Since many of us were small, we were told to “shine your light”–you remember, the “go make friends”. Now, as adults, we may or may not realize why it’s important to shine our light in business. Do you remember singing the song, “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let it Shine!” as a kid? As children, most of us didn’t need promoting to “shine your light.” (In fact, when my kids were little they often shouted, “Mommy, Mommy, look at me!”).
But for some of us, you might feel that it’s not right or it’s even too boastful to toot our own horn. Or perhaps even “unspiritual” to shine our light! So we stay under the radar and hope clients somehow find us.
I call this “hiding out.” This happens as children, and it happens as adults. It means not standing in your power and proactively claiming your “seat in the room”. Instead, don’t hide out and instead claim your right to stand tall and proud with regards to your incredible contribution in the world. You see, it doesn’t serve anyone for you to minimize yourself!
Woman standing looking at a sunny city skyline with arms joyfully raised above her head because she decided to shine her light!
Others gain when you shine your light.
As Marianne Williamson so brilliantly said,
“You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world… as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same…. [and] As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Why Is Shining Your Light Scary?
Yes, I know, it can be scary to put yourself out there. Maybe you want to keep a low profile so you can make all of your “mistakes” without a big audience. Maybe you’re afraid that you’re “just not ready.”
But I’m here to tell you that those are just more excuses to justify hiding out!
You don’t have to be perfect because practice makes progress, as they say. But, you do need to get in the game because perfect practice makes perfect and allows you to shine your light.
It’s time for you to step forward and offer your gifts to the world! Build the life and business that you really want. Grab hold of your vision like it’s the tail of a kite and don’t let go.
Is Now The Time to Share Your Gifts?
I encourage you to ask yourself where you have been justifying not stepping into your power, your gifts, and the LIGHT you’re meant to be shining?!?! Is it embarrassment, lack of content confidence or plain bravery? When you open yourself up, just a little bit, you will be reassured why its important to shine your light and share your knowledge.
It takes one step at a time. Take the first risk, then, take the next risk, and then, the following risk until it doesn’t feel like a risk at all. We will ALL be better off!
