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 frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ 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 people won’t feel insecure around you.
… when 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.
~ Maryanne Williamson
Image courtesy Alarzy.
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
that is my absolute favorite quote of all time – and I really, really needed to hear it today. xooxo
I love this quote, especially the line, "Your playing small does not serve the world". Every time I happen upon this quote I feel like its speaking to me. Maybe I need to start taking heed…thanks for sharing!
Wow.
I don't think I even have words for this.
Truly inspirational. I tend to feel that I AM inadequate, but continuing to agree with that isn't helping anyone, least of all myself OR my daughter.
Thank you for finding this and posting it. I need to print it, frame it and hang it.
Sally, this is one of my all time favorites! I'd just been thinking about it awhile ago, wondering where I might find it again . . . et voila! I love its truth and beauty so much, I get all verklempt! Thanks!
This is one of my favorite passages as well. But I've always seen it attributed to Nelson Mandela, in his first inaugural address. Was he quoting her or vice versa?
Valerie: Oooh, I didn't know! All the attributions I've found were to Williamson. And according to this, Mandela was quoting her: http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/4564.htm
Thanks, Sal! BTW, Your blackout has inspired me tremendously! And I am getting so many compliments at work. Thanks again for all the good work you do with your blog.
A wonderful reminder. Thanks
I love this quote. I find it energizes me to do more with my light.
I. Love. This. And I totally agree with it. So many people feel the need to apologize for their strengths, or downplay them. To do otherwise is considered bragging or arrogant. But why? That's what I always ask.
This made my day.
This is exactly what I needed to read just now. Thank you.
When a spirit plants a posting it nurtures and grows. Thank you for the perfect words, at the perfect time. You've fed my spirit.
Elise
So glad I read this – so true and so awesome to be reminded.
You rock!
Thank you!
Thanks for posting this; it's one of my favourites. Both I & my Mr. are struggling to make a change right now, so I printed this up & posted it on our washroom wall. I told him I was planning on doing it (it's a shared space, he gets an opinion), and he read it over thoughtfully & then said "Yeah, I need to see that too."
So thanks.