My New Motto

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 cild 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.

-Nelson Mandela

I have been thinking about this quote a lot lately. I heard it for the first time a few years ago, and I thought it was really good, but I never took it for what it is worth. I thought to myself, "How could I possibly be afraid of being powerful beyond measure? That's just crazy. It's not that I'm afraid, it's just that I can't do it." I can't do it? Now that's just crazy.

I've learned a lot about myself and the world since I've been on my own. There is so much variety out there, that I really can do and be anything I want. Just thinking about that makes me happy. Right now in my life, is the time for me to shape my character into the person that I want to be, and that I have always seen myself becoming as I got older. I want to do great things, and I will do great things. My playing small will not serve the world. I am so excited to see what the future has in store for me, and to move along with the confidence that I am a child of God, who is brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous.