Let’s be real: so many of us feel the need to hide. We stay small, blame our flaws, and worry that being “too much” will upset the room. But that quiet fear isn’t about being weak; it’s about how much power we truly hold.
Marianne Williamson captures this truth perfectly in her book A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”:
“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’s 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.”
When you shrink, you don’t help anyone. In fact, playing small keeps the world dim. There is no merit in hiding your gifts just so others feel safe. You were born to be bold, grand, and brave.
The best part? When you let your own light glow, you help other women do the same. Your courage acts like a spark. By being your best self, you free those around you to stop hiding, too. So, stop saying “sorry” for your spark and start using it to light the way.
Take the Leap
Today, I challenge you to stop dimming your bulb. Find one area where you have been holding back and step into the spotlight. Whether it is sharing a bold idea at work or simply accepting a compliment with a smile, own your magic. The world is waiting for your light—go out there and blaze a trail for the rest of us to follow!
