‘Our Deepest Fear’ by Marianne Williamson
Working with clients and in my own life, it often strikes me that we are scared of really being seen and letting our light shine. This piece by Marianne Williamson conveys it well. While I don’t personally align with the religious references, the overall ethos of her writing really resonates. I had this on my wall for many years to remind me to let my own light shine. In doing so I know, wholeheartedly, that I encourage others to do the same.
“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 and 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 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.”
Source: Return to Love by Marianne Williamson, Harper Collins, 1992
Quoted by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech, 1994
