you. Show the world your brave :) Love you so so much.

Unknown said...

let it shine let it shine let it shine.
I needed this today. actually, I probably need this reminder daily. I loooooove that quote you shared.

Also, I never realized that when you're talking to yourself in your head that you don't refer to yourself as katilda. weird.

Kerry said...

one of my favorites: this quote. one of my favorites: you! keep shining.

Unknown said...

Word.

Unknown said...

I love this more than I have words to express! Especially with people posting about all the comparison issues people have out there, it almost makes one want to shrink even more so as to not make others feel like they have to compare themselves.. I totally hate that idea! Instead of worrying about how not-as-awesome-as-someone-else you are, how about you give yourself a little credit and let the world know that you have awesome things about you too? We shouldn't have to hide the cool things about ourselves so others don't feel crappy about themselves - we should all feel happy for each others strengths :) Thanks for this!

Kndbbdjk said...

I love this post so much! Pictures and videos are to express joy, confidence, and happiness more than anything else so why shouldn't social media be filled with JOY, CONFIDENCE, and HAPPINESS?! They should. :) You are adorable.