Many of us are afraid of our own light

“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Many of us are afraid of our own light. We say, “I can’t do that,” or “I’m no good at this,” or “That’s not important.” We routinely create and cast the shadows over our own abilities, dulling them down, pushing away the accolades of a job well done, leaving ourselves devoid of the joy of fulfillment.

And then the shadow is created.

We discredit our own worth.

Then the shadow is created.

Maybe because we know our own weaknesses all too well. We’ve been there before and stumbled. We remember and groan.

Because we took the chance to dream… and it didn’t work out how we planned.

Shadow created.

Perhaps the weight of abuse or neglect hangs heavy in our hearts, maybe it is a mistake that haunts our thoughts, possibly a regret at what could have or should have been.. if only…

Shadow.

The harsh words of a parent…the unkind words of a critic…the sting of an offhand comment by a friend…cruel anonymous words on social media.

Shadow.

Question:

Why do we not grasp that what we are capable of and what we put forth is valuable? Why do we never allow ourselves to be enough?

Note to Self:

Lay down the weight, run free, step out of the shadows and into the light.

Nice things to say to myself:

May I recognize the gifts I have to give and give them freely.

Embrace what I have created and what I am capable of.

Step forward and allow all the brilliance of who I am shine.