Our Deepest Fear
By Marianne Williamson
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's 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's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
These inspiring words always bring me to a sense of perspective that helps me in my role as counselor, professor, author, husband, father, and friend. Are you afraid to shine? Are you afraid to unleash yourself on the world? Can you imagine living without fear? Can you imagine not worrying about what people will think? People who you may never see again and who would not lift a finger to help you if you were in need?
Be great today. Be inspired today. Live without fear today. Tackle that task that is awaiting you that you have constantly put off because you're scared. Step up. Step out. Shine.